Is it realistic to work locum as a new grad?

[NYQueen4life]

[NYQueen4life]

I’m finishing my program soon and a locum recruiter contacted me about locum work. I was under the impression that new grads should avoid 1099/locums/prn until they get more experience — is that still true? The recruiter is telling me this is not the case?

[GassyCRNA]

[GassyCRNA]

It’s not necessarily the case anymore, this is true. I have been on locums assignments with new CRNAs. It depended on the facility, I suppose, but there remains a staffing shortage at many hospitals, and that is changing the “rules” I guess you could say.

The reason experience is a benefit, is obvious. If you are going to take an assignment at a level 1/2 / major market facility, how do you really know what cases you will be placed into? Even in a care team model, this can be overwhelming as a new CRNA. However, salaries for full time W2 CRNAs (at many places) can be below market value, or just meeting it. This makes Locums/PRN money seem too good to pass up. Ive seen enough amazing CRNAs leaving full time W2 jobs to go the Locums /PRN route because of the money. Many actually end back up at the facility they have left doing PRN. So could you technically do this, probably. If you’d really want to (or feel comfortable) is another animal.

[emmanuel1197]

[emmanuel1197]

It’s true that new grads are encouraged to get some solid experience in a stable, supportive setting before jumping into locum or 1099 work. Locum positions usually require you to be more independent and confident in your clinical skills since you might not get much orientation or backup. Recruiters often say it’s fine because they’re focused on filling positions, but it’s really about your comfort level and readiness. If you feel confident in your skills and have good support where you’re going, it can work — but for most new grads, gaining experience first is the safer route.