According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners is expected to grow 35% from 2024 to 2034 — a rate much faster than most other professions. This surge reflects the rising demand for advanced practice nurses to fill essential roles across the healthcare system.
For Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), this means more opportunities to work in diverse settings nationwide. Many are choosing travel positions that allow them to gain new experiences, expand their clinical expertise, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with short-term assignments.
If traveling as a CRNA interests you, we’ll guide you through the need-to-knows of travel nursing and how to find open positions. Want to see what’s out there right now? Take a look at the newest travel CRNA roles on APEX Anesthesia’s Job Board — you might just find your next destination!
Benefits of Travel CRNA Jobs
From rural hospitals to specialty clinics, healthcare settings nationwide need CRNAs to operate. Traveling CRNAs help meet this growing demand while enjoying the benefits listed below.
Flexibility
According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), 20% of surveyed members reported being independent contractors, or 1099 employees. Independently contracted CRNAs often travel for work, choosing their destination, place of employment, and schedule. In other words, they have more autonomy to work where and when they desire. Oftentimes, traveling CRNAs will take short-term assignments, then take time off before their next assignment.
Experience
Traveling CRNAs work across diverse hospitals and surgical centers, encountering new teams, patient cases, and clinical challenges with each assignment. These experiences deepen their anesthesia knowledge, sharpen adaptability, and expand their professional network.
Travel
Whether you have a travel bucket list or want to visit family and friends in another state, CRNA traveling jobs allow you to explore unique areas of the country, meet new people, and work at different healthcare facilities. It’s an ideal choice for CRNAs looking to get out of their comfort zone and expand their horizons professionally and personally.
How to Navigate Common Challenges with Travel CRNA Jobs
Licensing requirements
The scope of practice for CRNAs varies by state. In states like California or Massachusetts, CRNAs have authorization to practice independently. Meanwhile, in states like Nevada or Texas, CRNAs must practice with physician supervision.
Additionally, CRNAs must be licensed in the state where they are employed. All they have to do is submit a licensure by endorsement application, which includes a background check, proof of their current license, and an application fee. Most employers will reimburse travel nurses for licensing requirements.
Housing and transportation
Some employers offer a housing stipend, which is a tax-free payment to help you find temporary housing. However, CRNAs are responsible for finding lodging and securing transportation close to their assignment. Some CRNAs book long-term hotel stays, an Airbnb, or use nurse housing sites to find a place to stay. Traveling to your workplace may also require a car rental.
State taxes
In addition to filing their federal taxes and state taxes, travel CRNAs must file a non-resident tax return for every state where they’ve been employed. If you’re a traveling CRNA, keep any necessary documents to track your non-taxable income, potential write-offs, and other work expenses. In some cases, further assistance from a qualified tax professional or service may be necessary.
What to Expect in a Travel CRNA Assignment
Every travel CRNA contract looks a little different. Some hospitals or surgery centers need short-term coverage for just a few weeks, while others offer longer assignments lasting several months or even up to a year.
Most travel CRNAs work as locum tenens providers — independent contractors who temporarily step into open roles when facilities need extra support. This setup differs from travel registered nurses, who are often hired as W-2 employees with benefits through a staffing agency.
Rural hospitals have smaller teams and a higher demand for CRNAs. In fact, CRNAs represent more than 80% of the anesthesia providers in rural U.S. counties. Because of this growing need, many travel CRNAs find themselves drawn to opportunities in these communities, where their expertise has a significant impact.
Beyond fulfilling licensure requirements, CRNAs should be confident in their skillset and in performing their daily duties to meet staffing needs—especially when practicing in states that allow independent practice without physician supervision.
How to Find Travel CRNA Jobs That Fit Your Lifestyle
The best place to look for a travel CRNA job is a job board or search engine. Use keywords to find a position and filter assignments by location, contract duration, facility, and pay.
With a rise in job scams, it’s best to avoid job listings with any red flags. Ensure listings contain the contact information you need, as well as the location of the assignment, and verify their legitimacy by searching the facility’s website.
One of the best ways to ensure a CRNA job listing is legitimate is to search through a trusted source like APEX Anesthesia’s Job Board. Our platform features openings from reputable healthcare employers across the country. Easily filter by tax status, employment type, and most importantly, location to find an opportunity that interests you.
If you’re ready to explore flexible career opportunities, travel CRNA jobs could be your next move. Browse current open positions on the APEX CRNA Job Board and start planning your next assignment.
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