January 19th to the 25th marks National CRNA Week. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this week recognizes and honors the nearly 74,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists who deliver more than 50 million anesthetics to patients each year in the U.S.

This year, the theme, "CRNAs: Exceptional Care. Innovative Leaders," highlights the role CRNAs play in enhancing access to safe anesthesia care. It also underscores their extensive education and training, which have upheld a 150-year legacy of delivering safe, effective, efficient, and compassionate care to patients.

Did You Know?

Here are a few ways CRNAs, as highlighted by AANA, impact healthcare nationwide:

  • CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia in rural America.
    Because of CRNAs, healthcare facilities in rural counties can offer obstetrical, surgical, pain management, and trauma stabilization services. In rural areas, CRNAs represent more than 80% of the anesthesia providers! In addition, half of U.S. rural hospitals use a CRNA-only model, saving patients from having to leave their homes and drive 75+ miles.  

  • CRNAs have been the leading providers of anesthesia care to our nation's military personnel on the front lines since WWI.
    Today, CRNAs have full practice authority in every branch of the military and are the primary providers of anesthesia care to U.S. military personnel, navy ships, and aircraft evacuation teams.

  • CRNA's scope of practice can vary by state.
    There are select states where CRNAs can practice independently without a supervising anesthesiologist.
  • CRNAs practice everywhere anesthesia is provided.
    Whether it is a hospital surgical suite, obstetrical delivery room, dentist's office, or an ambulatory surgical center – you can find CRNAs delivering safe anesthesia care.

  • CRNA employment is anticipated to rise much faster than average for all occupations.
    Projections indicated a 9% increase in employment from 2022 to 2032, resulting in an estimated 4,500 job openings, on average, each year over the decade.

  • Locum CRNAs expand additional access to care.
    Locum CRNAs play a vital role in filling critical anesthesia staffing gaps in healthcare facilities nationwide. Whether ensuring uninterrupted anesthesia coverage in rural and metropolitan hospitals, supporting high-demand surgical centers, or stepping in during staff shortages, locum CRNAs help healthcare organizations maintain consistent and high-quality patient care.

Thank you, CRNAs!

To all CRNAs, thank you for your dedication to delivering safe and compassionate anesthesia care. Your expertise ensures access to vital healthcare services, often in communities that need it most. At Medicus, we are incredibly grateful to our locum CRNAs for their critical role in bringing quality anesthesia care to patients every day. Your commitment makes a difference each and every day.

Join us in celebrating CRNAs during National CRNA Week by sharing your support on social media using the hashtag #CRNAWeek. Also, be sure to follow our socials as we highlight the incredible impact CRNAs and locum CRNAs have on healthcare across the country.

Interested in working CRNA locums with Medicus? View our open CRNA locum jobs here, or fill out the short form below to connect with a Medicus Recruiter.