Sometimes, the best careers start with a curveball. For CRNA Michael Temple, an unexpected introduction to anesthesia during nursing school turned into a lifelong calling—and, in 2024, national recognition. This year, he's been named one of Locumpedia's top locum tenens providers for his dedication and impact on patient care.
Michael called the recognition "humbling and an honor," sharing:
"It is truly a proud moment for me and my family to be recognized for the hard work I've put in this past year for Medicus and the hospitals I've worked at. It is truly a cherished moment in my career, a significant highlight that will be difficult to surpass!"
From EMT to CRNA
If you'd asked Michael Temple in his 20s where he was headed, becoming a CRNA wouldn't have even made the list. Back then, he spent his time in public services, volunteering as a firefighter and working as an EMT, with his sights set on becoming a flight nurse.
However, everything shifted one week during his advanced practice seminar while in his bachelor's nursing program. There, he was introduced to a career field he never knew existed: Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.
Reflecting on that turning point, Michael shared, "At that moment, 27 years ago, my career path instantly changed, and I could not be more grateful or fortunate to have that opportunity presented to me."
From Trauma Centers to Travel
In 2022, after 16 years at a level one trauma center in Colorado, Michael decided to pursue a new career path as an independent contractor, focusing on travel locum anesthesia for the remainder of his career.
According to Michael, the decision to make the shift to CRNA locum jobs was shaped by four key motivators:
- Work-Life Balance: "After 16 years in trauma anesthesia, being able to choose my own working hours and create a work-life balance was highly important to me."
- Scheduling Control: "Deciding if I choose to work overnight and call shifts without it being a job requirement."
- Vacation Time: "Deciding WHEN I would take my vacations and how long they would be instead of ASKING IF I could take a vacation sealed the deal."
- Professional Autonomy: "I would have to say, having your own company and the ability to control your own work schedule, vacation time, direct your finances appropriately, capture the tax advantages of owning your own business, and creating your own retirement plan structure far exceeds the pay alone."
The Locum Tenens Lifestyle
When asked to define the locum tenens lifestyle in three words, Michael doesn't hesitate: "Freedom. Diversity. Prosperity."
He leverages the flexibility of locum work to prioritize life outside the hospital. "Being able to enjoy time away from work and carve out weeks to make important memories with family instead of waiting until retirement or those 'two weeks' everyone works for," he shared.
That same flexibility has deepened his professional fulfillment. "There are so many different events in my locum's experience. Many are quite special," he said. "In 2024, I dedicated 2,880 hours exclusively to a labor and delivery deck in Denver, Colorado, working as a locum CRNA with Medicus. Being able to be an integral part of a family's experience to bring a child into the world, whether it is their first or they are growing their family, is truly a humbling and soul-enriching experience. I am always honored to provide care and comfort in these special moments and never lose sight of the incredible gift it is to help bring life into the world. I have been given the incredible opportunity to support and assist these families in this fit each and every time. Without question, this has been the most rewarding year of experiences ever."
The Future of Locum Tenens Work
Michael believes the future of anesthesia is shifting. "Since the COVID Pandemic, I feel the anesthesia practice has been shifting towards the locum provider/independent contractor as the primary employment path, rather than traditional W-2 roles," he explained.
While acknowledging that the transition isn't easy for everyone, he sees growing momentum. "Managing your own company requires effort, patience, and organization to manage the paperwork and reporting effectively. I feel that as more providers make this transition, others will see that it isn't as difficult as they thought it could be, and the trend will keep growing over the next few years."
Michael credits much of his success to building the right support network. "I have been so fortunate to assemble a team of financial, legal, and accounting specialists to help me guide my business. I share their expertise, along with everything I've learned about locum tenens work and independent contracting business management, with any providers looking for support and willing to listen. I feel it is my responsibility to give forward and help fellow CRNAs prosper as I have in this locum tenens profession."
Giving Back Beyond the OR
Beyond the OR, Michael is deeply committed to supporting the hospital communities where he works. He takes pride in contributing to anonymous, local donation efforts that directly impact patients and staff. His approach is simple: identify needs, act quietly, and make a lasting difference.
"When I see a situation where I can create meaningful and lasting change," he explained, "I focus my energy and resources to make that opportunity a reality."
As part of his recognition as a 2024 Locumpedia Locum Tenens Provider of the Year, a donation was made in Michael’s name to Make-A-Wish America—an organization that grants life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses across the United States.
Advice for Those Considering a Locum Tenens Career
Before stepping into the world of locum tenens as a CRNA, Michael Temple made it a point to build a solid clinical foundation. Now, with years of experience behind him, he offers this advice to others considering becoming a locum tenens CRNA:
"Work hard and master your craft with the best well-rounded experience you can; take every opportunity to have engaging experiences in an institution that provides strong education, support, and cutting-edge practice. Once you have built your foundation, take the leap and dive into the world of independent contracting and locum's work," Michael expressed. "This career path can lead you to experience amazing places to work, new places to live, and opportunities to grow your profession. With focus, discipline, and determination, you'll find yourself on a journey toward financial prosperity and stability that you never imagined could be possible in such a short amount of time!"
Interested in working locum tenens with Medicus? View our open locum jobs here, or complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
