In honor of National CRNA Week, we profile Chris Carver, a CRNA who has been taking on locum tenens assignments to add flexibility and traveling to new locations to his schedule. 

<p>
  It&rsquo;s National CRNA Week! To celebrate our exceptional certified
  registered nurse anesthetists and to share how well the locum lifestyle can
  fit CRNAs and other advanced practice professionals, we&rsquo;ve interviewed
  one of our own: Chris C., CRNA.
</p>

<div>
  <img
    class="img-fluid"
    src="/sites/ccl/image/chris_carver_crna.png"
    style="width: 50%;"
  />
  <p>
    Chris, who became a CRNA two years ago, brings a fresh perspective, as he
    has chosen locums early in his
    <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/crna">CRNA career path</a>. But
    he&rsquo;s not alone. Chris has joined the rapidly expanding numbers of
    younger healthcare professionals who are drawn to the independence and
    flexibility of locum tenens.
  </p>

  <h2>Locum Tenens Evolves with Your Career Goals</h2>

  <p>
    Historically, locum tenens assignments served as a way for seasoned
    healthcare professionals to return to work after retirement. But this has
    changed. Now providers at all stages of their careers work locums for a
    variety of reasons. Some want to pick up extra hours, to try out life in a
    new city before settling down, or to work only part time so they can spend
    more time with family. Others want to gain specialized experience, care for
    underserved patient populations, or see how different facilities operate
    across the nation. Many are drawn to the freedom and independence inherent
    in locums or to the ability to earn more so they can pay off education
    loans, buy a home, or build a nest egg.
  </p>

  <p>
    For Chris, the original
    <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/working-locum-tenens"
      >appeal of locums</a
    >
    was the autonomy and flexibility of the arrangement. He says he also
    appreciates having the ability to increase his skill set while enjoying
    excellent compensation.
  </p>

  <p>
    Chris, who is currently on locums assignment has been a CRNA since 2018.
    After earning his bachelor&rsquo;s in critical care nursing at The
    University of Akron and completing his master&rsquo;s as a nurse anesthetist
    at Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, Chris worked as a critical care
    and operating room nurse for six years at St. Rita&rsquo;s Medical Center.
  </p>

  <p>
    Along with the shift in his path from RN to CRNA, Chris brought a new
    approach to his career. He says, &ldquo;Now I&rsquo;m able to make my own
    schedule. I can work in multiple locations.&rdquo; He continues, &ldquo;With
    locums, you can travel. You have the opportunity to live and work in the
    city of your choice. And&hellip;you can specialize if desired.&rdquo;
  </p>

  <p>
    As for any reservations providers might have about choosing locum tenens
    over permanent positions, Chris says, &ldquo;There is a perception of a
    monumental shift when you start working locums. I think this is a
    misconception. The fears of making the switch are often unfounded. I have
    loved working locums.&rdquo; Chris views locums as &ldquo;a vehicle that
    gives you control of your current job and your future.&rdquo;
  </p>

  <p>
    &ldquo;It&#39;s like dating before getting married,&rdquo; says Jennifer
    Williamson, the staffing consultant who works with Chris and facilities
    nationwide to find the perfect match. &ldquo;You&#39;re not in a long-term
    commitment, therefore you&#39;re able to see if you like the facility and
    the area. The experience also allows you to travel and see how different
    hospitals run and try out different types of cases all the while getting to
    experience a different atmosphere and environment.&rdquo;
  </p>

  <h2>Take the Next Step in Your Locum Tenens Assignment</h2>

  <p>
    When asked what advice he would convey to a friend or colleague considering
    locums, Chris said, &ldquo;Find a great recruiter. Your recruiter is your
    biggest ally. A good recruiter is crucial.&rdquo;
  </p>

  <p>
    At Cross Country Locums, we agree. We know that the right recruiter makes
    all the difference in your locums experience, and that&rsquo;s why we have a
    team of recruiters who are enthusiastic, informed, connected, and eager to
    find the ideal locum tenens assignment for you.
  </p>

  <p>
    Read more about why
    <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/crna"
      >CRNAs choose to work locums</a
    >
    and
    <a
      href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/benefits-of-locum-tenens-providers"
      >the benefits of working locums</a
    >
    or
    <a href="https://www.crosscountrylocums.com/start-today"
      >find your next locum tenens assignment</a
    >
    with Cross Country Locums today.
  </p>
</div>


How Locums Helps This CRNA Experience New Settings & Travel