What does the current anesthesia staffing shortage actually mean from a CRNA’s perspective? Since it takes so long to mint each new CRNA, how will employers utilize the existing workforce most effectively? And what does that mean for CRNAs’ bottom line and pay?
What is happening at the local level especially in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). Facilities are increasing case volumes as surgeons continue to find outpatient settings more attractive. In the past, ASCs would offer anesthesia under a fee for service model. The anesthesia provider would be on site at no cost to the facility and do their own billing. As anesthesia billing and reimbursement became less lucrative for providers, they started showing up less and less in those types of modelf. ASCs have now begun to shift away from the outdated fee for service models in favor of predictable staffing.
So what does that mean for CRNAs doing per diem or PRN work in their area—or those considering it?
This post breaks down how ASCs are thinking about anesthesia coverage in 2026 and what that means for your CRNA job search, especially if you’re using search terms like CRNA jobs near me to source opportunities that offer autonomy, flexibility, and transparency.
What ASCs Are Experiencing
According to Becker’s ASC Review, facilities are facing the anesthesia provider shortage head-on by making these strategic changes:
Moving Away from Fee-for-Service Models – Per-case payment models for anesthesia are fading. They don’t offer enough predictability and often leave ASCs unable to attract providers.
Paying Stipends or Offering Per Hour Pay for Stability – ASCs want consistency. Full-time CRNA roles in ASCs are becoming more common as facilities seek to avoid unexpected cancellations or delays. Groups staffing these ASCs are struggling to collect enough from billing to cover the cost of labor, so they often negotiate a stipend to subsidize their businesses.
Expanding Locum and PRN Rosters – Even with more W2 hires, many centers are expanding their bench of reliable 1099 PRN CRNAs who can step in without a long ramp-up period.
Balancing Reimbursement Pressure with Coverage Needs – ASCs are navigating their margins targets and staffing simultaneously, which means CRNAs who can offer flexible local coverage without travel costs are often in high demand.
What This Means for Your CRNA Job Search
If you’re a CRNA open to local PRN or part-time coverage, you’re entering the market at a time when ASCs need reliability, not just availability. Here’s how to think about it:
1. Reliability > Reach
Facilities increasingly prefer CRNAs who can cover cases consistently, even part-time, rather than rotate through multiple sites inconsistently. If you’re nearby, credentialed, and ready to jump in with a set schedule, you’re valuable.
2. Schedule Visibility Is Key
ASCs operate with lean teams. That means CRNAs who communicate clearly about their availability—and stick to it—are often prioritized for repeat bookings.
3. Rates Matter, But So Does Fit
PRN CRNAs are still commanding strong rates, especially for last-minute coverage. But ASCs are also weighing how well a CRNA meshes with their team, surgeon personalities, and pace. Fast cases and quick turnovers mean more case volume and increased revenue.
How to Find CRNA Jobs Near You
Searching for local, flexible CRNA roles doesn’t have to mean filtering through dozens of outdated job boards. Here’s a better way:
Use a Smart Match Engine
Platforms like Lokum App let you set preferences for location, employment type (W2/1099), call requirements, and availability—so you can be sent roles that align without doing heavy lifting.
Signal Interest Anonymously
Not ready to fully apply? Use Lokum’s anonymous job signals to express interest without triggering a lot of spam.
Track Credentialing & Onboarding in One Place
When you’re doing PRN work across multiple sites, having a built-in free credentialing wallet and onboarding tracker saves you a lot of time and effort.
Direct Chat with Hiring Teams
Skip the phone tag. In Lokum, CRNAs can message directly with facilities or organizations, get quick answers, and avoid the usual bottlenecks.
Tools That Help You Navigate PRN & Local CRNA Jobs
If you’re pursuing flexible or supplemental work in your area, Lokum’s features are built to support your workflow:
- CRNA Salary Calculator: Benchmark your rate expectations by setting and region
- Free Credentialing Wallet: Share your watermarked resume with control and transparency
- Credentialing Document Exchange: Easily share credentialing documents with multiple sites
- Notifications for New Local Opportunities: Stay in the loop without being spammed
- Mobile-Friendly Access: View matches, chat, and track onboarding from your phone
The Bottom Line: ASCs Need You, But Want Consistency
The era of showing up for a single case and disappearing is fading. ASCs are moving toward more stable coverage models even for PRN roles. That’s good news for CRNAs who want more predictable schedules without committing full-time.
If you’re credentialed locally and clear about your availability, you’re in a strong position to build relationships with facilities that value reliability and are willing to pay for it. Your presence and engagement on Lokum App helps us attract more of those opportunities to you.
CRNA Jobs FAQs
Are CRNA jobs near me likely to be PRN or permanent?
In 2026, many local roles are permanent only. The high usuage rate of locums during covid is beginning to normalise and slow down as well. For CRNAs who still want flexibility while staying local, PRN shifts in outpatient settings will be a key source of income. Use the Market Insights to explore trends in your state.
How can I find CRNA jobs that match my schedule?
Lokum matches CRNAs based on preferences. You can filter by shift type, call, and location—and get alerts when new local roles post.
What tools help with PRN job navigation?
The CRNA Salary Calculator, onboarding tracker, and anonymous signal tools help you evaluate and accept roles faster—with less friction.
Built by CRNAs, for CRNAs. Lokum helps you find the right fit—whether you want full-time work, a local PRN contract, or just better clarity.