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Choosing the right job: Insights from a locum CRNA on building a flexible career

Smiling healthcare professional in scrubs and a surgical cap holding medical equipment in a clinical setting.

Summary

  • Healthcare careers are evolving as more physicians and advanced practice providers prioritize flexibility, autonomy and long-term career alignment when evaluating job opportunities.
  • Experienced CRNA Camille Drew shares insights from her transition between permanent and locum tenens roles, highlighting the importance of schedule control, workplace culture, leadership support and transparent expectations.
  • Clinicians should carefully assess factors like location, team dynamics, workload, onboarding and compensation structure when considering new opportunities.
  • Whether pursuing permanent employment or locum work, intentional career decisions supported by trusted recruiters and job resources can lead to greater professional satisfaction and sustainability.
Healthcare careers are no longer one-size-fits-all. Across specialties, physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) are rethinking how, where and when they work —whether that means changing employers, mixing permanent and locum roles, or redesigning schedules altogether.

To better understand how clinicians evaluate opportunities in today’s job market, here are firsthand insights from Camille Drew, CRNA, who has more than a decade of experience in both W-2 employment and locum tenens roles. During the past several years, Camille has been on the road as a locum provider, and offers her thoughts on what makes an opportunity worth saying “yes” to — and what doesn’t.

Her perspective offers valuable takeaways for any medical professional navigating job decisions, regardless of specialty or employment type.

Why flexibility is driving career decisions across healthcare

Q: You spent years in a full-time role before moving into locum work. What prompted the change?

Camille:
Like many clinicians, I enjoyed my permanent role, but after several years, I realized I wanted more control over my time. Flexibility was the biggest draw. I wanted a schedule that allowed for travel, rest and new experiences without stepping away from patient care.

Locum tenens gave me that option. It allowed me to choose when and where I worked, while also exposing me to different facilities, teams and practice styles. That variety helped me grow clinically and personally in ways I didn’t expect.


The purpose behind the work: What keeps clinicians engaged

Q: After years of moving between assignments, what keeps you motivated?

Camille:
The people — my patients and colleagues. Every assignment reminds me why I chose healthcare in the first place. Patients trust us during vulnerable moments, and that responsibility never gets old.

The same goes for teams. Walking into a new facility can be intimidating, but when a group welcomes you and values your contributions, it makes a lasting impression. Those moments are incredibly gratifying.

Healthcare career takeaway emphasizing that culture, mission, and human connection are as important as compensation.

Designing a career that supports stability and control

Q: There’s a notion that flexibility comes at the expense of stability. What’s been your experience?

Camille:
I’ve found the opposite to be true. Locum work personally gave me more control — not less. I decide how much I work and when. Some clinicians take extended breaks between assignments, others work year-round. That autonomy is powerful.


Exploring job opportunities with intentionality

Q: When you’re evaluating a new role, what factors matter most?

Camille:
Location is usually my first filter because geography can affect so many factors — from lifestyle and cost of living to travel logistics and overall satisfaction. From there, I look closely at the practice setting. Most of my experience is hospital-based, but locum work has allowed me to explore outpatient environments, which I really value. Beyond the job title, I also inquire about patient acuity, workflow, team structure and leadership support. Strong teams and good onboarding make transitions smoother and have a direct impact on both clinician experience and patient care.

Whether reviewing a permanent job listing or a locum assignment, Camille uses a consistent formula — one that translates across specialties.

Healthcare career framework graphic showing how CRNAs evaluate job opportunities based on location, practice setting, team dynamics, workload and leadership culture.

Importance of familiarizing yourself with the specifics

Q: What important details do clinicians sometimes overlook when considering an opportunity?

Camille:
Logistics and expectations matter more than people often realize. Housing, travel, pay structure, guaranteed hours, and how call or overtime is compensated all need to be clear upfront — especially when new roles or assignments take you farther from home. Schedule alignment is also key. I prefer daytime work and limited call, but flexibility works when expectations are transparent. Culture fit can be harder to predict, so I try to keep an open mind and rely on recruiter insight and peer feedback when possible. Whether a role is locum or permanent, I’ve found that upfront clarity and transparency help prevent frustration and lead to a better long-term fit.

 

Final thoughts: Intentional choices lead to sustainable careers

As healthcare careers continue to evolve, one theme is clear: Clinicians want choice, clarity and alignment.

For physicians and APPs exploring their next step, the goal shouldn’t be about just finding a new job. Focus on building a career that supports your life, your patients and your long-term goals. And know that the process becomes easier when you have access to transparent job listings, trusted recruiters and reliable market insights. Leveraging established job boards like DocCafe or experienced staffing partners such as Aya Locums can help bring greater clarity to your options — and connect you with opportunities aligned to your priorities.

In a market full of possibilities, intentional decisions, supported by the right resources, are what turn the next job into the right fit.

 

About the Interviewee
Camille Drew with more than 10 years of clinical experience across diverse care settings. Having worked as both a W-2 employee and a locum tenens provider, she brings a well-rounded perspective on flexibility, career sustainability and patient-centered care.


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Choosing the right job: Insights from a locum CRNA on building a flexible career
Mike York

Mike York is the Executive Vice President of Digital Advertising and Recruitment Technology for DocCafe. As a member of DocCafe's executive team, he spearheads advancements for DocCafe's industry-leading healthcare talent acquisition platform and serves as an invaluable authority for top-tier healthcare organizations. With his relentless commitment to innovation, Mike ensures the delivery of exceptional solutions for organizations striving to recruit physicians and advanced practice providers. His expertise and dedication have cemented him as a trusted leader in the industry, empowering healthcare organizations to attract and secure top-tier medical talent.

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