Four Forces. Six Strategies. One Clear Picture.
The briefing doesn't just describe the problem — it gives facility leaders a framework for responding before a manageable gap becomes a crisis.
Mass retirement of the existing workforce
Close to 30% of anesthesiologists are expected to leave the field by 2033. Average CRNA age is 47.5 — and 12% plan to retire by 2027. New graduates cannot offset these losses at scale.
Surging surgical demand from an aging population
The U.S. population aged 65+ will grow 55% over the next decade, driving surgical demand up 2–3% annually. Post-COVID backlogs have further compressed an already strained system.
A constrained and lengthening training pipeline
As of January 2025, all graduating CRNAs must hold a doctoral degree — extending timelines and reducing near-term graduation volumes. Programs accept only 24% of applicants. This constraint is structural, not cyclical.
Burnout is pushing experienced CRNAs toward locums — and exit
When hospitals paid unprecedented rates to locum CRNAs post-COVID, many providers discovered they could earn more and work less by going contract. This structural shift is ongoing.
What facility leaders can do about it.
Use locums as a bridge
Qualified locums in as little as 3 weeks with the right firm.
Diversify your vendors
Boutique CRNA-specific firms often outperform generalist staffing companies on speed and fit.
Invest in retention
Replacing a CRNA costs far more than retaining one. Address flexibility, autonomy, and schedule burden.
+ 3 more strategies covered in the full briefing, including long-term pipeline building and care model evaluation.
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The recruiter who actually speaks your language.
CRNA-to-CRNA matching
Your recruiter is an experienced CRNA — they know what qualified actually looks like on the OR floor, not just on paper.
~3 weeks to a candidate
Industry average is 90–180 days. We move faster because we start with relationships, not job postings.
Boutique, focused capacity
We work with a select number of clients at a time. No assembly lines. No forgotten follow-ups.
Locum + permanent, both tracks
Cover your immediate gap with a locum while running a parallel permanent search — one partner, both needs.
"What set them apart was that they actually understood what we needed clinically. They asked the right questions from the very first call." — Sara Gabrick, CNO/COO, Winona Health
Get the Briefing. Then Let's Talk.
Download the CRNA Shortage Briefing above, then book a free 25-minute strategy call. We'll tell you exactly how fast we can help and what to expect — no obligation.