Your work-life balance as a CRNA depends mostly on where you work and how much call you take. A surgery center job with no call feels very different from a trauma hospital job with nights, weekends and holidays.
This page compares the main settings and gives you questions to ask before you accept a job.
Why setting matters so much
Hospitals provide care around the clock, so someone must cover nights, weekends and emergencies. The BLS notes that advanced practice nurses in hospitals may work shifts that include nights, weekends and holidays. Those who work in critical care or deliver babies may also need to be on call.
Outpatient settings usually run on a planned daytime schedule. Fewer emergencies means fewer surprises, but often less variety in your cases.
Practice settings compared
| Setting | Typical schedule | Call | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large hospital or trauma center | Shifts, often including nights, weekends and holidays | Usually yes | Broad case mix and strong skills; less predictable hours |
| Community or rural hospital | Daytime cases plus coverage for OB and emergencies | Often home call | More autonomy in many places; call can be frequent with a small team |
| Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) | Weekday daytime | Rarely | Predictable; healthier patients and shorter cases |
| Office-based (dental, plastics, GI, pain) | Weekday daytime | Rarely | Quiet schedule; you must be comfortable working with fewer resources nearby |
| Locums | Set by each assignment | Depends on the contract | Flexibility and travel; constant change and new credentialing |
| 1099 independent work | You choose your contracts | Your choice | Control over hours; you handle taxes, benefits and business tasks |
AANA's list of practice settings includes hospital surgical suites, delivery rooms, critical access hospitals, surgery centers and ketamine clinics. It also includes dental, podiatry, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and pain management offices.
Call, explained
Call is the biggest driver of your free time. Ask these questions about any job:
- Is call in-house (you stay at the hospital) or home call?
- How often are you on call, and how many hours does a call shift last?
- Do you get the next day off after a night of call?
- How is call paid: a flat stipend, an hourly rate, or only when you are called in?
- Is call shared evenly, or do newer CRNAs take more?
A job with higher pay and heavy call may give you less time off than a lower-paid job with none. Work out the hourly value of each offer, including call time.
Locums and 1099 work
Locums and independent contracting give you the most control over when you work. Some CRNAs use them to work hard for part of the year and take long breaks.
The trade-off is more admin. You manage contracts, taxes, malpractice and credentialing, and income can be uneven. Read our 1099 CRNA guide for details.
What the research says about burnout
Burnout is real in anesthesia. AANA's wellness pages cite these AANA Journal findings:
- A 2022 study found that nearly 39% of CRNAs met criteria for burnout during COVID-19 surges.
- A 2025 integrative review found burnout rates ranging from 12.5% to 72%, depending on the setting and conditions studied.
The wide range shows how much the work environment matters. Staffing, workload, control over your schedule and team culture all play a part.
AANA runs a confidential 24/7 helpline for members and residents with substance use concerns: 800-654-5167. It also offers wellness resources on stress, sleep and fatigue.
How to choose a job that fits your life
Start with your own priorities. Write down your answers to these:
- Do you want the highest income, the most predictable schedule, or a balance?
- How far are you willing to commute, including for call?
- Do you want to keep broad skills (trauma, OB, cardiac), or focus on one area?
- How much autonomy do you want? See opt-out states and our guide to finding the best CRNA jobs.
- What do local taxes and cost of living do to your take-home pay? Check CRNA salary by state.
Then talk to CRNAs who work there now. Ask how often schedules run late and whether they would take the job again.
FAQ
Do CRNAs have good work-life balance?
Many do, but it depends on the job. Outpatient roles without call are usually the most predictable. Hospital roles with call require more nights and weekends.
Can CRNAs work part time?
Yes. Some employers offer part-time or per diem roles, and 1099 work lets you set your own hours. Availability varies by market.
Which CRNA jobs have no call?
Surgery centers and office-based practices usually have little or no call. Always confirm in the contract.