As the anesthesia community shifts, more providers are moving from traditional W-2 employment to locum tenens work. After nearly three decades in a traditional anesthesia role, Wendy Kennon, CAA, decided it was time for her to make that very change. “After 28 years of W2 employment, I made the leap into the locum tenens world of anesthesia,” she recalls. “I only wish I had done it sooner.” Her story is echoed by countless others across the profession, including David Angotti, CAA, who sought a similar sense of balance and control over his schedule. Both found what so many anesthesia providers are searching for: the freedom of scheduling autonomy.
Anesthesia providers everywhere are making the switch to Locum work after years of missing out on moments due to demanding schedules. For years, Wendy’s schedule revolved around hospital demands, call, weekends, and holidays, with little room for flexibility. After missing far too many precious moments, Wendy can now cherish the freedom to show up for the things that matter most. “Over the years, I have missed many of my children’s activities and accomplishments. It was a reality I accepted as part of my career choice,” she says. A reality that many anesthesia professionals face every day. With her switch to locums, she recently experienced one of her proudest moments as a parent without needing to ask for permission. “I was able to swap workdays to attend my son’s graduation from law school and his swearing-in into the District Attorney’s Office.” It’s essential to distinguish between the significance of your career and the importance of living your life fully. You should be able to confidently do both, no matter what. Locum work has allowed Wendy, and so many others, to craft a schedule that meets a critical hospital need while keeping her personal life front and center.
One of the greatest benefits of locum work is scheduling autonomy, the ability to say yes to what matters most to you while continuing to diligently serve others in the community. David’s motivation for change was deeply personal. As a father of two, his priority was being present for his children’s activities and milestones. “I wanted to make most of, if not all, of my kids’ activities,” he says. For David and countless other providers, being able to control your schedule allows you to do just that. Those moments, being present after school and helping with homework, lay the foundation for a happy, healthy home life that extends into your professional one. Having that flexibility also means having the ability to pursue passions that once seemed out of reach. “I love coaching youth sports.” That’s a passion, and with the flexibility of my schedule, I’m allowed to do it,” he says. For the first time in decades, both Wendy and David can now fully integrate their careers with their personal lives rather than forcing one to fit around the other. For both providers, locum work wasn’t only a professional shift but a life shift.
As anesthesia care provider shortages continue across the country, locum tenens opportunities are expanding rapidly. Wendy sees this as an ideal moment for CAAs to consider self-employment: “I believe the locum opportunities will become increasingly available due to the anesthesia care provider shortage. It is a wonderful time to enter the self-employed market.” The work-life balance, tax benefits, and hospital needs are all good reasons to explore the possibility of change. David agrees that the demand for skilled CAAs makes this model sustainable, whether you choose to work at multiple facilities or find the perfect long-term fit. “If I choose, I can work at multiple facilities.” However, I chose to work at just one, Kennestone Hospital. The staff is amazing, everyone helps and looks out for each other, and the culture is ideal.” Transitioning from traditional employment to locum work can feel daunting, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be. “Harmony has made the transition easy and provided support when I needed guidance,” Wendy says. From credentialing and onboarding to placement and long-term relationship building, Harmony Anesthesia makes every step seamless so CAAs can focus on what matters most: their patients, their families, and their peace of mind.
For Wendy and David, locum work has been more than a career change; it’s been a life transformation. It’s about being present for family milestones, pursuing passions, and rediscovering balance in a demanding profession. If you’re a CAA considering your next step, now is the perfect time to explore the freedom and fulfillment that locum work can bring. With Harmony Anesthesia, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. We’re here to help you take control of your career and your life.
Credentialing is often the least glamorous part of starting a new assignment: endless forms, confusing systems, and too many emails asking for “just one more document.” For healthcare providers, it can feel like a full-time job before the real work begins. At Harmony, we decided the process deserved a major
Harmony Anesthesia Staffing brings balance to anesthesia staffing for our providers and clients, transparently and sustainably.
