National CRNA Week Sheds Light on “The Future of Anesthesia Care Today”
Nurse anesthetists across the country will educate the public about advancements in anesthesia patient safety and the role and value of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in delivering anesthesia care in today’s—and tomorrow’s—U.S. healthcare system during the 22nd annual National CRNA Week observance January 24-30, 2021.
The public education theme, “CRNAs: The Future of Anesthesia Care Today,” reflects the fact that nearly 54,000 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists provide more than 49 million anesthetics to patients in the United States each year, delivering safe, high-quality anesthesia care at an affordable cost, helping to control the nation’s rising healthcare costs.
Every day, CRNAs deliver essential healthcare in thousands of communities and are able to prevent gaps in access to anesthesia services, especially in rural, inner-city and other medically underserved areas of the country.
“While 2021 marks the 22nd year for National CRNA Week, the nurse anesthesia profession actually began more than 150 years ago during the American Civil War. Since then, we have taken great pride in administering safe, high-quality anesthesia with the level of care and compassion that is synonymous with being a nurse,” said Joseph Tarley, Chief CRNA, MSN. “In today’s healthcare climate, CRNAs are an integral part of the future of anesthesia care, as there is an increasing demand for highly qualified healthcare specialists who can ensure access to patient care that is both extremely safe and cost-effective. Through this campaign, we aim to highlight the valuable role that CRNAs play today and will continue to play tomorrow.”
The valuable role that CRNA’s play has been made abundantly clear in 2021 as the healthcare systems have been pushed beyond their limits due to COVID-19. CRNA’s have a unique skill set that has put them in a position to care for the nations sickest patients and save lives during this pandemic. CRNA’s are experts in airway and ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, intubation, extubation, sedation, and placement of invasive lines. Their expertise in advanced airway and ventilation management has been essential in managing the deadliest aspect of the virus. In all different facility types across the nation, CRNA’s have taken the lead in providing innovative care during this difficult time. Their work on the front lines of care during the pandemic has made it clear that CRNA’s provide life-sustaining care. CRNA’s are what the U.S. healthcare system needs now and will need for years ahead.
For more information about the AANA’s public education campaign, recent landmark research studies confirming the safety and value of CRNAs, infographics, fact sheets and more, visit future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com.
About the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Founded in 1931 and located in Park Ridge, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for the nation’s nearly 54,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists. The AANA advances patient safety and the CRNA profession through excellence in practice and service to members. As anesthesia professionals, CRNAs safely administer more than 49 million anesthetics to patients each year. Learn more at www.aana.com.
About Granville Health System
For more than 100 years, Granville Health System has been delivering quality health care close to home. To meet the growing needs of its community, Granville Health System has expanded its services throughout Granville County, offering convenient access to medical care where its citizens work and live. Together, our team promotes well-being, accelerates healing, and inspires hope for the communities we are honored to serve. The GHS main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina. For more information about Granville Health System visit GHS online at ghsHospital.org.
