Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia to commemorate National CRNA Week

Jan 17, 2017 at 02:33 pm by Staff


Special celebration scheduled for Jan. 25

Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) is joining healthcare providers nationwide in recognizing the unique skills of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) during the 18th annual National CRNA Week Jan. 22-28.

"Surgery and anesthesia can be intimidating, but nurse anesthetists are trained to stay with the patient throughout the procedure, administering their anesthetics and watching over their vital signs," said MTSA President Dr. Chris Hulin. "Our goal during CRNA Week is to shine a spotlight on the many professionals who play this crucial role in our healthcare system."

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), more than 50,000 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists provide anesthetics to patients in the United States each year, delivering the same safe, high-quality anesthesia care as other anesthesia professionals but at a lower cost, helping to control the nation's rising healthcare costs.

Due to its significant alumni base in the region, MTSA estimates more than two-thirds of Middle Tennesseans having surgery entrust their lives to its graduates on a daily basis.

"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," Hulin added.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 12:30 p.m., MTSA will open its doors to students, alumni and guests for a special celebration of CRNA Week with cake, ice cream and door prizes. The event will take place in the lecture hall in Building A, located at 315 Hospital Drive in Madison. The School will also post information and special messages throughout the week at www.facebook.com/MTSAnesthesia

Sections: Grand Rounds