Tallahassee, Florida — The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has awarded seven Florida Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), who are also members of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, with the designation of Fellow of the AANA (FAANA) – a recognized hallmark of leadership and outstanding achievements in the profession and science of nurse anesthesiology.

The Florida CRNAs earned this distinguished designation by demonstrating an exceptional level of expertise, service, and commitment to transforming the nurse anesthesia profession in the Sunshine State. 

The new Fellows of the AANA include the following CRNAs who strive to make a difference to their profession in hospitals, emergency rooms, in institutions of higher learning and on the front lines:

 Michelle Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, USF Nurse Anesthesiology Program Director, Tampa, FL

Debra Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Adjunct Faculty, Barry University, Miami, FL

Gerard T. Hogan, DNSc, CRNA, PMHP-BC, FSU, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL

Rebecca Lee, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Barry University Nurse Anesthesiology Program Director, Miami FL

L. Alan Todd, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, Associate Professor/Sr. Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, University of South Florida College of Nursing, Tampa, FL

Jorge Valdes, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Chair/Associate Professor, Department of Nurse Anesthesiology, Florida International University, Miami, FL

Randolf R. Harvey, BS, RRT, CRNA, APRN, Chief of Anesthesia, Florida Eye Clinic Ambulatory Surgery Center, Kissimmee, FL

“I am so proud of my incredible colleagues who are now members of a very select group of CRNAs in the country who have received the AANA’s national recognition,” said William L. Self, DNP, CRNA, APRN, President Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. “These CRNAs strive for excellence in all clinical and educational settings, as well as their service on the frontlines, while continuing to serve the residents of our state with their unwavering commitment and care. I join the 5,400 nurse anesthesiology professionals of our association in congratulating them on this prestigious accomplishment.”

The FAANA designation is the organization’s most elite professional achievement. By earning the right to include this designation among their credentials, Fellows have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the growth and advancement of nurse anesthesiology.

The Florida CRNAs also had to highlight their contributions to their state association, and to engage with other healthcare leaders to advance and transform the nurse anesthesia profession through:

• Leadership service
• Enhancing the safety of anesthesia delivery and pain care for patients
• Advancements in research, education, and clinical care
• Introduction of innovative solutions
• Promoting advocacy at the state and national levels to drive healthcare policy
• Reducing health disparities and inequalities
• Promoting professional excellence
• Strengthening the nurse anesthesia delivery system nationally and internationally

“We recognize these exceptional Florida CRNAsas leaders who have demonstrated a depth of expertise that is critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care,” said Lorraine Jordan, PhD, CRNA, CAE, FAAN, Chief Advocacy Officer of AANA and CEO of the AANA Foundation. “Earning this distinction signifies a commitment of excellence and dedication to making impactful changes for our profession.” 

This year, 51 individuals were inducted to the 2022 class of Fellows of the AANA. To date, only 116 CRNAs have received the FAANA designation. To be awarded the FAANA distinction, applicants must be credentialed as a CRNA for a minimum of 10 consecutive years; be an AANA member for at least 10 years; have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience as a practitioner of  anesthesiology or educator/program director, facility leader or business leader; have a record of attending AANA conferences; demonstrate outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership that command respect and recognition from other leaders in the profession; and provide evidence of enduring and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional and personal growth and use of innovative, creative solutions in at least one of several categories. 

About FANA

Founded in 1936, The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA) represents more than 5,400 nurse anesthesiology professionals. FANA advocates for its patients and members in legislative and governmental affairs and serves as a resource for CRNAs, the nursing and medical professions, hospitals, health care facilities, and others interested in anesthesia care. For more information visit www.fana.org.

About AANA

Founded in 1931 and located in Rosemont, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for more than 58,9000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) across the United States. The AANA advances patient safety and the CRNA profession through excellence in practice and service to members.  Learn more at www.aana.com.