More than 5,400 Nurse Anesthesiology Professionals Provide 

Critical Patient Care Throughout Florida

~~National CRNA Week: “The Original Anesthesia Experts” ~~ 

 Tallahassee, Florida --Celebrating the original anesthesia experts, National CRNA Week, highlights the critical work of more than 5,400 nurse anesthesiology professionals in Florida and nearly 60,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) across the nation. The Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FANA) will be celebrating the 24^th annual National CRNA Week, January 22-28, 2023, by recognizing the contributions of thousands of compassionate and caring CRNAs. 

 CRNAs are advance practice registered nurses who safely provide anesthesia care to thousands of Floridians every day.  This year’s theme - “The Original Anesthesia Experts” – celebrates the long history of the profession, beginning as the first providers of anesthesia on Civil War battlefields.

“As members of one of America’s most trusted professions, CRNAs have always served on the front lines of patient care from the beginning,” said Michelle L. Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, president of the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. “We continue to answer the call to help keep patients healthy and safe, while providing access to anesthesia care. 

Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a proclamation recognizing CRNA week in Florida, noting that CRNAs practice in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered -- from traditional hospital surgical suites and obstetrical delivery rooms to critical access hospitals, and from ambulatory surgical centers to the offices of dentists, podiatric physicians, and ophthalmologists. 

Additionally, CRNAs play an integral role in the military with full practice authority in every branch working on the front lines, on ships and aircraft as well as on bases around the world.

CRNAs are highly trained, completing eight to ten years of healthcare and anesthesia education with more than 12,000 hours of clinical training. Graduates must pass the National Certification Examination before employment. 

“CRNAs provide care to patients where they live, forming the backbone of surgical services in all communities including rural areas to ensure access to quality health care for all Floridians,” said Canale. “Today and every day, we thank these dedicated and hard-working first-responders for their commitment to the well-being of the members of the communities they serve in.” 

Nationally, nearly 60,000 CRNAs deliver safe anesthesia care in every setting where anesthesia care is provided. 

For more information about the important care CRNAs provide visit the CRNAs4SafeAnesthesia.com site and for more information about the Florida Association of Nurse Anesthesiology please click here. 

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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.