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

More information is available at www.mtsa.edu/CRNAweek.

“Comprising more than 50% of all anesthesia providers in the U.S., CRNAs continue to be recognized for their specialized skills, including airway management, intubation and advanced patient assessment. They administer every type of anesthesia in all types of patients in every healthcare setting where anesthesia is delivered,” said MTSA President Chris Hulin, DNP, MBA, CRNA.

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), more than 59,000 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 75% of Middle Tennesseans having surgery entrust their lives to its graduates on a daily basis.

“With a focus on preventative care and a growing demand for more medical services in a variety of settings, advanced practice nurses such as CRNAs are essential to our healthcare system. As nurses, they establish great relationships with patients, helping put them at ease and make them comfortable,” Hulin said.

In addition, CRNAs across the country are actively leading hundreds of initiatives to combat opioid abuse and provide effective pain management. This includes collaborating with professional, governmental and community organizations.

About CRNA Week
National CRNA Week is the AANA’s annual celebration of anesthesia patient safety, helping patients, hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and others become more familiar with the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) credential and the exceptional advanced practice registered nurses who have earned it.

About Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia
Founded in 1950, Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) provides graduate-level education and training of nurse anesthetists in a Christian environment born of its Seventh-day Adventist heritage. MTSA is the only independent, fully accredited anesthesia institution of its kind in the nation, instilling excellence through innovative and diverse clinical experience. More than 75% of Middle Tennesseans having surgery entrust their lives to its graduates on a daily basis. A leader in academic, clinical and professional distinction, MTSA is responsive to the needs of its constituents, providing affordable graduate education for students from diverse backgrounds. For more information, visit www.mtsa.edu or call (888) 353-MTSA.

More information about the role and value of CRNAs is available from the AANA at www.aana.com.