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Erin Foley is a certified nurse anesthetist and a member of the Maine Society of Nurse Anesthetists.
Every year, certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) across the United States to manage More than 50 million anesthetics have been delivered to patients. I have been practicing as a certified nurse anesthetist in the state of Maine for the past 14 years and am proud to consider myself one of them. 43,000+ CRNAs 350 CRNAs across the United States will celebrate our profession during National CRNA Week, January 21-27, 2024.
This year's theme, “Trusted Anesthesia Professionals,” recognizes our rich history as some of America's most trusted professions, according to Gallup.The nurse is topped with Long-time featured and ranked on Gallup's Integrity and Ethics list be in the top 10 Part of the 2023 US News & World Report's Best Health Care Jobs report.A national study found that CRNAs integral We contribute to the provision of high-value anesthesia care with an emphasis on quality and safety. Our technology and precision allow patients to undergo surgery safely and comfortably without unnecessary pain.
Each year, CRNAs provide anesthesia to millions of patients in traditional hospital operating rooms and delivery rooms, critical access hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, pain management facilities, and our nation's military service. I myself have practiced in many settings in Maine. I have worked in a Level 1 trauma center, a small critical access hospital, nurse anesthesia education, and most recently, caring for victims of a tragic shooting in Lewiston. These diverse experiences have enabled us to care for patients across Maine and increase access to safe, quality, and cost-effective anesthesia care across the state.
CRNAs are highly educated and highly trained professionals. We average 8-8.5 years of healthcare and anesthesiology education and over 9,000 hours of clinical training before graduating with an advanced degree as an expert in the field of anesthesiology. I will complete it. Graduates of the nurse anesthesia education program are required to pass a national certification exam administered by the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Anesthesiologists. And by 2025, all graduates of nurse anesthesiology programs will be able to earn a Ph.D.
In rural areas, CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care; More than 80% of anesthesiologists In a rural county in America. CRNAs provide care where patients live and form the backbone of surgical delivery in these rural areas. We play an important role for expectant families, enabling our maternal patients to have the best birth experience without having to travel long distances for obstetric care.
The American Academy of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) established CRNA Week in 2000 to inform the public about the safety of anesthesia and the benefits of receiving anesthesia care from CRNAs. From saving lives and advancing patient care to collaborating for innovative wins in health care policy, National CRNA Week is an opportunity to inspire the medical community and the general public alike to engage CRNAs and nurse anesthesiology residents. provides an opportunity to reflect on and recognize the power of their heroic work and unique expertise. and the resilience of our communities.
One of America's most trusted professions, CRNAs have been at the forefront of patient care since our inception and continue to meet the call to keep patients healthy and safe. As we celebrate National CRNA Week, please join me in recognizing trusted anesthesia professionals. Each year, members of the Maine Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MEANA) select a local charity to raise money for during the month of January to celebrate CRNA Week. We are proud to partner with Honor Flight Maine this year. Visit the MEANA website. www.meana.org Learn more about our profession and philanthropy.
