American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is a professional organization in the United States dedicated to advancing the practice of nurse anesthesia. Founded in 1931, the AANA is committed to setting high standards for the nurse anesthesia profession, providing continuing education opportunities, and advocating for nurse anesthetists at both the state and federal levels.

History

The AANA was established to provide nurse anesthetists with a unified voice and to ensure the profession was recognized within the medical community. Since its inception, the organization has played a pivotal role in advancing the practice and standards of nurse anesthesia, including the development of certification and accreditation programs.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the AANA is to advocate for excellence in anesthesia care, advancing the practice of nurse anesthesia. Its vision is to be the authority and advocate for nurse anesthesia and patient care.

Membership

Membership in the AANA is open to Registered Nurses (RNs) who have successfully completed an accredited nurse anesthesia educational program and are certified or recertified by the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA). The AANA offers several categories of membership, including active, associate, student, and retired.

Certification

The AANA, through the NBCRNA, ensures that nurse anesthetists meet rigorous standards to become certified. Certification is a testament to the practitioner's commitment to high standards of patient care and professional practice.

Education and Research

The AANA is committed to the ongoing education of its members, offering a wide range of continuing education programs, resources, and research opportunities. These educational initiatives are designed to keep nurse anesthetists at the forefront of medical knowledge and patient care practices.

Advocacy

A key component of the AANA's mission is advocacy. The organization works tirelessly to protect and advance the legal rights and interests of nurse anesthetists. This includes lobbying for legislation and regulations that recognize and support the critical role nurse anesthetists play in patient care.

Conclusion

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists plays a crucial role in the nurse anesthesia profession. Through its efforts in certification, education, research, and advocacy, the AANA ensures that nurse anesthetists are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern healthcare and provide the highest quality of care to their patients.