Public Relations Recognition Awards

Excellence in Communication

Every year, the AANA Communications Committee honors and officially recognizes state associations, individuals, or other entities in three different categories for outstanding public relations efforts that contribute significantly to the positive image of the nurse anesthesia profession.

Award

The PR Recognition Awards Contest winners will be announced during the Annual Congress Opening Ceremonies. Winners will receive a plaque to commemorate their achievements. 

Eligibility

Eligible candidates are any:

• State association
• Individual CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist or RRNA
• CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist group or anesthesiology group that employs CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists
• Healthcare facility that utilizes CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists
• Educational program, company, or other entity that submits documented evidence of positive PR activities related to nurse anesthetists during the year.

An entrant may be self-nominated or nominated by someone else. In either case, documented evidence of the nominated PR campaign must be submitted for judging by the committee. 

PR Recognition Award entries are accepted in three categories.  More than one category can be entered (with the same or different PR materials). The categories are: 

1. Best Overall Public Relations Effort (awarded to an individual, state association, or other organization) 
2. Best Public Relations Effort by an Individual, Small Group, Organization, or Company not Affiliated with a State Association 
3. Best Promotional Effort for National CRNA Week (awarded to an individual, organization, or state association)

Nomination Deadlines: May 31, 2025

Submit a Nomination

Considerations in Judging

1. Category entered.
2. Originality of project.
3. Quality and thoroughness of materials submitted for judging.
   • Each entry should be accompanied by supporting materials compiled and presented in a well-organized, electronic format.
   • All written materials must be typed—scanned hand-written notes will not be considered.
   • Examples of supporting materials may include copies of plans, press clippings, photographs, letters, proclamations, testimonials, memoranda, media transcriptions, video, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) You may also include valid links to YouTube videos; television interviews; etc.
   • It would be helpful for judging if you include any kind of data for social media such as number of impressions, clicks, etc.  In other words, make your best case as to why your entry should be considered the winning entry.
4. Achievement of stated objectives in execution and results of PR campaign.

Recognition Awards Contest judging will take place in mid-to-late June by the AANA Communications Committee. Winners will be notified by email by July 15; other entrants will be notified of the judging results by email that week, as well.  

For more information, contact us.

Recipients 

Best Overall Public Relations Effort 

2024:  Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists

2023: Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists

2022: North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists 

Best Public Relations Effort by an Individual, Small Group, Organization, or Company not Affiliated with a State Association 

2024:  Sarah Trau, MS, CRNA

2023: Michael Greco, PhD, DNP, CRNA, AGACNP-BC, FNAP, FAANA and the Hofstra-Northwell Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia Class of 2024 & 2025

2022: Anesthesia Deconstructed Podcast, hosted by Michael MacKinnon, DNP, FNP, CRNA, FAANA.  

Best Promotional Effort for National CRNA Week 

2024: Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists

2023: Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists

2022: Michael Tran, MSN, CRNA, APRN