Nurse Anesthesiology and the Association Name Change
CRNAs/Nurse anesthesiologists live and work at the intersection of patient care, education, and advocacy — but too many people are unclear about the crucial role these specialized, advanced-practice registered nurses play in the U.S. healthcare system.
Nurse anesthesiology is the first profession to own the responsibility of anesthesia delivery. Since its very beginning 150 years ago, the administration of anesthesia by nurses has been essential in caring for patients safely, comfortably, and compassionately. When anesthesia is administered by a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist, it is recognized as the practice of nursing. Nurses represent the largest of the healthcare professions and are among the nation’s most trusted professions. CRNAs/Nurse anesthesiologists are part of that representation, public and patient trust. Nurse anesthesiology continues to be one of the safest, most innovative fields of science today, with CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists bringing the best in overall patient experience.
The use of nurse anesthesiology and the association name change in 2021 clarifies the role of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists as advanced practice registered nurses who are experts in the science and art of anesthesiology.
State associations interested in rebranding are urged to thoroughly consider state laws and other critical considerations such as the impact of rebranding on current advocacy efforts. For more information on rebranding your state association see Considerations for States in Rebranding, NOTE: This link is only available to state association leaders.
History:
May 2019: AANA’s Board of Directors voted to recognize “nurse anesthesiologist” as a descriptor synonymous with “nurse anesthetist.”
AANA recognizes the following descriptors to identify nurse anesthetists: “Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist,” “CRNA,” “nurse anesthetist,” and “nurse anesthesiologist.” The descriptor is added to the following documents:
Although these descriptors are recognized by AANA, each CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists should be aware of and comply with the title requirements of federal and state laws and facilities in which they practice.
August 2020: A resolution passed by AANA members at the 2020 Annual Congress concerns the use of the descriptor “nurse anesthesiologist,” as well as rebranding the association with the assumed name “American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.”
June 2021: Certain AANA webpages and practice documents are updated with the terms “nurse anesthesiologist” and “nurse anesthesiology.” AANA makes clarifications concerning terms for non-CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist anesthesia providers, including “physician anesthesiologist” or “dental anesthesiologist.”
August 2021: AANA files with the state of Illinois to obtain the assumed name “American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology” and debuts a new name to membership. The organization’s name change is part of a yearlong rebranding effort designed to advance the science of nurse anesthesiology and advocate for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists—one of the U.S. healthcare system’s highly sought-after anesthesia care providers.