CRNA News

Our CRNAs continued their traditions of celebration, appreciation, and community service during National CRNA Week, an annual celebration of the nation’s nearly 59,000 nurse anesthetists, which took place from January 23-29, 2022.

Joseph Manilla, MSN, CRNA, has accepted the role effective January 2, 2022.

Brett M. Fadgen, MSN, CFRN, CRNA, is a member of UPMC ENABLED, an employee resource group that serves the health system’s colleagues with differing abilities to creating a global, empowered culture of inclusivity that welcomes all employees without bias.

Our half-day CRNA Virtual Education Conference on Saturday, November 6, 2021 was a success, attracting about 100 participants, including student nurse anesthetists from various programs.

Congratulations to Allison Lewis, MBA, MSN, CRNA, who won the Outstanding APP Award, and Wende A. Goncz, DO, MMM, who received the Outstanding Physician APP Supporter Award as part of Passavant’s APP Week 2021.

A group of CRNAs from UPMC Passavant, Mercy, Presbyterian, and Shadyside and the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, led by Emily M. Whitco, MSN, CRNA, united to organize a surprise lunch for the staff caring for COVID patients in Passavant’s Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Units and staff in collaborating departments such as respiratory, physical, and occupational therapy.

The multi-specialty course was designed for currently practicing APPs looking to enhance leadership, clinical, and procedural skills.

Arielle Brice, David Modranski, and Melissa A. Dupilka were recognized by UPMC for their excellent clinical work.

Rachel C. Cellurale, MSN, CRNA, has accepted the role effective September 12, 2021.

The multidisciplinary educational event featured lectures from anesthesia techs and both student nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) and certified registered nurse anesthetists. The conference had a fantastic turnout with 158 attendees and received very positive reviews.