Happy National Nurse Anesthetists Week! This year’s event is being celebrated Jan. 22-28, 2017. Our CRNAs, who mark this annual occasion by giving back to the community, have kicked off several charity initiatives this week:
- Our UPMC Presbyterian CRNAs are collecting gently used jeans for their annual “Jeans for Teens” charity drive. They are also hosting their fifth annual Peer Appreciation Reception, providing donuts and coffee to thank all their colleagues – everyone ranging from anesthesia techs, residents, faculty, and administrative and housekeeping staff.
- Our CRNAs at St. Margaret will be donating their time and money to the Wounded Warrior Patrol Family Outing at Seven Springs Ski Resort being held February 26- March 3, 2017 and have begun recruiting volunteers from our department.
- CRNA volunteers at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (CHP) coordinated a Mexican dinner at CHP’s Ronald McDonald House, which is adjacent to the hospital. Ronald McDonald House provides housing to families with critically ill children. Patients and their families were treated to a dinner including a taco/fajita bar, a nacho bar, and an ice cream sundae bar, all of which was funded and prepared by the CHP nurse anesthetists. They are also hosting an ice cream social for all members of the care team in the OR and PACU.
This is just a sampling of the many community service projects our CRNAs dedicate themselves to every year during a week that is meant to celebrate themselves! Student nurse anesthetists and CRNAs also staffed tables throughout the various UPMC hospitals to educate visitors about their profession.