January 21-27, 2018 marked the 19th annual National CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) Week. Established by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), National CRNA Week was created to encourage CRNAs to educate the public about anesthesia safety, questions to ask prior to undergoing surgery, and the benefits of receiving anesthesia care from nurse anesthetists.
Our student nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) and CRNAs staffed tables throughout the various UPMC hospitals to educate visitors about their profession. Our CRNAs also marked this annual occasion by giving back to the community, launching several initiatives this week:
- For the third year, our CRNAs at UPMC St. Margaret began coordinating efforts to help the Wounded Warrior Patrol Family Outing, which brings 13 wounded warrior families to Seven Spring Ski Resort for a week of winter fun and relaxation on February 25- March 1, 2018. They are collecting donations and selling merchandise to help financially, as well as coordinating volunteers to help at the event.
- The UPMC Mercy CRNAs “gave back” by donating to FOCUS Pittsburgh, a local organization that provides less fortunate children with lunch for each school day. They also provided each child with a meal for the weekend.
- Our UPMC Shadyside CRNAs volunteered their time to host an Italian-themed dinner for the families staying at Family House across the street from the hospital. Family House provides affordable accommodations for families with loved ones in surgery/extended recovery in Pittsburgh-area hospitals. Every year, the Shadyside CRNAs host a dinner to support these families and answer questions about nurse anesthesia, CRNAs, and how they impact the care team for patients undergoing surgery. Special thanks to Sam Baldwin, CRNA and Tera Thomas, CRNA for organizing this year’s event!
- A group of Pitt SRNAs cooked dinner for the residents at Family House in Oakland, near UPMC Presbyterian hospital. The families were very excited by the group’s gesture and enjoyed some great conversations about anesthesia.
- On Friday, January 26th the UPMC Presbyterian/Montefiore CRNAs sponsored a “Donut Day” for their annual Peer Appreciation Reception for the entire Surgical Services Division and all staff in the Gastrointestinal, Radiology, Cardiac Catheterization, Psychiatric, Electrophysiology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Gamma Knife, Environmental Services, Interventional Radiology, and Bronchoscopy Labs. The attendees enjoyed 500 donuts in appreciation for their hard work. Donations were also collected for a charity and Jen Coates, CRNA, MSN and SRNAs volunteered time at our anesthesia booth on the 11th floor of UPMC Presbyterian. Many students and nurses attended the demonstration and displayed an interest in nurse anesthesia.
- The CRNAs at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC celebrated the week with an appreciation breakfast on Tuesday and a Surgical Services Luncheon on Friday
- CRNAs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (CHP) came together to cook a dinner for the patients and families staying in the Ronald McDonald house, which is attached to CHP and provides housing to patients and families who require frequent and/or chronic care.
This is just a sampling of the many community service projects our CRNAs champion both throughout the year, as well as during countless prior National CRNA Weeks. Check out our online photo album of CRNA week activities, which will we will continue to update as photos are shared!