VANA is the professional home of Virginia’s certified registered nurse anesthetists — the state chapter of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), founded in 1933 and representing more than 1,900 CRNAs and SRNAs across the Commonwealth.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses who specialize in anesthesia care. In Virginia, more than 2,180 CRNAs deliver anesthesia across the Commonwealth — in hospital surgical suites and delivery rooms, ambulatory surgical centers, critical access hospitals, ketamine clinics, specialty offices, and VA and military healthcare facilities. They provide one-on-one care to patients before, during, and after procedures.
Nurse anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care in the United States for more than 150 years, and today administer more than 58 million anesthetics annually across the country. CRNAs are recognized Medicare Part B providers and serve as the sole anesthesia professionals in more than 80% of rural hospitals in some states, making their presence critical to patient access, particularly in underserved communities.
As of 2025, a registered nurse must earn a master’s or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia and pass a national certification examination to become a CRNA. It is among the most rigorous advanced practice nursing specialties in the country.
VANA’s work is carried out by member volunteers serving on standing committees. Each committee focuses on a specific area of the profession — from government relations and education to peer support and communications. Together, they make VANA’s mission possible.
The Communications Committee develops and implements membership communication strategies as well as public relations strategies that promote the mission and strategic plan of VANA.
The CRNA-PAC Committee raises funds that help build relationships and educate members of the Virginia legislature about the value that CRNAs bring to the healthcare system.
The Education & Programs Committee develops and implements educational programs for membership in accordance with the continuing education standards and guidelines of the AANA.
The Government Relations Committee (GRC) works with and under the direction of the Board in matters pertaining to state & federal advocacy efforts regarding the practice of CRNAs. The GRC, working in conjunction with VANA Legislative Counsel, addresses matters regarding legislation, regulation, public policy, and the advancement of CRNA practice in Virginia.
The Health & Wellness Committee creates and implements programs providing education and services for members pertaining to wellness and fitness. The Committee serves as an advocate for promoting the health of the general membership.
The Leadership Development Committee coordinates all aspects of the annual leadership elections, and conducts Board Member orientation at the annual Leadership Retreat.
The Peer Assistance Committee creates and implements programs providing education and services for members pertaining to peer assistance. The Committee serves as an advocate for promoting peer-to-peer engagement within the general membership.
The Finance Committee shall develop the annual budget for approval by VANA membership, recommend financial strategy to the Board of Directors, and oversee the annual audit.
The AANA Foundation advocate focuses on increasing awareness, promoting programs and events, and soliciting donors for the AANA Foundation, a philanthropic arm of AANA that invests in nurse anesthesiology education and research.
