Debbie Barber: Access to Care
This month, VANA spoke with Debbie Barber, CRNA from Kentucky about her experience as a CRNA for over 30 years in Kentucky, an opt-out state since 2012. Debbie was elected president of the Kentucky board in 2012 and served on the AANA board from 2014-2016 as Region 2 Director. During [...]
CRNAs vs. Anesthesiologists
CRNAs and Anesthesiologists: What’s the difference? Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologists both play critical roles in the delivery of anesthesia. While CRNAs and anesthesiologists specialize in anesthesia care, they come from different educational and professional backgrounds. Here are a few of the advantages of using CRNAs for anesthesia [...]
Board Questions – Summer 2024
What are the indications for mechanical ventilation in a post-operative patient? (Select 2.) Respiratory rate of 8 PaO2 of 52 mmHg on room air Inspiratory force of 23 cm/H20 PCO2 of 55 Blockade of the stellate ganglion may manifest in which physiological response? Profuse sweating Exophthalmos Mydriasis Vasodilation [...]
VANA By The Numbers – Summer 2024
As the spring semester concludes for nurse anesthesia students, here’s a look at some great highlights from around the state this year: Mary Baldwin University (MBU): Derek Owens and junior nurse anesthesia residents Jena Conway, Danielle Donovan, Matt Pizzariella, and Anna Neumeister volunteered on a mission trip in San Raymundo, Guatemala. [...]
VANA in the Military: How CRNAs Impact Virginia’s Success
This month, VANA spoke with Bridget Wolfe, CRNA of MedStream Anesthesia at Fauquier Health (Warrenton, VA). We discussed her military background, the importance of advocacy, and why CRNAs are critical to the success of healthcare in Virginia. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background? I graduated [...]
Learn with VANA: How Does Opting-Out Work?
It’s critical to remember that opt-out does not change scope of practice laws for CRNAs, it only impacts reimbursement policy with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Opt-out specifically addresses Part A of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements, known as the Conditions for Participation (CoP), [...]
Legislative Spotlight: State Senator Glen Sturtevant
The VANA Communications Committee was excited to hear from State Senator Glen Sturtevant. Virginia legislators are critical for accomplishing VANA’s legislative goals and it’s important that we engage in ongoing conversations, community events, and meetings to share our stories. Continue reading to learn more about Senator Sturtevant’s background and experience [...]
Board Questions – Spring 2024
1. What is the current recommendation for the MINIMUM fasting time in hours for ingesting nonhuman milk? 2 4 6 8 2. A patient sustains acute airway nerve injuries, develops respiratory distress, and requires emergency intubation. Damage to which nerves would result in this critical event? (Select 2.) External [...]
VANA By the Numbers – March 2024
As the 2024 session of the General Assembly concludes, we wanted to thank everyone who helped us during the past several months. Just look at the impact we all had: 1,834 letters were sent to legislators using the VANA Action Center during the 2024 General Assembly session. VANA members sent [...]
Instructor Profile: Amy Wielar
This month, VANA is excited to profile Amy Wielar, a pediatric cardiac CRNA who practices and teaches in the Richmond area. With over 20 years of experience, her insights into such a critical practice area can help so many of us learn and grow. I’ve been a CRNA for [...]
