Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month: Featuring SRNA Jorge Alvarez

Jorge Alvarez is a 3rd year student at Villanova University Nurse Anesthesia Program at Villanova University, where he will graduate in December 2022. He won the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ 2022 Student of the Year Award. The upcoming celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month allowed him to reflect on the path he has taken to reach his goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA):

“This Hispanic Heritage Month I am reflecting on the journey that, in a few short months, will lead me towards my career as a CRNA. My mother brought us to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic when I was eight years old. As a single mother, she worked multiple jobs to make ends meet so that my sister and I would have a chance at a better education and life than she did. My mom set a strong example of what work ethic means and how your attitude and perseverance contribute to your success. I keep my heritage alive by honoring my family’s sacrifices for their children, always remembering our humbling beginnings, and the privilege that it is to have an opportunity at higher education. As Hispanic SRNAs and CRNAs, we are united as one extended family. My hope for the future of anesthesia in PA is that we continue to bring representation to the profession so that we may reduce stereotypes while simultaneously validating and inspiring other Hispanic and underrepresented youths along the way.”

🩺💙 For additional #HispanicCRNA stories in our#HispanicHeritageMonth blog series, click here.

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Waiver that Suspends Physician Supervision of CRNAs Extended Again

The commonwealth once again has extended several regulatory waivers designed to give health-care providers greater flexibility in their response to COVID-19.

Among the waivers is a provision that suspends the physician supervision requirement of a certified registered nurse anesthetist in a hospital setting.

Lawmakers unanimously approved the measure (H.B. 2401) on June 30, the last day of the state’s 2021-22 fiscal year, and the governor signed it immediately.

The governor announced the original temporary blanket waiver for advanced practice nurses and CRNAs on May 6, 2020, as part of an executive order to enhance the state’s response to the emerging health-care crisis.

The waivers have been extended several times since then, most recently in March. This latest extension means the waivers will remain in effect through Oct. 31, 2022.

Removing the supervision requirement and allowing CRNAs to practice to the fullest extent of their education and training has availed more physicians to provide hands-on care, expanded the capacity of both CRNA and physician providers, and augmented the state’s health-care system during this pandemic.

PANA Receives Excellence in State Government Relations Advocacy Award at AANA

The Excellence in State Government Relations Advocacy Award, established in 2016, is presented annually to a state association based on the quality of its efforts in the state legislative or regulatory arena for the nurse anesthesiology profession. The recipient is chosen by the AANA Government Relations Committee.

In 2021, the PANA successfully lobbied for a law that includes formal title recognition for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in statute for the first time, clarifies the CRNA relationship with physicians and dentists, and allows for CRNAs to work with podiatrists.

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AANA Presents Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award to Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) honored Lt. Col. Laura Wiggins, DNP, CRNA, with the Daniel D. Vigness Federal Political Director Award at its Mid-Year Assembly, held in Washington, D.C. on April 2-6. Wiggins, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), is a staff CRNA with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Pittsburgh and chief nurse for the critical care transport team in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

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Diane Boettger, MHS, CRNA Receives the Challenge Coin from the VHA's Chief Nursing Officer During AANA-MYA

Beth Taylor, DHA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Veterans Health Administration (left) with PANA Board Member Diane Boettger, MHS, CRNA

WHAT'S THE CHALLENGE COIN?

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PANA SITS DOWN WITH 'BEYOND THE MASK' PODCAST!

Diane Boettger, CRNA, PANA Board of Trustees being interviewed on the Beyond the Mask Podcast

Pictured Below:

Left: Beyond the Mask Podcast Co-Host Jeremy Stanley with Diane Boettger, CRNA, Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, and Co-Host, and Sarah Trau, CRNA, PANA Board of Trustees

Middle: Sarah Trau, CRNA, PANA Board of Trustees with Co-Host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA

Right: Beyond the Mask Podcast Co-Hosts Jeremy Stanley and Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA

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Diane Boettger, CRNA, PANA Board of Trustees speaking at the Region 6 Breakout Session during #AANAMYA