COVID-19 Resources for CRNAs

Pennsylvania once again is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and many health-care facilities across the commonwealth are beginning to feel the strain as more patients seek hospitalization.

Both the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) are doing all they can to help members stay informed with easy access to resources that may help.

In the spring, when the virus first emerged, many certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) were out of work as elective surgeries were halted and confusion reigned about the role CRNAs could play to help in the pandemic because they lacked professional designation.

Some of these same scenarios are starting to play out again across the state, so it is important that CRNAs know that they can turn to their professional association for assistance or to have questions answered.

AANA has compiled a list of federal resources to help CRNAs:

• Employment Resources

• CARES Act Infographic

• Medicare FAQ

• CMS: Emergency Guidance

• CMS: COVID-19 Related Regulatory Changes

• Telemedicine Toolkit

• The White House/CDC COVID-19 website

Find all of AANA’s COVID-19 Resources on its website.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact PANA or one of our officers for the help you need.

Learn more at www.PANA.org or www.PANAforQualityCare.com.

CRNAs Respond to COVID-19 Pandemic

As our country and the commonwealth continue their aggressive measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Pennsylvania’s certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are taking action to ensure public health and safety.

As the hands-on providers of anesthesia care, operating safely in every setting where anesthesia is administered, CRNAs, like so many other health-care professionals, are on the frontline. That makes the profession a critical part of the national response.

“CRNAs hold leadership positions in their institutions of care and help to create policy about how best to protect fellow providers and patients,” said Angelarosa G. DiDonato, DNP, CRNA, president of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA). “Our top priority is always public health and safety.”

As a precaution, many Pennsylvania hospitals are choosing to cancel elective cases requiring anesthesia, except where a condition is emergent or urgent and essential to the health of the patient. All decisions are made in consultation and coordination with patients and surgical teams.

CRNAs also are changing the way they work with patient airways, as COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is characterized by mild to severe symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is providing resources to support CRNAs as they develop strategic steps for managing patients with expected or confirmed infection. These tips go beyond meticulous hygiene and strict environmental cleaning and disinfection procedures to intubation and aerosolization techniques.

Excellence in care, safety, and continuous improvement of care are hallmarks of the anesthesia profession.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health is reporting new cases daily, which means everyone has a role to play. Remember these simple tips to protect yourself, your family and your community:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid crowds and stay home, even when no exhibiting signs and symptoms.

• If you must work or be in public, follow guidelines for social distancing (stay six feet others).

Thank you for all you do always, but especially in times of crisis like we face together today. Be smart and be safe. Don’t hesitate to contact PANA with questions.

Celebrating CRNA Week in Pa.

It’s that time of year again. In just a few days, we will mark the start of the 21st annual National CRNA Week … or, as we like to call it here: 2020 CRNA Week in Pennsylvania. The weeklong celebration runs from Jan. 19 to Jan. 25.

As in past years, the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) will run an extended campaign focused on reminding people of the role Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) play in every health-care setting while informing residents, elected leaders and other stakeholders of the exceptionally high value and experience that our professionals bring to the care of their patients.

As the slogan for this year states: Your Comfort. Your Care. WE ARE THERE!

And we plan to be everywhere over the next few weeks! Listen for our ads on National Public Radio stations in your area, follow along with us on PANA’s social media pages, watch our videos featuring your peers, look for our ads on a variety of digital platforms, and help us share the story about the work we do.

The reality is that the nation’s nearly 54,000 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists safely and cost-effectively provide more than 49 million anesthetics each year. We are the hands-on providers of anesthesia care --- and have been for more than 150 years --- providing comfort and care wherever anesthesia is delivered. Our commonwealth is a leader in educating and training, with 13 CRNA programs statewide.

It’s up to us to tell our story to help patients, hospital administrators, health-care professionals, policy-makers, and others become more familiar with CRNAs and students who never leave their patient’s side during a procedure.

So celebrate this week. You earned it. Happy CRNA Week in Pennsylvania!

Angelarosa G. DiDonato, DNP, CRNA

President

Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists