LETTER: It’s time to recognize the importance of CRNAs

This letter was published in the Times Leader on May 16, 2019.

Certified registered nurse anesthetists are the best-kept secret in health care. We’re usually the last people patients see before a procedure begins and the first to greet them when they awake. That’s because we’re there by their side for every heartbeat, every breath.

We’re so good at anesthetizing our patients that they sometimes don’t remember us. The state legislature often forgets us as well.

Pennsylvania is one of just two states that fail to formally recognize “certified registered nurse anesthetist” in some form. Because there is no definition for nurse anesthetists under the state’s Professional Nursing Law, CRNAs are recognized only as registered nurses, despite the advanced, specialized training and extra education needed to practice.

That brings logistical and financial challenges.

Pennsylvania CRNAs who serve in the military must secure designation in another state to provide anesthesia in the armed services because we do not officially recognize CRNAs here. We cannot assist on rapid response teams in states affected by natural disasters because we lack formal credentials. After receiving training in Pennsylvania, a national leader with 13 nurse anesthetist programs, many CRNAs relocate to states where they can utilize the full scope of their education and training in clinical practices, contributing to “brain drain.”

Fortunately, bipartisan measures, including House Bill 1064 sponsored by state Rep. Tarah Toohil, serve as a wake-up call to address these issues. It’s long past time to finally recognize the importance of CRNAs and appreciate the value of the men and women behind the surgical masks.

Lisa Mullen

MSN, CRNA

Two CRNAs honored at Cameos of Caring Awards Gala

The Cameos of Caring Awards Gala recognized nursing professionals who provide exceptional care, embody commitment and advance the profession. The 2017 honorees represented a variety of health systems/hospitals and schools of nursing in addition to specialty areas such as anesthesia, oncology, education, intensive care and emergency nursing. Two Pittsburgh-area CRNAs were recognized during the 2017 awards. Pam Norton, CRNA, BSN was honored and Rick Henker, CRNA, PhD was honored in the advanced practice category.

The Cameos of Caring program was established in 1999 by the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing to help recognize nursing professionals from 20 western Pennsylvania acute care hospitals. Cameos of Caring has expanded over time and now recognizes nurses throughout the region who serve at different levels of care with the advanced practice category being added in 2002.

From its inception, Cameos of Caring has recognized professionals working to advance and promote the profession while also demonstrating excellence in care. Through the years, those honored embody the roles of nurse, educator, advocate and role model. Rick Henker and Pam Norton add to the list of distinguished honorees.

The Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists congratulates Rick Henker and Pam Norton for being recognized as 2017 Cameos of Caring recipients.

The following is some background about the two recipients:

Dr. Rick Henker was in the process of completing the nurse anesthesia program at the University of Pittsburgh when he was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma. At that time the survival rate was 48-52 percent and he considered withdrawing from the program but ultimately graduated after some encouragement from his daughters. The experience helped him realize the importance of following your passion and maintaining your practice. Those realizations have influenced his contributions to education, research and policy in nurse anesthesia.

Rick has been a CRNA for more than 15 years and has excelled in every aspect of the profession. From pre-operative to post-operative care, Rick’s work is comprehensive and flawless as he compassionately builds a relationship with the patient and respectfully works with every team member in the operating room.

As an educator he works with student nurse anesthetists to challenge and inspire them. Many students consider him one of their favorite professors, and his clinical and academic teaching abilities have earned him numerous awards.

A colleague said that, “Dr. Henker contributes immensely to instruction of future generations of student nurse anesthetists.”

His dedication to the profession extends beyond the clinical and academic arena as he works with Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO). While his work with HVO started as only clinical instruction, it led to the development of nurse anesthesia programs and policy initiatives in Belize, Cambodia and Bhutan.

“I tell people I have the best job in the world. I enjoy working with patients and families during a stressful time. Developing a plan to enhance a patient’s recovery and manage their pain can be very satisfying,” said Rick.

Pam Norton knew in high school that she wanted to pursue a career in which she could help people through the medical field. Her guidance counselor helped her winnow the list of potential careers to three, one of which was nurse anesthesiology. More than 28 years later she is still working to put patient safety first as a CRNA at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

“I try to be always respectful and caring to patients, families and hospital personnel on a daily basis in an upbeat, positive approach. I believe if you present yourself in a poised, positive manner it spreads and reflects on not only yourself but more importantly on your department and your profession,” said Pam.

Her positive attitude and personal approach are a constant through her work in the operating room and the classroom. Pam consistently establishes rapport with patients and their families utilizing a personal and caring approach. She uses these skills when working with student nurse anesthetists and when encouraging young students to pursue nursing at career fairs.

“She has leadership skills and is frequently assigned as the Presby Charge CRNA. She is able to handle conflict and any situation which may arise with ease and professionalism. Everyone respects Pam and views her as a ‘role model’ as she builds a positive team spirit and cohesiveness,” said a colleague.

Butler Eagle: Nurse shows appreciation to Las Vegas trauma staff

This article was originally published on ButlerEagle.com.

In the aftermath of the tragedy in Las Vegas, a local nurse anesthetist decided she wanted to do something for the medical professionals in Las Vegas who treated those injured that night.

Kim Wysocki of Bradford Woods is a nurse anesthetist at UPMC Presbyterian and said that after she heard about all the support that was sent to Las Vegas in the weeks after the Oct. 1 shooting, she wanted to make sure the medical professionals also felt supported and appreciated.

“We were able to buy lunch for surgeons and anesthetists at University Medical Center and Sunrise Hospital,” she said. “It went really well.”

Wysocki and some of her co-workers began collecting donations and quickly realized they would easily reach their goals.

“After everything that happened, everyone was touched by the tragedy,” she said. “I was hoping for $1,000 and got around $2,500.” Her goal was to buy lunch for 150 medical personnel at each hospital.

“We probably had way too much,” she said. “But I guess too much is better than not enough.” Organizers of the fundraising drive said it was easy for the UPMC staff, who are experienced in treating trauma patients, to empathize with medical professionals in Las Vegas who did their best to treat a flood of patients, many with traumatic injuries.

“The loss of these lives touched us in a way that we as practitioners can relate to the clinicians in the Las Vegas hospitals,” said Helen DeFranco, CRNA, clinical director of the Department of Anesthesia at UPMC. “We have walked in their shoes, we have dealt with life and death and we understand the lasting effect from these clinical experiences. These times take a toll on all of us and impact tremendously.”

Treating patients with traumatic injuries is a difficult task, especially when those patients number in the hundreds, DeFranco said.

“Chaos is an understatement when only a couple trauma patients come in,” she said. “I got the idea we could buy them lunch and show them our appreciation and respect for what they do.” Wysocki coordinated with staff at both hospitals to plan for the purchase and delivery of the food.

“I have worked from coast to coast at large trauma centers. This particular act of good will by Kim is touching and rewarding,” DeFranco said. “It has strengthened us as a team at Presby.”