Our very own Jason Bauer is running for AANA Region 6 Director, representing Pennsylvania, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Ohio. He has been a tireless advocate for CRNAs and is truly an inspiration for those of us looking to get more involved in the association. We sat down with Jason to learn more about his career and what makes him a good candidate for a position on the AANA board.
Where are you originally from?
Jason: I was born and raised in the Pittsburgh-area. I have built my career here and I live just outside of the city in Murrysville with my wife Alison and my two daughters Brynn and Claire.
How long have you been involved with the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA)?
Jason: I have been serving on the PANA board since 2009. I was a trustee for four years before serving as President. I have also been the Chairman of the Government Relations Committee and I am currently the Treasurer.
What has been one of your biggest accomplishments as a PANA board member?
Jason: I was very proud to be part of a group that elevated PANA’s reputation in the state legislature. People know who we are, what we’re about, and that we have a very active membership.
Have you had other experiences that have prepared you to run for AANA Region 6 Director?
Jason: I am currently in my third year as a member of the AANA Government Relations Committee. I have also given a number of presentations on topics such as Professional Relations and Teambuilding, Structuring Your Governance Committee, Member Engagement, Malignant Hyperthermia, Obstetrics, Cardiac, and Pre-Operative Assessment.
What kind of work did you do before you became a nurse anesthetist?
Jason: I got my BSN from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing. I was very passionate about emergency medical care and I had an EMT license, which I substituted for the majority of my elective credits. This experience also lead me to challenge the Prehospital RN (PHRN) certification in Pennsylvania.
After I graduated from college, I ended up working with a regional ambulance company and serving as the Medical Director for 5 years. While I was there, I offered medical expertise and acted as a conduit between the medical command physicians and staff.
Where did you go to school to get your advanced degree?
Jason: I earned my MSN from the University of Pittsburgh’s Nurse Anesthesia Program in 2004. I am still very connected to the program because I teach for the UPMC Department of Surgery Office of Advanced Practice Fellowship Program. Each term, I speak to the incoming Acute Care Fellows on Pre-Operative Assessment and Evaluation. I also maintain a position at the School of Nurse Anesthesia as an adjunct faculty member teaching about obstetrics, professional roles, and cardiac operations.
In addition to teaching, where are you currently working?
Jason: I am currently a full-time CRNA at the University of Pittsburgh Physicians Group within UPMC. I am usually based in Shadyside, but I also travel around to other UPMC locations. I also started my own business, Bauer Anesthesia Services, which caters to ASC and office-based practices. I also work with KEPRO as an independent contractor doing tertiary case review and reviewing anesthesia related closed claims for Tricare.
You can vote in the AANA board elections beginning on May 15th. Make sure you have your AANA username and password so you can vote!
