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“This is the most committed group of professionals I’ve ever worked with,” says Lindsey Sites, MSN, CRNA, Interim CRNA Director, Perioperative Services, Department of Anesthesia, of the more than 70 certified nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) at UVA Health. “In addition to being phenomenal clinicians, we have leadership and mentorship within the group that propels each CRNA to be their best!”

For more than half a century, CRNAs have been providing anesthesia at UVA Health in every area in which they're needed — including dedicated teams now for obstetrics, cardiovascular procedures, and pediatrics. Sites cites “exponential growth” — as there were only 14 CRNAs here 15 years ago.

A UVA School of Nursing alum, Sites first served as an RN in the Kluge Children's Rehab Center and then the Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) before setting her sights on a CRNA career. “When working in the STICU [Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit], I was so impressed by the small but incredibly strong and nimble group of CRNAs here. Their stories, expert-level care, and passion inspired me to take the next step in my own career,” she recalls.

Sites graduated from anesthesia school and rejoined UVA Health as a CRNA. She eventually became the CRNA assistant director for four years, and in the midst of the pandemic, rose to the director role.

'Recognizing the Power and Resilience of our Community'

From Jan. 21 to 27, 2024, UVA Health CRNAs are celebrating National CRNA Week, which, since 2000, has served as an annual recognition of the more than 61,000 practicing CRNAs in the United States. This year’s theme is “Trusted Anesthesia Experts.”

“From collaborating for transformative wins in healthcare policy to saving lives and advancing patient care — National CRNA Week gives the healthcare community and the greater public alike the opportunity to reflect on the heroic work and unique expertise of CRNAs and residents while recognizing the power and resilience of our community,” touts the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

By the Numbers

According to AANA:

• CRNA preparation requires seven to eight and a half years of education and experience.
• Graduates of nurse anesthesia programs have an average of 9,369 hours of clinical experience including 733 hours during their baccalaureate nursing program; 6,032 hours as a critical care registered nurse; and 2,604 hours during their nurse anesthesia program.
• CRNAs must recertify every eight years in the Continued Professional Certification Program, which requires continuing education throughout two, four-year cycles.

Superior Quality, Patient Safety, and Outcomes

"The reason I enjoy the CRNA role is because every day likely will present a unique challenge, and the interventions you choose provide immediate feedback you can use to keep your patient comfortable and safe," says Jake Key, DNP, CRNA, who's been working at UVA Health for almost a year.

Maggie Wilson, CRNA, has been working at UVA Health for a year and a half. She considered a CRNA career after shadowing a family friend who held the role. Wilson observed complex pharmacology, and physiology and technical skills such as epidural placement, invasive lines, and airway management.

But it was the human element that drew her even closer to the field. "I was most impressed by her ability to create meaningful connections with patients during some of the most stressful moments in their lives, answer their questions, and provide 1:1 attention to each person throughout each case. I enjoy the same aspects of my job now and continue to learn something new almost every day," says Wilson.