Connect

From Jan. 18 to 24, 2026, UVA Health proudly marks National CRNA Week. This annual observance honors the more than 75,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and nurse anesthesiology residents (NARs, formerly SRNAs) practicing across the United States.

CRNAs are highly skilled professionals who safely administer anesthesia and guide patients through some of their most vulnerable moments. “Whether it’s a child undergoing their first operation, a wounded soldier on the front lines, or a senior facing a crucial procedure — CRNAs are the anesthesia experts there to keep their patients safe, comfortable, and cared for,” notes the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology.

This year, National CRNA Week is an especially meaningful celebration at UVA Health, as we welcome five new graduate CRNAs whose journeys have come full circle:

From ICU Nurses to CRNAs

Savannah Richey, CRNA, DNP; Danielle Donovan, CRNA; Alexandra Hogg, CRNA; Jena Conway, CRNA; and Anna Neumeister, CRNA, all share a common path: they began their careers at UVA Health as ICU nurses, attended the nurse anesthesia program at Mary Baldwin University, and now are practicing CRNAs at UVA Health.

“Mary Baldwin University is the newest program in the state of Virginia,” explains interim CRNA Director Lindsey Sites, MSN, CRNA. “We were lucky enough to secure UVA Health as the primary clinical site for their first cohort of students. After three years of instruction and partnership, five graduates from the inaugural class chose to start their new careers here. I could not be prouder of them!"

Discovering a Passion

For Richey, coming back to UVA Health is deeply personal. She began her nursing journey in 2015 as a UVA School of Nursing student and patient care technician (PCT) at UVA Health. That path led her to our TCV-ICU, where she spent three years as a critical care registered nurse and discovered her passion for becoming a CRNA.

"Today, I serve as a CRNA at UVA Health alongside four other outstanding MBU graduates! I feel truly fortunate to work in an environment where I am surrounded by supportive mentors, CRNAs, anesthesiologists, and anesthesia technicians. Each day, I am reminded of how rewarding this profession is. This moment feels like a meaningful full-circle milestone in my career.”

'Incredibly Happy'

Donovan says she chose MBU for nurse anesthesia school because of its connection to UVA Health. “That decision shaped me into the provider I am today,” she shares. “My time training here was challenging, supportive, and transformative. I was pushed to think critically, refine my skills, and grow into a strong, confident, and competent anesthesia provider. I am incredibly happy to be starting my career as a CRNA at UVA Health!” 

Set Up for Long-Term Success

Richey, Donovan, Hogg, Conway, and Neumeister represent not only the future of nurse anesthesia, but the strength of UVA Health’s commitment to career-long learning and professional success. 

“Someone once told me that a plant can only grow when it’s watered, and UVA Health is absolutely a place where you are surrounded by people who constantly ‘water’ you — brilliant clinicians, thoughtful leaders, and colleagues who elevate each other every day,” says Donovan. “The culture here is built on mentorship, collaboration, and genuine excellence. I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my professional journey in an environment that will continue to challenge, support, and grow me as I step into this new chapter.”

Sites is proud the team’s hard work is helping new graduates thrive. “Our CRNA leaders have created a very strong new graduate onboarding process and mentorship program that supports CRNAs in the first year and beyond,” she explains. “The CRNA education team has built an incredible foundational curriculum of opportunities that encourages career-long learning. I am so thankful to be a part of the amazing things that are happening for this team!”

Interested in Becoming a CRNA?

Are you a UVA Health RN (from the Intensive Care Unit, Emergency Department, or any unit) interested in becoming a CRNA? Join the annual Meet and Greet Reception on Jan. 20, 2026, 5-7 p.m., Dining Conference Room 1.