American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

American Association of Nurse Anesthetists was founded on 1931 is the association for anesthetists nursing professionals. Today more than 50,000 nurse anesthetists are members of this association. Every year in USA there are 43 million anesthetics including advanced practice nurses; Certified Registered Nurse, Anesthetists (CRNAs) administer. They administer every type of anesthetic, and provide care for every type of surgery or procedure, from open heart to cataract to pain management. First meeting of this association was held on June 17, 1931. The main objective of this association is to establish a national qualifying exam, and establish an accreditation program for nurse anesthesia schools. The AANA has accredited nurse anesthesia programs since January 19, 1952. The organization was recognized as an accrediting body by the U.S. Department of Education in 1955. The AANA Foundation supports the profession by awarding education and research grants to faculty, students, and practicing CRNAs. More than 90 percent of the nation's nurse anesthetists are members of the AANA. The AANA developed and implemented a certification program in 1945 and instituted a recertification program in 1978. It established a mechanism for accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs in 1952, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1955. In 1975, the AANA was a leader among professional organizations in the United States by forming autonomous multidisciplinary councils with public representation for performing the profession's certification, accreditation, and public interest functions. Today, the CRNA credential is well recognized as an indicator of quality and competence. AANA advances patient safety, practice excellence, and its members’ professional and preeminent professional association for healthcare and patient safety. They provide Safe and effective anesthesia care with care values of Quality, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration, Wellness and Diversity.