National CRNA Week is the last full week in January and commemorates the 60,000+ practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. This week has been observed for over two decades and brings attention to the nearly 50 million anesthetics performed every single year. The week was previously known as National Nurse Anesthetists Week, but its name was changed after 2014 to its current name.

Nurse anesthetists work in a variety of medical settings, including dental clinics, surgery centers, ophthalmology offices, pain management centers, hospitals, and doctors’ offices. Without their skill and dedication, none of us would be able to undergo many of the procedures we need to stay healthy, happy, and pain-free.

Some of the Services That Nurse Anesthetists Provide to Patients

We thought it might be helpful to list some of the services that nurse anesthetists provide to their patients. After all, these medical professionals do not receive as much attention as professionals in other fields of endeavor. With that said, below are just some of the services that nurse anesthetists provide. We list them in the hope that they give people a new appreciation and respect for this honorable profession.

• Administer spinals, epidurals, and nerve blocks.
• Review patients’ medical histories to determine effective pain management solutions.
• Monitor patients’ vital signs.
• Inform patients about the risks and side effects of anesthesia.

Observing National CRNA Week

The best way to observe this holiday week is by giving thanks to a nurse anesthetist. It’s also a good week for certified registered nurse anesthetists to tell the world about their profession. This can be done by speaking at a job fair or at a school.

It’s also a good day for employers to show their CRNAs the appreciation they deserve. Online, people can use the hashtag #NationalCRNAWeek to spread the word about this week.