Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - VANA

12/08/2025

🚨 The Department of Education has defined students in nurse anesthesia programs as graduate students, a move that would cap their federal student loans at $100,000. This cap will have a devastating impact on the pipeline of future CRNAs and worsen access to anesthesia care for all Americans. 🚨

The AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has been working tirelessly with Congress and the Administration to reclassify future CRNAs as professional students prior to releasing its proposed rule. Now, we need your help.

Act now and urge your legislators to sign on to this bipartisan letter opposing the $100,000 federal loan cap for future CRNAs. ⬇️

Join the CRNAdvocacy Action Center to advocate for your profession. Stay informed about legislative developments and participate in impactful campaigns. Make your voice heard and drive positive change today!

12/03/2025

Are you a current Virginia SRNA? Applications are now open for VANA’s 2026 Future CRNA Student Ambassador Program! 🚨

This program is designed to engage and empower current SRNAs with VANA to continue to advocate for safe anesthesia care and advance the profession of nurse anesthesia in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

➡️ Visit https://bit.ly/3Y4mUcY to apply today!

11/29/2025

Attention Virginia CRNAs and SRNAs! Join us for the 2026 VANA Winter Workshop on Saturday, January 31, in Richmond, Virginia. 🗓️ This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your peers for cutting-edge educational lectures on topics of critical importance to the practice of nurse anesthesia.

✅ Learn more and view the agenda at https://bit.ly/4pyfvhI.

11/27/2025

Virginia CRNA Myra Branch has spent 38 years providing care for patients through some of their most vulnerable moments, a responsibility she considers a true privilege.

Read more in the Fairfax County Times: https://bit.ly/3M1yC5s

11/25/2025

Virginia CRNA in the spotlight! 🎥 Check out this clip from VANA member Myra Branch live on Fox 5 DC, where she promoted World Anesthesia Day this past October!

11/17/2025

VANA President Jessica Ray and Past President Adrienne Hartgerink attended the Virginia Nurses Foundation Gala this weekend, networking with nursing colleagues from across Virginia.

It was an inspiring evening filled with new connections and incredible stories of the work Virginia nurses are are doing across our state! 👏

11/11/2025

Longtime VANA member Dr. Cathy Harrison, DNAP, CRNA, MSN, was recently awarded the 2025 Veterans Day Community Hero of the Year Award by the Vets on Track Foundation in recognition of her selfless dedication to her community and service to others.

Congratulations on this much-deserved honor, Dr. Harrison, and a huge thank you to all veterans and CRNAs who have given so much to serve their communities and their country. We are proud of you. Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸

11/10/2025

Last week, three past VANA Presidents, the DCANA President, and our VANA Vice President traveled to Richmond to provide input as discussions began on what AA licensure and regulations could look like in Virginia.

The meeting brought together physician anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and CAAs in a collegial conversation. VANA leadership is working diligently to ensure our perspectives and concerns are heard throughout this process.

There will be several opportunities for public comment, and we learned that 2027 would be a stretch for this to all be done.

10/22/2025

Day #1 of Mission Tomorrow is happening now! The SRNA crew from
VCU Nurse Anesthesia - College of Health Professions is staffing VANA's exhibit, teaching the 8th graders how to intubate and encouraging them to pursue a CRNA career.

10/17/2025

VANA members attended the Northern Virginia Legislative Reception with Virginia legislators and local candidates, including Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra and Senator Jennifer B. Boysko, to exchange ideas and explore solutions to advance healthcare across the Commonwealth!