Buckeye nurse anesthesia students and faculty attend AANA Congress

Nurse anesthesia students and faculty gathered in Boston for the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Annual Congress, joining CRNAs and nurse anesthesia professionals from across the country to learn, connect and look toward the future of the profession.

For students, Congress offers an opportunity to experience the profession beyond the classroom and clinical setting – learning about the latest evidence in anesthesia practice, building relationships with colleagues and seeing Ohio State faculty contribute on a national stage.

There was also something meaningful about experiencing it all together.

“Great programs are built on more than curriculum and clinical hours. They’re also built on community, shared experiences and a sense that we are part of something bigger than ourselves,” said John Welch, DNP, MS, APRN-CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, director of Ohio State’s nurse anesthesia program. 

“We want our students to see themselves as part of this profession from the moment they arrive at Ohio State. To see themselves as future CRNAs who will remain engaged, lead, advocate and help shape where our profession goes next.”

The experience also connected students with the history of modern anesthesia while giving them a firsthand look at the profession they are preparing to help shape as future CRNAs. And there was plenty of Buckeye fellowship along the way, from professional growth and shared experiences to a lot of fun – and just for good measure, a ninth-inning Red Sox win at Fenway.