AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

06/18/2026

For the Gonzalez family, becoming a CRNA is more than a career—it’s a legacy.

More than 70 years ago, Ana Gonzalez, CRNA, practiced anesthesia using little more than her training, experience, and vigilance. Her son, Richard Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA, followed her path and eventually took over her practice. Today, his daughter, Kailey Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA, is beginning her own career as a third-generation CRNA.

Though technology has transformed anesthesia care, the heart of the profession remains the same: keeping patients safe when they need it most.

The Gonzalez family shares how three generations have carried forward a commitment to service, vigilance, and patient care: https://bit.ly/4vw88KM

06/18/2026

Built on 95 years of safety, excellence, advocacy and leadership. Focused on what’s next.

As we enter this milestone year, AANA is actively fighting across fronts to protect the CRNA profession and expand access to care for patients nationwide.

The work continues – and so does the impact.

Let's keep moving forward.

06/17/2026

Here's to 95 years! 🎉

To the pioneers who built this profession. To the generations of CRNAs who advanced patient care. To the educators, advocates, volunteers, and leaders who helped shape AANA along the way.

Today, we celebrate the people whose dedication, passion, and leadership have made AANA what it is today.

Join our Board of Directors and CEO in celebrating this milestone—and here's to the next chapter of our story.

06/17/2026

Today we not only celebrate 95 years of AANA, but more importantly 95 years of dedicated CRNAs shaping our profession, advancing patient care, and making a lasting impact across healthcare.

What began in 1931 with 40 nurse anesthetists representing 12 states has grown into a strong, national community grounded in safety, excellence, advocacy, and leadership.

Throughout the day, we’ll be sharing moments from our archives – highlighting the people, milestones and progress that helped define this organization and the CRNA profession.

Follow along on our story as we look back, celebrate how far we’ve come, and honor the legacy that continues to move us forward.

Check out the full story of AANA’s 95 years here: https://bit.ly/4veVNL9

06/16/2026

Becoming a CRNA requires years of education, doctoral-level coursework, and extensive clinical training. During that time, students are often unable to work while taking on significant educational and clinical training costs.

That's why AANA continues pursuing Congressional, Administrative, and legal advocacy against new federal student loan caps that could make it harder for qualified students to pursue CRNA education and ultimately reduce access to care.

Now, House lawmakers are raising concerns about the impact these caps could have on advanced nursing education and the future healthcare workforce.

This issue matters for students, for CRNAs, and for the patients who depend on access to care.

We're making progress, but the work isn't done.

06/15/2026

Patients shouldn't have to travel hours or delay care because anesthesia providers aren't available.
In a win for CRNAs and the patients we serve, lawmakers included language in a key House funding bill that keeps pressure on CMS to address access challenges and recognize the role nurse anesthetists play in meeting patient needs.

CRNAs already fill care gaps across the country, helping ensure patients have access to the care they need – particularly in rural and underserved communities where access challenges are greatest. But more needs to be done.

Evaluation alone isn’t enough, but it’s a first step. This progress reflects AANA’s sustained advocacy, and we will continue pushing for policies that reflect the vital role CRNAs play in ensuring patients can access the care they need, regardless of where they live.

06/12/2026

Great news for the nursing workforce, CRNAs, and patient access to care.

House lawmakers recently included a $2 million increase for Title VIII nursing workforce programs in a key funding bill—a meaningful shift from last year, when lawmakers considered cutting funding by $40 million.

These programs help educate and train the nurses communities rely on every day. For AANA and our members, investments in nursing education today help support the next generation of CRNAs.

This is an important step forward and a reflection of sustained advocacy from AANA, CRNAs, and our broader nursing community. More work remains, but this is real momentum in the right direction.

06/09/2026

At a time when anesthesia shortages and access challenges are well documented, we should be advancing solutions – not policies that further strain the workforce and patients.

AANA is proud to stand with American Nurses Association and our partners in a lawsuit challenging a new student loan cap ruling.

AANA Vice President Jennifer Banek MSN, MHA, CRNA spoke with Scripps News about how these changes could impact nurses and access to care.

06/08/2026

🚨 Last call to submit feedback on proposed updates to the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice. The draft modernizes the document to reflect the minimum requirements all CRNAs must follow across every practice setting.

Because this document helps define the role and responsibilities of CRNAs, input from the profession is essential: https://bit.ly/3r74Hyp

Explore open comment opportunities held by AANA Staff and the AANA Practice Committee. Share your insights and help shape best practices in the field.

06/05/2026

AANA is proud to join with American Nurses Association and our partners to protect access to advanced nursing education by challenging the Department of Education’s new loan rules.

POLITICO Pro’s Health Care PM newsletter is highlighting what’s at stake – now is not the time to allow communities to lose access to care or disrupt the anesthesia workforce.