Celebrating CRNA Week: The Heart of Anesthesia in South Carolina

As South Carolina acknowledges CRNA Week from January 18 to 24, it shines a spotlight on the essential role that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs) play in providing safe and high-quality anesthesia care. This week-long celebration emphasizes the compassion, expertise, and leadership that CRNAs offer their patients every day. The theme for this year is "CRNAs: The Heart of Anesthesia."

What is CRNA Week?

CRNA Week is dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of nurse anesthesiologists in South Carolina. Angela Mund, President of the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (S.C.A.N.A.), stated, "CRNAs truly are the heart of anesthesia care in South Carolina. Their expertise, commitment to patient safety, and compassionate approach ensure patients receive high-quality care at some of the most critical moments of their lives."

The association proudly represents over 1,500 CRNAs and students across the state and operates two highly acclaimed nurse anesthetist programs at four campuses in Columbia, Greenville, and Florence, under the University of South Carolina's School of Medicine, as well as in Charleston through the Medical University of South Carolina.

The Role of CRNAs

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and manage pain for various patients, including those undergoing surgical, obstetrical, trauma, and chronic pain treatments. Their services extend across hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, physician offices, and military and veterans’ health facilities. Notably, they often serve as the only anesthesia providers in rural and underserved communities, where access to specialized care can be challenging.

With rigorous education and extensive clinical training, over 75,000 practicing CRNAs are responsible for delivering more than 58 million anesthetics each year nationwide. In South Carolina, they are an integral part of the healthcare workforce, particularly as the state continues to address provider shortages and enhance access to care, especially in rural areas.

The Importance of CRNAs in Healthcare

As healthcare demands evolve and the complexities of patient needs grow, the role of CRNAs becomes increasingly significant. They are tasked with not just administering anesthesia but ensuring the overall safety and well-being of their patients. Their capacity to provide personalized, high-quality care shines, especially during critical moments, making them indispensable to the healthcare system.

Angela Mund expresses gratitude during CRNA Week, acknowledging, "As we observe CRNA Week, we thank every nurse anesthesiologist for being the heart of anesthesia and a cornerstone of health care in communities across our state."

Get Involved

To learn more about the contributions of CRNAs and how you might support this vital profession, visit the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology website at sccrna.org/mpage/CRNAWeek2026. You can also follow S.C.A.N.A. on their social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, to stay updated and support CRNA initiatives throughout the year.

CRNA Week serves not only as a celebration but also as an important reminder of the critical care provided by CRNAs across South Carolina. Their sacrifice, skills, and dedication to patient safety continue to impact countless lives positively.