American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Acknowledged as a Top Workplace by Chicago Tribune

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Sets the Standard as a Top Workplace 2024

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has once again received accolades from the Chicago Tribune, being named among the prestigious Top Workplaces for 2024. This marks the third time since 2021 that AANA has garnered this honor, with the organization achieving an impressive rank of 27th, a significant leap from its previous position of 39th.

AANA's recognition is particularly noteworthy, as it claimed the title of the highest-ranked healthcare association in the 'small' category, which includes organizations with fewer than 250 employees. Such accolades are determined through employee feedback collected via a third-party survey, specifically designed to measure crucial cultural factors that drive success within an organization. The survey, administered by Energage LLC, examines 15 critical culture drivers, including alignment, execution, and connection amongst teams.

Bill Bruce, AANA's Chief Executive Officer, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "Making the list is an incredible achievement. Moving up the list and being the highest ranked association is a testament to the entire AANA team's effort into building a culture where all of its members feel empowered, valued, and included as their authentic selves... To have that honor based on direct feedback from the team is exceptional."

AANA, based in Rosemont, Illinois, with an office also in Washington, D.C., has taken substantial steps to prioritize employee well-being and work-life balance. Initiatives include a compressed work week, ten paid holidays, and a winter closure between Christmas and New Year’s. Additionally, employees have the unique opportunity to volunteer through a designated day off for engagement in non-profit activities of their choice. Over the last two years, AANA has also initiated a Leadership Institute geared towards current and aspiring leaders, focusing on advanced professional development.

The importance of acknowledging employee feedback and fostering an inclusive company culture cannot be overstated. Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, highlighted this relationship by stating, "Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees. That’s something to be proud of... In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard."

The trust and recognition AANA receives are vital, especially in the realm of healthcare, where it employs nearly 65,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) across the United States. CRNAs are crucial in providing anesthesia care, administering over 58 million anesthetics annually and serving as primary providers in many rural areas. They represent more than 80% of anesthesia providers in rural counties, making their role indispensable in the healthcare system.

Founded in 1931, AANA continues to champion the interests and professional development of its members, ensuring that CRNAs have the resources and support needed to deliver exceptional anesthesia care to patients. As the recognition from the Chicago Tribune demonstrates, AANA excels not only in its service to patients but also in creating a nurturing work environment for its employees. For additional details, visit www.aana.com.

In conclusion, the achievement of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology as a Top Workplace is a reflection of their commitment to excellence, both in the services they provide and the culture they foster for their employees. As organizations in various sectors continue to navigate the complexities of employee engagement and satisfaction, AANA stands out as a beacon of what can be accomplished when a team works together for the common good, building an environment that celebrates and supports each individual across the organization.