Celebrate CRNA Week 2026
CRNAs: The Heart of Anesthesia
Every year across the United States, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics to patients. My name is Nick Collier and I am proud to count myself among the more than 75,000 CRNAs celebrating our profession during National CRNA Week, January 18-24, 2026.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) established CRNA Week in 2000 to inform the public about anesthesia safety and the high-quality, accessible care CRNAs provide.
As expert anesthesia providers, CRNAs undergo years of rigorous education and training. They are the only anesthesia professionals who obtain critical care experience before even entering anesthesia school.
CRNAs’ extensive training and expertise support hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers across the country that might otherwise struggle to maintain anesthesia and pain management services for their patients.
Patients are at the center of what we do. CRNAs collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered, high-quality, holistic, evidence-based care.
CRNA Week is an opportunity to reflect on the heroic work and unique expertise of CRNAs and Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs) —future CRNAs enrolled in rigorous nurse anesthesiology programs culminating in doctoral degrees—while also recognizing the strength and resilience of our community.
This year’s theme, “The Heart of Anesthesia,” acknowledges our long history as highly trained professionals who guide patients through their most vulnerable moments with unmatched skill, compassion, and reassurance. We are there with the patients throughout the procedure, from beginning to end, providing care and comfort through their recovery.
I’m the only anesthesia provider at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville. Like other rural communities, CRNAs provide more than 80% of anesthesia care. Our presence in the community, skill, and precision ensure patients undergo timely surgery and complex cases safely, access pain management, and avoid needless delay or travel. CRNAs also support expectant families by enabling access to high-quality labor and delivery care—often in areas where no other anesthesia professionals are available.
As advanced practice registered nurses, we are members of one of America’s most trusted and respected healthcare professions. CRNAs have long served on the front lines of patient care, and we continue to answer the call to keep patients healthy and safe. Please join me in recognizing CRNAs as the heart of anesthesia as we celebrate National CRNA Week!