How nurse anesthetists met a critical need at the Minneapolis VA

Recent reports about anesthesia staffing challenges at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center tell an important story about Minnesota’s healthcare workforce, and about professionals like nurse anesthetists who continued to care for veterans.

When physician anesthesiologists left the Minneapolis VA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) stepped up. They stayed. They took on greater responsibility. And they helped keep operating rooms open and veterans receiving care. Their response reflects the role CRNAs play every day in communities across Minnesota.

CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses educated and trained specifically to provide anesthesia care. They administer anesthesia, continuously monitor patients, respond to complications, and care for patients before, during and after procedures.

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