NANA's History

Overview

Established in the late 1800’s as the first clinical nursing specialty, nurse anesthesia developed in response to the growing need surgeons had for competent anesthetic providers.  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) have played significant roles in developing the practice of anesthesia.

The Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NANA) was established in 1936, and was incorporated in October, 1973.  NANA is the professional association representing over 400 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in the state. CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthetics administered to patients and are used by nearly every hospital in Nebraska, taking care of patients before, during, and after surgical and obstetrical procedures. They are board certified and must meet continuing education requirements for recertification. The association promotes education and practice standards and guidelines and offers two state-wide conferences annually along with legislative and regulatory advocacy for the profession. More than 95% of the CRNAs in Nebraska are members of NANA.

NANA Past Presidents

Click here for the list of NANA Past Presidents.