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Seriously doubt this will be endorsed by the AANA, but...thoughts?

The Nurse Anesthesiologist Movement is officially underway! Help support the movement as we take the next steps to ensuring it comes to fruition. The first step will be to rename the AANA the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists! In order to get there though we will need funds for PR, marketing, legal expertise, etc. over the next couple months. All donations will go to supporting the Nurse Anesthesiologist Movement, and 100% of any leftover funding (should there be any) will go to the CRNA PAC!

https://www.gofundme.com/phxu8h-american-association-of-nurse-anesthesiologists

[BigPappaCRNA]

On 2/21/2019 at 3:18 AM, Spadeforce said:

I can see a lot of push back on this since anesthesiologist is a protected title

Nope. It is NOT a protected title. Neither is Anesthetist. They are vague descriptors, nothing more, nothing less. In fact, that is precisely the reason why the ASA coined the new term, Physician Anesthesiologists. It is also why they are using the term Anesthetist in their new CA-A literature. In fact, there are already officially recognized Dental Anesthesiologists, veterinary anesthesiologists, and now, the potential to add Nurse Anesthesiologist. It has been vetted extensively by copyright attorneys. Now, I am not saying it is going to pass, as it requires a 2/3s vote and there are a lot of people in the autumn of their career that attend conferences and vote on this type of stuff, but....every journey begins with a first step.

[WestCoastSunRN, MSN, CNS]

Hi everyone. Not a CRNA -- in a little over a year I'll be a CNS -- which most people have no clue as to what that is. So I get, somewhat, the problem of other clinicians, patients and the public not having a clear understanding of my APRN role. In my field, it's not because of the name -- it's far more complicated and muddy.

But.... for CRNA. I hate the anesthetist ending, personally. It's hard to say and does not convey as clearly the role, to the public - as anesthesiologist would (IMO). Just put "nurse" in front -- and what's the problem? (Obviously I am ignorant to the history/culture of the industry - but still think I make a valid point)

So here is my question -- as someone who would like to speak intelligently when referring to my CNRA colleagues --

Is it OK for me to refer to you all as "nurse anesthesiologists"? Because it sounds like since "anesthesiologist" is not protected, that it is OK and even appropriate. Am I understanding correctly?

[loveanesthesia]

"Is it OK for me to refer to you all as "nurse anesthesiologists"? Because it sounds like since "anesthesiologist" is not protected, that it is OK and even appropriate. Am I understanding correctly?"

Hard to tell, some will like it, and some CRNAs may not. CRNAs that work for physicians are likely to get push back from them so are more likely to be uncomfortable with it.

I had an 'Aha' moment when reading about this over the past few months when I realized that many people don't think that 'anesthesiologist' means physician. Through my career I've been referred to as an 'anesthesiologist' several times by people who clearly were aware that I am a nurse. Then I realized they didn't see 'nurse' and 'anesthesiologist' as mutually exclusive, they think I can be both.

The most important reason to support 'nurse anesthesiologist' is the systematic campaign to have AA = CRNA. AA is now CAA, and they identify themselves as 'anesthetist', and policy makers are told AA = CRNA. So we must clearly communicate that this is not accurate. In some practices CRNAs are limited to the scope/function of the AAs, but the professions are different. We want everyone to know we are 'nurses' and 'anesthesiologists'. There are physician anesthesiologists, dental anesthesiologists, veterinarian anesthesiologists and nurse anesthesiologists. This is not about CRNAs wanting to be 'physicians' it's about CRNAs wanting to be recognized as nurses who specialized in the advanced practice of anesthesia.

[loveanesthesia]

One other thought, the AANA spent considerable time/money trying to see if AAs could be prevented from calling themselves 'anesthetist' since their title is clearly 'anesthesiologist assistant'. No one can prevent an AA from identifying themselves as 'anesthetist'. So this is the next best thing.

[RicRock, MSN, CRNA]

11 minutes ago, loveanesthesia said:

One other thought, the AANA spent considerable time/money trying to see if AAs could be prevented from calling themselves 'anesthetist' since their title is clearly 'anesthesiologist assistant'. No one can prevent an AA from identifying themselves as 'anesthetist'. So this is the next best thing.

Perfect explanation