Events & Continuing Education

Airway Workshop 

Hands-on training with cutting edge technology and high fidelity simulation, including cricothyrotomy training with animal cadavers, ultrasound assessments, awake intubation procedures, and new devices from Glidescope that integrate FOB and DL. 

Date of Most Recent Event: Saturday, January 7th, 2023 

Nurse Anesthesia Doctoral Project Dissemination Event

Every year, the Nurse Anesthesia department highlights the work of the senior DNP students. In 2019, 2020, and 2023 we held a live event at the RFU campus. During COVID, the event transitioned to a highly successful online platform that reached participants from all over the country.  Now, our evidence-based projects are available year-round by searching our DNP Scholarship page.

Date of Most Recent Event: Saturday, March 4th, 2023

Annual Congress

Annual Congress is the largest meeting of CRNAs in the world. Offering multiple educational tracks and concurrent sessions, hands-on workshops, industry lectures, vendor interaction, and fun networking opportunities, this is the premier event for CRNAs. 

White Coat Ceremony 

During a ceremony held Oct. 20, 2023, nurse anesthesia students received the white coats that signify the beginning of their clinical education. Congratulations DNP Class of 2024.

2024 CRNA Week

RFU DNP Students celebrate national CRNA Week (Jan. 21-27, 2024)

National CRNA Week is the AANA’s annual celebration of anesthesia patient safety and the nation’s nearly 54,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and student registered nurse anesthetists who safely and cost-effectively provide more than 49 million anesthetics each year.

CRNA Week 2023: January 21-27, 2024

IANA

The Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthetists hold meetings throughout the state every spring and fall. Students from RFU and the Illinois nurse anesthesia programs are invited to give educational lectures to practicing CRNAs and other SRNAs to enhance their knowledge on pertinent anesthesia topics. RFU students have been presenting at IANA meetings for several years through podium presentations, usually by the school representative to the IANA. This is a great opportunity for CRNA residents to develop their public speaking, network with other CRNAs, and disseminate the work they have done while in the program.

WIANA

Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists 

The Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists hold meetings throughout the state every spring and fall. Students from RFU and the Wisconsin nurse anesthesia programs are invited to give educational lectures to practicing CRNAs and other SRNAs to enhance their knowledge on pertinent anesthesia topics. RFU students have been presenting at WIANA meetings for several years through podium presentations and poster presentations. This is a great opportunity for CRNA residents to develop their public speaking, network with other CRNAs, and disseminate the work they have done while in the program.

Mid-Year Assembly

Students and faculty attend the Mid-Year Assembly to learn about the power of advocacy in protecting and promoting the practice of nurse anesthetists. The Assembly offers novice and expert tracks on the legislative process, lobbying, and position statements of the national organization. All attendees spend several days meeting with legislators and their aides on the Hill to discuss issues that are important to the profession. More information about the Mid-Year Assembly. 

Save the Date: April 20-24, 2024 

Advocacy

Advocacy is an important part of nurse anesthesia education, since legislation and politics and impact our practice greatly. In addition to lectures on policy and advocacy, our residents are encouraged to attend Lobby Day for CRNAs in Springfield, IL and Madison, WI. They are also mentored to meet with their own representatives at the state and federal level to discuss issues that are important to CRNAs. CRNA residents have the opportunity during their junior and senior years to attend the Mid Year Assembly in Washington, DC. CRNA Week is a celebrated time at RFU and our residents use it as an opportunity to promote the profession and educate other healthcare specialty students about our role. Featured here are photos from the advocacy efforts of the RFU Nurse Anesthesia residents over the years.