CRNAs Focus on Staff Wellness and Patient Safety

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has joined the ALL IN: Wellbeing First for Healthcare coalition, saying the group’s initiative to improve the mental health and overall wellbeing of healthcare workers is important on its own – and ultimately vital for patients as well.

AANA made the announcement in December and will begin its collaboration with other ALL IN member groups as tens of thousands of certified registered nurse anesthetists take part in CRNA Week 2025 activities from Jan. 19-25 to raise awareness of their role in providing outstanding anesthesia care. This year’s theme is “CRNAs: Exceptional Care. Innovative Leaders.” 

The ALL IN mission is to focus on reducing burnout, stress and compassion fatigue by creating a supportive environment through evidence-based practices, peer support and organizational strategies. By joining the collective effort, AANA aims to collaborate on solutions that enhance healthcare worker wellbeing which, in turn, will improve patient care and safety.

Joining the coalition reinforces AANA’s longstanding commitment to support the mental and emotional wellbeing of CRNAs and other healthcare professionals. The ALL IN coalition brings together organizations from across the healthcare sector to collaborate on actionable solutions that prioritize the wellness of those who care for others.

"Healthcare workers, including CRNAs, face immense stress and burnout, and it's crucial that we create systems and support networks that prioritize their mental health," says AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC. "Joining the ALL IN coalition aligns with AANA's mission to help ensure that every healthcare worker has access to the resources and care they need to thrive professionally and personally."

AANA will work alongside other influential healthcare organizations to push for meaningful, lasting changes in policies, training and practices that support healthcare workers' mental health. This membership underscores AANA's ongoing efforts to advocate for the healthcare workforce and ensure that CRNAs have the support they need to continue providing excellent care to their patients.

"As healthcare providers, it is our duty to prioritize care for our own fellow healthcare workers, so that they have what they need to serve their patients,” says Ms. Setnor. “CRNAs are anesthesia professionals who safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States. It is paramount they are safe and protected as they work to provide for their patients."

Visit www.allinforhealthcare.org for more information.    

In a related move, AANA recently announced the launch of its Wellness Ambassador Micro-credential for CRNAs, nurse anesthesiologists and residents. The comprehensive program empowers healthcare professionals to promote holistic wellbeing within their communities and the anesthesia profession. Participants will gain vital knowledge and practical skills in the following areas: substance use disorders; suicide awareness and prevention; second victim phenomenon; emotional intelligence; stigma reduction; critical communication skills; and pillars of health and wellness.