Founded in 1931, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) is the professional association representing more than 39,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) nationwide. The AANA promulgates education, and practice standards and guidelines, and affords consultation to both private and governmental entities regarding nurse anesthetists and their practice. The AANA Foundation supports the profession by awarding education and research grants to students, faculty and practicing CRNAs. The AANA developed and implemented a certification program in 1945 and instituted a recertification program in 1978. It established a mechanism for accreditation of nurse anesthesia educational programs in 1952, which has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education since 1955. In 1975, the AANA was a leader among professional organizations in the United States by forming autonomous multidisciplinary councils with public representation for performing the profession's certification, accreditation, and public interest functions. Today, the CRNA credential is well recognized as an indicator of quality and competence.

Vision Statement: AANA will be a preeminent professional association for healthcare and patient safety.(June 2011)

Mission Statement: AANA advances patient safety, practice excellence, and its members' profession. (June 2011)

Core Values:

• Patient Safety
• Care for the whole patient, from a nursing perpsective
• Professional excellence and personal well-being
• Healthcare policy collaboration
• Integrity and quality in all professional and clinical settings (June 2011)

Motto: Safe and Effective Anesthesia Care (June 2011)


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