Dear TANA Members,
It’s official—the holidays are upon us! With so many special celebrations to distract us between Halloween and New Year’s Day, it’s easy to overlook one of the most important holidays that all Americans should have circled on their calendars: Veterans Day!
On this day, TANA humbly pays tribute to the thousands of veteran and active-duty military nurse anesthetists who have served the United States by caring for those who fight to protect our way of life.
I’d like to share with you the following message that was recently sent to local media by President-Elect LCDR Hope Ferguson, DNP, CRNA, APRN, on behalf of TANA in recognition of Veterans Day:
“As a full-time Navy reservist and military trained nurse anesthetist who cares for veterans at the Memphis VA Medical Center, it is my honor to salute all military veterans on behalf of the 2,400-member Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA).
The connection between our military heroes and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) extends back more than 150 years, when nurses first gave anesthesia to wounded soldiers on the battlefields of the American Civil War. Since then, CRNAs have been the primary front-line anesthesia providers in every U.S. military action, from WWI to the present day. Throughout the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines you will find thousands of CRNAs who received their anesthesia education and training at military universities and gained indelible experience in dangerous, austere environments caring for the men and women who fight to protect our way of life.
Here at home, CRNAs are essential healthcare providers in VA hospitals and other facilities, ensuring that deserving veterans have access to the best surgical, obstetrical, trauma, and pain management services possible. Without quality anesthesia care, these services simply would not be possible.
On Veterans Day 2022, the anesthesia experts of TANA want all our military veterans to know “we’ve got your backs.”
Wishing everyone a peaceful Veterans Day of remembrance and gratitude, and a joyous holiday season.
Sincerely,
Jim Alberding, DNP, CRNA, APN
TANA President