Stay Connected and Let Your Voice Be Heard

AANA Update

April 2010

Janice J. Izlar, CRNA, DNAP

AANA Region 2 Director

Does the AANA have an email on file for you? That is an important question for you to answer. There is no doubt email is the fastest way to disseminate information. The AANA President carefully selects vital information to send to you via AANA Alerts. This is timely information you need to know to stay abreast of current issues going on within the profession and our organization. E-ssentials is an electronic newsletter that is sent approximately every two weeks. This publication contains current information about topics of interest for CRNAs and articles to help us provide enhanced patient care. Periodically, you should log on to the AANA website, www.aana.com. The site is updated almost daily with information important to you. Stay connected to the AANA for information you need to know!

Your opinion is important to the AANA Board of Directors. A staff task force has been formed to enhance our ability to seek member input through electronic surveys. You recently received the 2010 AANA Compensation and Benefits Survey. We need everyone to complete the survey to obtain accurate, statistically valid information critical to understand CRNA practice and employment patterns across the country. The information is anonymous. Other electronic surveys are planned to obtain membership input on a variety of subjects. So, watch your in-boxes. We want and need to hear from you!

Don’t be late with your recertification. The National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) is offering recertification applications online. It is quick and easy. The fee for recertification is $100.00 and must be done by July 31, 2010 to avoid the $500.00 reinstatement fee. It is critical you allow sufficient time for this process. You must have completed the required 40 CE credits before applying. Since the programs have up to 30 days to submit the paperwork for you to receive credit, you should complete your coursework early. Also, allow for a minimum of four weeks for processing. This provides adequate time for review and verification of the information submitted on your application. Contact the NBCRNA via email at recertification@aana.com or phone toll free 866.894.3908 for assistance in obtaining a recertification application or any questions about the process. Don’t be late with your mandatory recertification!

Ballots will be mailed May 13, 2010 for the upcoming AANA election. Please see the election slate in the April 2010 AANA NewsBulletin. If the AANA has an email address on file for you, then you should have received a message asking whether you prefer an electronic or paper ballot. In past years, if a member did not reply to this email, they would receive a ballot in electronic and paper format. At the January 2010 Board of Directors meeting, we voted to change this process. Members who do not respond will receive their ballot in electronic format only. If the AANA does not have an email on file for you, then you will continue to receive a paper ballot. Votes will still be received with on-line or paper ballots. If you have not received your ballot by June 1, 2010, please apply for one in writing. This may be done by mail to AANA Executive Office, Attn. Susan Kastning, or email to skastning@aana.com. Voting cut-off is noon, Tuesday, June 22, 2010. Some races are won by a narrow margin. Every vote counts; let your voice be heard!

I have heard members say they don’t vote because they don’t know the candidates and their views. The ballot will include a photo of the candidate; a bio-sketch with the candidate’s experiences with the state and national associations; and Board of Director candidates will have a position statement. This year the candidate’s speeches from Mid-Year Assembly will be videoed and available for everyone to view on the AANA website. Also, there is an Online Forum for Candidates seeking a Board of Director’s position. Submit questions to the candidates on this moderated forum to learn their views about issues important to you and our profession. Follow the forum on the AANA website to learn how the candidates view a variety of subjects. Finally, contact the candidate if you would like to discuss an issue important to you. I am confident every candidate would welcome the opportunity to share their passions and goals for the position they are seeking with you. Get to know the candidate and vote!

Make plans now to attend the AANA Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington, August 7 – 11, 2010. The business meeting is scheduled on Saturday afternoon. Many important decisions will be made during this meeting and you need to be there to voice your opinion about the direction you would like to see the AANA head. There will also be exciting special presentations, informative educational sessions, fun social events, wellness activities, and plenty of opportunity to network with colleagues. Be present for this powerful week!

It is an honor to serve as your Region 2 Director. If there is any thing I can do for you, please contact me.