The Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists (LANA) is a nonprofit association for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA). LANA’s purpose is to strenghten, promote and advance the profession of nurse anesthesia, enhance the art and science of anesthesiology, and facilitate the provision of accessible, affordable, high quality care for all patients.

CRNAs are advanced practice nurses registered by the Louisiana Board of Nursing. Certification as a nurse anesthetist is granted through the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Council on Certification. CRNAs must have a current state license as a registered nurse, graduate from an approved educational program, successfully complete the certification examination and comply with continuing education requirements for recertification.

In 1880, nurses were the first professional group to specialize in and provide anesthesia services in the United States and since that time, nurse anesthetists have administered the majority of anesthetics in all settings nationwide. Nurse anesthetists provided a large portion of military anesthesia services for the U.S. during every armed conflict during the 20th Century. During World War I and II, nurse anethetists trained other nurses and physicians from multiple countries as anesthetists. In fact, it was not until after World War II that a significant number of physicians entered the field of anesthesia.

Currently, 27,000 CRNAs are practicing throughout the U.S. CRNAs administer more than 65% of the 26 million anesthetics given to patients annually in America and practice in every type of setting in which anesthesia is delivered, working with and without anesthesiologists. In addition, CRNAs provide pain control to patients of all ages.

You can now make donations online to LANA by clicking the button below.

Click this button to make a donation to LANA.

Note: Donations to the LANA general budget ARE tax deductible.