In this interview, David Andrews, MHS, CRNA, sits down with Jon Lowrance to discuss the importance of CRNAs and SRNAs advocating for their profession through state and national associations. David is the current President of the Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Clinical Director for Outpatient Anesthesia Services and has been actively involved in leadership positions in state associations as well as the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).  This interview was conducted during the Fall of 2014 in Tualatin, OR.
Topics Discussed Include:

* Rationales for participating in state and national associations.
* The role state and national associations have had in protecting and advancing the field of nurse anesthesia.
* Importance of contributions to political action committees (PACs) whether through time or financial commitments.
* The role anesthesia program directors can have in helping SRNAs get involved in advocating for their profession.
* Tips for talking with legislators.
* Principles of leadership and volunteerism.

Resources and links:
Oregon Association for Nurse Anesthetists (OANA) https://www.oregon-crna.org
American Association for Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) http://www.aana.com
Outpatient Anesthesia Services (OASOR) http://www.oasor.com
The Future of Anesthesia Care Today http://www.future-of-anesthesia-care-today.com
 
Highlights:
“…and the message we have [as CRNAs] is good – it’s quality of care, access to care and cost savings – that’s the side of the argument you want to be on.” David Andrews
“Because of this challenge we face, we get this great opportunity to learn how to legislate and… how to lead. Our state organization and the national organization teach effective leadership… and that’s a great life lesson – that’s just a side benefit of becoming a CRNA.” David Andrews