| PA NAP CAP "Keystone Kindness" |
| Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State; noted for its beauty, history and excellence in nursing education. Unfortunately, there are also over 1 million people in PA today living in poverty. This year the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) Public Relations and Student Activities committees worked together with student leaders from nurse anesthesia programs to coordinate a statewide endeavor during the National Nurse Anesthetist week. PANA developed a program entitled "PA NAP CAP" which stands for Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Professionals Caring About Pennsylvanians. During CRNA week students and CRNAs from Pennsylvania's nurse anesthesia programs participated in a variety of outreach activities which included volunteering at local soup kitchens and shelters, donating food and needed items and educating the public about the role of the CRNA. Over 400 CRNAs, students and friends participated in this event committing over 200 hours of service and serving more than 5,000 needy Pennsylvanians. |
| Marie A. DeFrancesco-Loukas, SRNA from Villanova's Nurse Anesthesia Program describes the activities in Minneapolis: "8/8/08 is a date the PANA will remember for a long time. We received the voice message upon our arrival in Minneapolis. PANA won the AANA Public Relations Recognition Award for the Best Promotional Effort for National Nurse Anesthetists Week..... There was modest celebration by the students Friday night. Saturday morning rehearsals for the procession at 0730. I met with leaders in anesthesia and they were touched by our state's consolidated efforts of goodwill. The award was accepted by myself, from Villanova University, from AANA outgoing President, Wanda Wilson during opening ceremonies. It was a proud and humbling experience; eclipsed by some of the country's GIANTS in Anesthesia standing on the same stage. Mike Conti PANA V.P. represented PANA and supported the students' participation." |
| PA CRNA's have done a great job when they have been able to find the time out of the OR to market themselves to their community through contact with their local newspapers and congressmen. Get some credit for your efforts by planning next years events now, and submitting your results to the PANA upon completion |
Go to the AANA's CRNA Week Page