February 2026

Tell the Department of Education: CRNAs are professionals

The Department of Education’s proposed rule misclassifies nurse anesthesia programs as graduate programs, limiting access to federal student loans and threatening the future CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist workforce at a time of provider shortages. 

As educators and program leaders, your perspective matters. Submit a personalized comment describing how reduced federal loan access could affect your program, your residents, and the pipeline of future CRNAs. 

Public comments close March 2. 

Why obstetric rotations matter in nurse anesthesia training

Recent research highlights the role of dedicated obstetric anesthesia rotations in preparing future CRNA/nurse anesthesiologists for full-scope practice. Findings show that residents with structured obstetric experience report greater confidence in key skills, such as epidural management, and feel better prepared for independent practice, while those without such exposure identify gaps in readiness.  

This article offers valuable insights for educators and program administrators seeking to strengthen clinical training and support well-rounded anesthesia education. 

Inside EDGE: The conversations shaping nurse anesthesiology education

Recorded live at EDGE 2026, this special episode brings all four hosts together for an honest conversation about why this meeting remains essential for nurse anesthesiology educators. The group shares insights from sessions and conversations that spotlight evolving challenges in nurse anesthesiology education, including faculty development, accreditation pressures, educator burnout, mentorship gaps, and the growing role of innovation and AI. More than a recap, this episode explores why in-person connection matters and how investing in educators strengthens the future of the profession.

Call for Papers: AANA Journal Special Issue on QI & Evidence-Based Project

The AANA Journal is inviting submissions for a special issue focused on Quality Improvement (QI) and Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) projects that improve anesthesia and perioperative outcomes. Eligible papers should include implemented interventions with measurable outcomes and contribute to safe, effective, evidence-based care.  

Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026 

Upcoming important dates and deadlines 

Deadline 

March 1 

AANA Foundation Resident Scholarship deadline 

Deadline 
March 2 
Poster Presentations for Congress open 

Important date 
March 2 
Abstracts for EDGE 2027 open 

Deadline 

March 6 

Resident Excellence Award deadline 

Deadline 

March 8 

AANA Resident Mentoring Program deadline 

Deadline 
March 15 
Lifetime Achievement Award nominations 

Virtual Event 
March 23 | 7–8 p.m. CT 
Resident Roundtable: Recognize. Respond. Recover: Navigating Substance Use Disorder in Your Anesthesia Journey 

Deadline 
April 1 
Anesthesia College Bowl nominations due 

Educator Resource Hub 

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As a nurse anesthesia educator, you play a vital role in shaping the next generation of CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists. Each issue of Educator Insights delivers curated resources, essential practice updates, and professional development to support both your teaching and your residents' success. 

Stay connected. Stay informed. Empower the future of nurse anesthesiology.