NC Association of Nurse Anesthetists Announces All-time Highs in Membership

NC Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Announces All-time Highs in Membership
Membership Growth Mirrors Growth in CRNA Supply in NC

(Raleigh, NC) –The North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists has announced an all-time high in membership for total members, newly graduated certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) members and student members. This brings the total membership to over 2,000—-up over 43% since 1997. Student membership has grown even faster, having more than tripled over the same time period.

“Over the past few years, we have actively worked to increase the supply of CRNAs in North Carolina and our record-breaking membership numbers are another indicator of just how fast we’re training new nurse anesthetists,” said Julie Lowery, president of the NCANA. “As the providers of the majority of anesthesia services in North Carolina, this growth in our membership equates to ample access to surgical services across the state.”

Student membership has increased by 257% in the last decade and now accounts for 11% of total membership. The increase in student involvement represents the presence the NCANA has on campuses statewide. Active Certified membership, which reflects the number of CRNA members in their first two years of practice, also hit an-all time high.

Students who join NCANA have the opportunity to establish a wide network of professionals in the field, and be the first in their class to learn about career opportunities and job placement.

Membership in NCANA is optional, yet over 73% of the total number of CRNAs in North Carolina have joined—an indicator of the involvement these practitioners have in their profession. In total, 2006 membership in NCANA is 2,054, up 5.2% from 1,953 in 2005 and 1,431 a decade ago.

The benefits to membership include receiving member-only communications, website access, newsletters, and experience community involvement through their professional association.

About NCANA:
The North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists is a statewide organization representing the more than 2,800 licensed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in the state. More information is available at http://www.ncana.com.

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December 14, 2006