Greenwood, MS, September 10, 2022
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has awarded Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Sandy Weathers of Willow Anesthesia, LLC the designation of Fellow of the AANA (FAANA) – a recognized hallmark of leadership and outstanding achievements in the profession and science of nurse anesthesiology.
Weathers, an AANA member since 2016, earned this distinguished designation by demonstrating an exceptional level of expertise, service, and commitment to transforming the nurse anesthesia profession. During his 16 years of service at Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Sandy served time as Chief CRNA, and contributed to multiple committees. During his tenure as Chief, He established Greenwood Leflore Hospital as a clinical training site for multiple CRNA programs and has been a part of nearly 100 students’ clinical training. Along with his partners, he brought many new techniques in anesthesia to enhance patient care with particular interests in post-operative pain management. He has served in many capacities for the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists to include: Political Action committee chairman, State Governmental Affairs Director, multiple terms as a board member and two terms as President. He has served on committees at the MS Board of Nursing and presently works with a coalition of Mississippi nursing leaders to enhance and increase access to care in MS.
The FAANA designation is the organization’s most elite professional achievement. By earning the right to include this designation among their credentials, Fellows have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the growth and advancement of nurse anesthesiology. “We recognize Sandy as a leader who has demonstrated a depth of expertise that is critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care,” said Lorraine Jordan, PhD, CRNA, CAE, FAAN, Chief Advocacy Officer of AANA and CEO of the AANA Foundation. “Earning this distinction signifies a commitment of excellence and dedication to making impactful changes for our profession.”
Sandy, a CRNA for over 16 years earned his Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Delta State University. During his residency/clinical training at University of Mississippi Medical Center, he earned the outstanding organizational skills and patient care award in 2006.
This year, 51 individuals were inducted to the 2022 class of Fellows of the AANA. To date, only 116 CRNAs have received the FAANA designation. To be awarded the FAANA distinction, applicants must be credentialed as a CRNA for a minimum of 10 consecutive years; be an AANA member for at least 10 years; have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience as a practitioner of anesthesiology or educator/program director, facility leader or business leader; have a record of attending AANA conferences; demonstrate outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership that command respect and recognition from other leaders in the profession; and provide evidence of enduring and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional and personal growth and use of innovative, creative solutions in at least one of several categories.
About AANA:
Founded in 1931 and located in Rosemont, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for more than 58,900 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) across the United States. The AANA advances patient safety and the CRNA profession through excellence in practice and service to members. Learn more at www.aana.com.