AVANA / Association of Veterans Affairs Nurse Anesthetists

08/25/2026

AVANA is proud to be representing VA CRNAs at AANA Annual Congress 2026 alongside nurse anesthetists and nurse anesthesia residents from across the country! 🙌🏼🇺🇸

Over the last few days, we’ve been involved with education, advocacy, and connection to help strengthen our organization and the CRNAs we support. It was a phenomenal meeting, and we’re excited about the future of anesthesia practice at the VA! 🦅

08/19/2026

Attn CRNA Colleagues!

Our 2026 AVANA Annual Meeting is coming up quickly! We hope you'll join us October 9–11 in Orlando for an outstanding weekend of education, networking, and reconnecting with fellow VA CRNAs from across the country.

We know many of you are still waiting on travel approval or funding before you can officially register and we completely understand. However, we're asking for your help.

If you plan to attend, or think there's a good chance you will, please take 15 seconds to let us know if you're coming by taking this quick survey:
http://avana.memberclicks.net/message2/link/06485162-c78c-47f2-bb78-834082042228/3.

Your response simply gives us an estimated attendance count so we can appropriately plan meeting space, food, educational materials, and other conference services.

The link includes just one question:

☑️I plan to attend.
☑️I expect to attend but am waiting on travel approval/funding.
☑️I do not anticipate attending.

Thank you for taking a few moments to help us plan. We look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando this October!

07/31/2026

❔Still need to register for the AVANA Conference❔

We are happy to announce that the first 50 registrants for the 2026 AVANA Annual Meeting will be entered into a drawing for a 50% off registration discount! Be sure to register now for a chance to win!

Already registered? You will be automatically entered into the drawing for the discount.

Follow the link below to register now:

https://avana.memberclicks.net/avanameeting2026 #/

07/04/2026

06/29/2026

❔What if one conference could help you expand your professional network, hear directly from VA leadership, and gain valuable insights to strengthen your practice❔

Let’s talk about what makes this meeting stand out:

✅We’ve curated a phenomenal lineup of speakers and presentations, including Airway On Demand Expert Dr. Will Rosenblatt and Twin Oaks Anesthesia founder Jonathan Kline!

✅You’ll have the opportunity to join colleagues from across the VA and beyond for valuable education, networking, and discussions on both current trends and the future of anesthesia practice.

✅Attendees will also receive an important update from VA leadership, including Acting National Anesthesia Program Deputy Director Patrick McElhone, CRNA.

✅This is a unique opportunity to connect with VA leadership in person, ask questions, share perspectives, and stay informed about key initiatives impacting our profession.

Register now to join the conversation and stay informed! Follow the link below:

https://www.vacrna.com/annual-meeting-24

06/08/2026

✨It’s time to register for the 2026 AVANA Annual Meeting!✨

We are thrilled to invite you to the Annual Association of Veteran Affairs Nurse Anesthetists Conference, happening October 9-11 in Orlando, Florida! This is your chance to network, receive continuing education, and gain invaluable insights from our outstanding lineup of presenters.

From world-class entertainment and dining to the famous amusement parks, you'll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city's bright energy. We hope to see you there!

Follow the link below for additional information and to register:

http://avana.memberclicks.net/message2/link/60bc6698-fd96-4b11-8893-f456d419c1c3/1

05/26/2026

05/25/2026

On this Memorial Day, we remember the only known Armed Forces CRNAs to have lost their lives while serving.

After volunteering for two weeks to heroically help with massive casualties at the 71st Evacuation Hospital (Pleiku, VT) during the Vietnam War, both U.S. Army First Lieutenants Jerome “Jerry” Olmsted (pictured top) and Kenneth R. Shoemaker (pictured bottom) were returning back to their assigned hospital (67th Evacuation Hospital) at Qui Nhon. Sadly, on November 30, 1967, the C-47 transport plane they were both riding on crashed mountainside. Both CRNAs were posthumously awarded Bronze Stars for “heroic or meritorious achievement or service.”

Today, you can leave a virtual remembrance for either on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s website:

• https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/38665/JEROME-E-OLMSTED/

• https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/47249/KENNETH-R-SHOEMAKER-JR/

Armed Forces CRNA Appreciation Month remember 1LTs Jerome Olmsted and Kenneth R. Shoemaker and express our tremendous gratitude to all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country 🫡🇺🇸