The Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA) continues its mission to advance nurse anesthesiology through excellence in education, advocacy, knowledge, and member empowerment. As the association welcomes a new president, we reflect with gratitude on the leadership of outgoing President Nicholas Farinacci, DNP, CRNA and look forward with anticipation to the vision of incoming President Kim Riviello, DNP, MBA, CRNA.
Ohio’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are trusted providers of safe, high-quality anesthesia care. But their impact doesn’t stop at the operating room door. Across the state, members of the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA) are making a difference in meaningful ways by volunteering their time, skills, and compassion to uplift families and strengthen communities.
Earlier this month, the 2025 AANA Annual Congress brought CRNAs from across the country together in Nashville, creating an energizing atmosphere for education, connection, and advocacy in nurse anesthesia. From keynote presentations to thought-provoking workshops and panels, the Congress delivered an enriching program that showcased its reputation as one of the leading events in the profession. Beyond the classroom, the event also provided a forum to address the evolving challenges of the profession while reinforcing the AANA Foundation’s mission of advancing anesthesia through education and research.
The Board of Directors of the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA) serves as the guiding force behind the organization’s mission to advance nurse anesthesiology through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Representing more than 3,150 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and students across Ohio, the board is composed of dedicated healthcare professionals who bring clinical expertise, policy insight, and leadership experience to the organization and healthcare across the state. Their commitment ensures that OSANA remains a credible and proactive voice for CRNAs throughout the region.
Describe your prior nursing work experience including both specialty and region.
LinkedIn has emerged as a pivotal platform for professional networking, career advancement, and organizational visibility across industries, and healthcare is no different. For Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), and professional associations like the Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA), leveraging LinkedIn can significantly enhance individual careers and the collective voice of the nurse anesthesiology profession.
Before starting CRNA school, I worked for 3 years in the CVICU at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH
Describe your prior nursing work experience, including both specialty and region.
I worked in the Medical ICU at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for 5 years before applying to school.
For Registered Nurses (RNs) in Ohio seeking to deepen their impact in patient care and advance their careers, becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a rigorous yet rewarding journey. CRNAs are highly respected Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who specialize in anesthesia care across diverse clinical settings.
Awareness continues to grow around the challenges faced by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs). Two University of Cincinnati Nurse Anesthesia Program (UC NAP) students, Scot Brush and Maryclare Schardt, have taken an innovative approach to understanding and addressing this critical issue.
This CRNA forms meaningful connections with bicuspid aortic valve patients through her own familial experience. Meet Jenna Finnerty, CRNA! 
With almost 400 attendees, the 2025 OSANA conference, hosted at the Hilton Easton, embodied the essence of the organization and integrity of the profession. Many educational sessions were held throughout the weekend. Friday night ended with the Otterbein University team winning the ever-popular college bowl. On Saturday, the legislative update, awards luncheon, and keynote address drew equally engaged audiences. Saturday night, the OSANA PAC hosted a casual fundraiser, Heroes in Action at PINS Mechanical.
