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By Heather Bair, DNP, ARNP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA

Every CRNA faces moments that test their knowledge and drive home the importance of lifelong learning. For me, one of those moments began with a sudden call to respond to a suspected case of malignant hyperthermia (MH)—a rare, life-threatening complication in anesthesia. I rushed to the scene, prepared to put my training into action, only to realize the “patient” was a mannequin, part of a high-fidelity simulation drill.

Even knowing it was a drill, I felt the pressure. I had studied MH protocols and memorized the life-saving dose of dantrolene, but in that high-stakes moment, I drew a blank. I’d learned it, but I hadn’t yet had the chance to apply it in a real-world situation. That experience reiterated the need for continuous certification and knowledge refreshers. It reminded me that in our field, lifelong learning is more than a requirement; it’s a commitment to our patients, ensuring we provide them the safe and high-quality care they deserve.

I’ve always believed that learning is knowledge, and knowledge is power. It gives you confidence in every interaction, especially with patients. As CRNAs, sometimes we only see patients for a few minutes before they go under anesthesia, so we have a short window of time to help them feel confident and comfortable in our care. Continuous certification is essential to maintaining that trust.

Teaching is one way I keep my commitment to learning alive. It’s tough to separate my teaching from my practice as a CRNA because they are deeply interconnected. When I guide a student through a complex case or talk them through the intricacies of patient monitoring, I’m learning, too. My students ask questions that challenge me to think critically, explore new angles and revisit the basics. In many ways, they keep me on my toes and remind me that no matter how long I’ve been doing this, there is always more to learn.

This commitment to learning extends to my interactions with colleagues. CRNAs are known for being resourceful and innovative, constantly finding and implementing creative solutions to complex challenges. When we share our experiences and practices with each other, it breaks down silos, fosters camaraderie and builds respect. It’s rewarding to know that what I’ve learned might benefit someone else—and that I, too, can learn from the expertise of my peers. Whether we’re discussing the latest anesthesia techniques or tips on managing challenging cases, our shared knowledge strengthens our profession and ultimately benefits our patients.

Keeping up with knowledge is critical, especially in a field as dynamic as healthcare. Think about recent developments in medicine, like the new obesity drugs. It wasn’t until I attended a recent conference that I learned about the nuances of how these drugs can impact anesthesia and the side effects some patients experience, like delayed gastric emptying. It drives home the fact that if you aren’t continually learning, your patients might not be as safe as you think. Our field demands that we stay up to date, not just for our growth but to ensure the highest standards of care. In a field where science and standards are always advancing, I appreciate how NBCRNA’s Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program provides ongoing, direct feedback that strengthens our skills and knowledge, ensuring we’re equipped to provide the highest quality care at every stage of our careers.

As we look to the future, the opportunities in CRNA training are expanding in exciting ways. Virtual reality is opening up new avenues for immersive education, allowing us to simulate complex scenarios and learn in ways we couldn’t have imagined years ago. These advancements bring our training to the next level, providing hands-on experiences that build our confidence and capabilities even before stepping into the operating room. This also leads to more CRNAs joining boards and pursuing leadership roles—opportunities that inspire the next generation to see just how far a career in anesthesia nursing can take them.

For those new to anesthesia, I know the idea that there’s always more to learn can sometimes feel overwhelming. But for me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of working as a CRNA—the continuous journey of learning and the joy of passing that knowledge on to others.

Lifelong learning keeps us connected to our patients, to our profession and to each other. And as long as I’m here, I’ll be learning, growing and teaching every step of the way.