On Saturday, March 22, over 100 attendees gathered at UPMC Shadyside’s Herberman Auditorium for “Pathway to Becoming a CRNA: A Networking Event for Ambitious RNs,” an engaging and educational event designed to support registered nurses (RNs) interested in advancing their careers towards the field of nurse anesthesia.
The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including RN students, practicing RNs, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and departmental CRNA Program Directors. Attendees had the unique opportunity to learn directly from professionals in the field through expert panel discussions, one-on-one conversations, and dedicated networking sessions.
The event was led by our Senior CRNA Director, Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA, and featured presentations from John M. O'Donnell, DrPH, CRNA, Professor, Department Chair of Nurse Anesthesia, and Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Pittsburgh; Michael A. Debroeck, DNP, CRNA, CRNA Program Director at the Excela Health School of Anesthesia; Kerry Quisenberry, DNP, MSN, BSN, CRNA, Assistant Professor, Assistant Program Director and Vice Chair of Administration, and Evaluation Coordinator for the Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Pittsburgh; and Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital. Also participating in a Q & A CRNA Discussion Panel were CRNAs from UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh (Sue Kelly MSN, CRNA, Clinical CRNA Director, and Abby L Roach, MSN, CRNA), UPMC Shadyside (Tammy L. Nuzzo MHS, CRNA), UPMC Presbyterian (Erica Wiesen, MSN, CRNA, and Stephen A. Roach, MHS, CRNA), and UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital (Alexa Mermigas, MSN, CRNA), as well as Network CRNA James E. Ressler, MSN, CRNA.
Other event highlights included:
• Practical advice on navigating the CRNA school application process
• Candid tips on how to stand out as a competitive applicant
• Networking with mentors and peers who share a passion for anesthesia
• Access to local resources and guidance on next steps in the CRNA journey
Event participants remarked on how helpful the event was in providing them with firsthand insights into CRNA life at UPMC and helping to build a welcoming, supportive community.
“This event was so impactful, insightful, and inspirational! It was a wonderful networking opportunity and I made some very helpful connections,” shared one attendee.
Another participant emphasized the importance of continuing opportunities for engagement:
“Thank you again for this amazing opportunity! I would love to get some shadowing experience at UPMC.”
The event was a success and served to inform and empower the next generation of nurse anesthetists while fostering a sense of community and mentorship. For many attendees, the afternoon marked the beginning of meaningful professional relationships and a clear path toward achieving their CRNA goals.