NATCHITOCHES - The American Association of NurseAnesthesiology (AANA) announced that Katrina Vice O'Con, PhD, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA, was selected as one of 49 distinguished leaders in the profession of nurse anesthesiology and was inducted into the 2024 Class of Fellows. The inductees, who were recognized for their significant contributions to the profession, were celebrated at the AANA Annual Congress, on Aug. 2-6 in San Diego, California.

O'Con is an assistant professor in Northwestern State University's College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and assistant program director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program's Nurse Anesthesia (NA) track. She has served on faculty at NSU since 2000, involved with the Nurse Anesthesia (NA) program since its beginning. Along with her mentor, Dr. Aimee Badeaux, she co-authored the program's self study which led to the NA program's initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA).

O'Con has been a practicing CRNA for over 21 years with experience in a variety of settings including solo, all-CRNA practices to large anesthesia care teams. She previously served in various roles on the Louisiana Association of Nurse Anesthetists Board of Directors, including as president during the COVID 19 pandemic. She continues to serve as a role model and mentor for undergraduate nursing students as well as prospective and current nurse anesthesia students.

O'Con has been a member of AAHA since 2000 and was one of only three Fellows from Louisiana. She earned Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees from Northwestern State, Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice degrees from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas.

AANA Fellows demonstrate outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership. Each Fellow has at least 10 years of professional experience as a practitioner of nurse anesthesia, educator, facility leader or business leader. In addition, they have demonstrated outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership that command respect and recognition from other leaders in the profession. Their contributions demonstrate professional and personal growth that are impactful within and outside of the profession.

"The achievements of this year's class of AANA Fellows have made meaningful contributions to the profession and the role of CRNAs in healthcare. I congratulate our 2024 Class of AANA Fellows candidates on this honor. Earning the Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA) designation is a major career achievement that reflects a commitment to pursuing excellence in every endeavor," said Derrick C. Glymph, PhD, DNAP, CRNA, CHSE, COL., USAR, FAANA, FAAN, Fellows Selection Committee Chair.

As advanced practice registered nurses, CRNAs have critical care experience and practice in every setting anesthesia is delivered. CRNAs are the primary providers of anesthesia care in rural and underserved areas and on the battlefield in forward surgical teams. In addition to championing health and wellness for the profession and their patients, AANA Fellows are experts in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia.

NSU's Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program prepares graduates to become organizational leaders who impact healthcare through advanced clinical skills, translating evidence into practice and establishing policies to improve outcomes.

Information on Northwestern State's DNP (Nurse Anesthesia) program, as well as other nursing degree tracks, can be access at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/nursing-programs/.