A Policy Development Analysis on Nurse Anesthetist Name Change

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: In 2021, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) became the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists. Currently, six state associations have implemented the title “Nurse Anesthesiologist” and it is to be explored if the Mid-Atlantic nurse anesthesia state association should pursue the name change to “Nurse Anesthesiologist.” This policy development analysis aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment utilizing a standardized analytical tool regarding the decision to implement the name change. Methods: Data was collected utilizing the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) tool over 15 weeks in the Fall of 2022. The SWOT tool was utilized among members of the Mid-Atlantic State Board of Nursing. The responses from the Mid-Atlantic nursing members were placed into a private data collection service, REDCap, to make confidential the personal names of the interviewees. Results: The SWOT tool was completed by three former members of the Mid-Atlantic State Board of Nursing. Interviewees were asked what they believed the strengths were in keeping the current title, “nurse anesthetist.” The strengths identified in retaining the current name included the opinion that the term nurse anesthetist clearly distinguishes nurses from physicians, public familiarity with the name, honoring the history of the profession, and even the ease of pronunciation. Weaknesses identified in retaining the current name and not changing to “Nurse Anesthesiologist, included resistance to change that could lead to a lack of growth and the idea that a change is simply unnecessary. Opportunities identified in connection with making the name change included higher salaries, potential for advancement, and greater understanding and collaboration among healthcare professionals. Threats identified were patient confusion. Conclusions: The Mid-Atlantic state board of nursing members do not support the change in title to “Nurse Anesthesiologist.” The current title, “Nurse Anesthetist,” clearly identifies the profession’s role and scope. The data demonstrated common themes such as confusion and the lack of need for the name change from “Nurse Anesthetist” to “Nurse Anesthesiologist.”