Texas Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are among the many health care professionals on the ground in cities like New York City which are currently being hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. CRNAs have the responsibilities of administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during elective surgeries and procedures, but many have stepped up to assume different roles during the pandemic.

Anne Quasnitschka, a CRNA from Fort Worth and a member of the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists is on the ground in New York City providing care and support to COVID-19 patients and hospital staff.Anne Quasnitschka is one of the Texas CRNAs to answer New York City’s desperate cry for health professionals to provide relief in facilities overrun by the virus.

“The facility I am working out of looks like a war zone. Every patient being treated has COVID-19,” Quansnitschka said.

CRNAs are uniquely equipped to manage the significant respiratory issues that manifest in severe COVID-19 cases. CRNAs have a specialized skillset of particular value under these extreme circumstances.

“We can help with a facility’s respiratory needs. We can perform intensive and critical care work because our skillset as CRNAs translates well into so many areas beyond anesthesia care,” Quansnitschka said.

TxANA sends our thanks to Texas CRNAs who have taken on new roles serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.