ABOUT US

WHAT DO WE DO?

The Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists (ARANA) is a non-profit organization with over 750 members representing almost 1000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) in the state of Arkansas.

Through education and advocacy, our goal is to allow the delivery of affordable, high quality, and accessible anesthesia care by CRNAs.

WHAT IS A CRNA?

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who specialize in providing anesthesia care. They work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics, and work closely with surgical care teams to ensure safe and effective anesthesia delivery.

CRNA ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

RNAs are skilled professionals who administer anesthesia, assess patient histories, formulate plans, and manage medications. They monitor vital signs, respond promptly to changes, and employ various techniques for pain management. Advocating for patient safety and tailored care, CRNAs ensure optimal anesthesia delivery.

Their primary responsibilities include:

Anesthesia Administration

Anesthesia Administration

Pain Management

Patient Advocacy

“The Arkansas Association of Nurse Anesthetists is devoted to advocating for top-tier patient care and professional excellence in nurse anesthesia. Our mission is to establish Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) as esteemed leaders in anesthesia provision while ensuring the delivery of safe, effective anesthesia care to all patients. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, we empower our members, advance our profession, and promote community health and well-being.”

2025-2026 ARANA Board of Directors

John Mark Rutter

President
870-834-9777
johnmarkrutter@gmail.com

Race Shelby

President-Elect
870-489-1285
raceshelby@gmail.com

Michelle Gonzalez

Secretary
301-938-8903
misherurin64@gmail.com

Zelda Epperson-May

Treasurer
870-307-9129
crna2010@gmail.com

Brad Pitts

Past President
501-593-5223
brad.pitts@primeanes.com

Michael Agbor

225-324-9770
arungmike@yahoo.com

Todd Hammon

559-313-1803
Lhammon@astate.edu

Tia Franklin

870-273-2636
te.franklin@yahoo.com

Casey Polk

504-352-3852
polkanesthesia@gmail.com

Jen Rader

501-351-3007
jen_rader@yahoo.com

Brian Fulks

870-740-7388
fulks.bc@gmail.com