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
