USF College of Nursing Graduate to Head American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

USF College of Nursing graduate Bruce Weiner has been named 2017-18 president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA).

“This is an exciting opportunity for CRNAs and ARNPs to provide healthcare solutions and increase access to our patients in the community,” said Dr. Weiner, DNP, MSNA, CRNA.

“I have a passion for giving back to my profession,” he said. “This organization promotes patient safety and constantly improves education standards and focuses on advancing the profession. My goal is to improve membership engagement and the value in our organization.”

Weiner has 33 years of experience as a CRNA and graduated this summer with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. He began the DNP program in Fall 2016 and was able to complete the program in three semesters.

“There is value in having an advanced degree,” said Dr. Weiner. “This DNP has essentially given me greater knowledge to further my practice, but to also advance nurse anesthesia and enhance my leadership in AANA.”

College of Nursing Vice Dean, Academic Programs Melanie Michael, DNP, MS, FNP-C, CPHQ, FNAP, said Dr. Weiner’s work as president of the AANA represents a natural extension of his commitment to advancing health care delivery and patient care outcomes.

“Dr. Weiner has worked tirelessly to advance nurse anesthesia practice for more than three decades,” she said. “His work in the area of trauma patient anesthesia management has been presented in healthcare organizations and at professional meetings across the nation.”

Weiner moved to the Tampa Bay area 27 years ago, where he has served as a nurse anesthetist.

Throughout his career, he has served on the AANA board of directors at the state and national level and was vice president of AANA in 2015-16. He also actively serves as a member of the American Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Societies.

Story by Jessica Samaniego, USF College of Nursing Communications & Marketing Officer