Inaugural CRNA Skills Day

July 5, 2023

Many UCLA CRNAs, patient specialty services technicians (PSSTs), and faculty anesthesiologists participated in a dynamic and high-yield program of procedural skills development during the inaugural CRNA Skills Day on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Ronald Reagan Medical Center. The event was organized by Natalia Macdougall, MSN, CRNA, DAPM Assistant CRNA Manager, who coordinated with the UCLA Simulation Center to secure equipment for each skill station.

Parisa Partownavid, MD, led a workshop on epidural and spinal placement, and Debbie Paris Teho, MSN, CRNA, DAPM CRNA Manager, taught a session on fiberoptic intubation. Natasha Goodman, DNAP, PhD, CRNA, instructed attendees on double-lumen endotracheal tube placement, and Michael Sliff, MSN, CRNA, guided his colleagues through ultrasound-guided line placement. Robert Briel, MSN, CRNA, spoke on rapid infusion techniques, and Michael Wolfe, MD, provided training on rapid infuser catheter (RIC) and central line placement. 

The attendees thoroughly enjoyed all the camaraderie and education and left the event with a renewed appreciation for the work they do each day.