Program Overview
Trusted for over 45 years, NAFA VCU is a cornerstone of one of the top nurse anesthesia programs in the nation—dedicated to advancing excellence in nurse anesthesiology education and practice.
Elevate your practice in Virginia Beach, Alaska, and Disney with destination-based anesthesia workshops—from hands-on ultrasound, nerve blocks, gastric assessment, and difficult airway management to forward-thinking sessions on the Business of Anesthesia and AI.
NAFA VCU Evidence to Implementation Anesthesia Conference - Virginia Beach 2026
Lecture
July 27-30, 2026
Afternoon Workshops
July 28-29, 2026
View the Schedule | Meet the Speakers | Meet the Sponsors & Exhibitors | Accommodations
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
12:30 – 3:30 pm
Lunch and Learn: AI for CRNAs: Building Literacy, Engineering Prompts, and Creating Tools Workshop – 3 CE – Separate workshop fee
Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN and Nicole Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA
Objectives:
- Describe the foundational concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and the core principles (ACHIEVE) of using AI.
- Practice common prompt engineering techniques and approaches for addressing specific challenges in real-world scenarios.
- Identify how custom generative AI tools can be developed and applied to support teaching, learning, scholarly activities, and clinical work.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
12:30 – 3:30 pm
Lunch and Learn: Hands-On Workshop: Ultrasound Scanning for Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity and Truncal Blocks - 3 CE - Separate workshop fee
Andrew Metz, DNAP, CRNA, Alisyn Metz, DNAP, CRNA, and Nicole Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA
Objectives:
- Demonstrate correct ultrasound probe handling and image optimization techniques for peripheral and truncal nerve blocks on live models.
- Identify key sonoanatomical structures relevant to upper extremity, lower extremity, and truncal nerve blocks on live models or simulators.
- Practice in-plane and out-of-plane needle guidance techniques on task trainers under ultrasound, ensuring safe needle advancement and local anesthetic deposition.
AKANA – NAFA VCU Biannual Nurse Anesthesiology Conference – Alaska 2026
Lecture
August 28-30, 2026
Workshops + Lecture
August 29-30, 2026
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Workshops
Included in the in-person registration fee
Saturday, August 29, 2026
2:15 -5:15 pm
Hands-On Practice: Difficult Airway Assessment and Management Workshop – 3 CE
Nicole Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA and Rebekah L. Carmel, PhD, CRNA
Objectives:
- Apply ultrasound techniques to measure airway parameters relevant to predicting difficult intubation.
- Perform simulated fiberoptic-guided intubations using proper technique.
- Compare the effectiveness of different supraglottic airway devices for ventilation and as intubation conduits.
Sunday, August 30, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 am
Demonstration & Hands-On Practice: Gastric Ultrasound – 2 CE
Nicole Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA, Rebekah L. Carmel, PhD, CRNA
Note: If you would like to be scanned as part of the gastric ultrasound demonstration, please ensure you are NPO prior to the session. We will have live models available, and you are not required to be scanned to participate.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate correct probe positioning and scanning technique for gastric ultrasound on a live model.
- Acquire and optimize sonographic images of the gastric antrum on a live model in different patient positions.
NAFA VCU 45th Annual Anesthesia Meeting - Fall Disney 2026
Preconference Session
November 29, 2026
Lecture
November 30-December 3, 2026
View the Schedule | Meet the Speakers | Meet the Sponsors & Exhibitors | Explore your Accommodations
Pre-Conference Session
Separate fee
Sunday, November 29, 2026
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Business of Anesthesia: Thriving in a Shifting Anesthesia Landscape – 5 CE
Matthew Zinder, DNAP, CH, CRNA
In today’s rapidly evolving anesthesia landscape, understanding the business side of practice is more critical than ever. This session explores the current market dynamics of anesthesia, including the impact of workforce shortages and rising demand. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will gain insight into income generation through billing and subsidies, and how these factors shape the future of the profession. Topics include business entity selection, 1099 vs W2 employment models, liability insurance, contract negotiation strategies, and interpreting explanation of benefits (EOBs). This session offers a comprehensive overview of the anesthesia business environment and equips providers with the knowledge to navigate and thrive in it.
Objectives:
- Define various business entity types and determine which best suits their practice model.
- Identify the essential steps to establish a business in anesthesia.
- Discuss billing and reimbursement processes specific to anesthesia services.
- Interpret explanation of benefits (EOBs) and their relevance to clinical practice.
- Analyze current trends in the anesthesia marketplace and their professional impact.
AANA Prior Approved CE
All our CE events are AANA prior approved.
CE Credit
Earn your CE via an online learning assessment and program evaluation. The format is a self-assessment of your learning and an opportunity to give feedback.
Earn CRNA Microcredentials
All NAFA CE events count toward the first CRNA digital badges in the field.
Cancellation & Refund Policies
See individual offerings for cancellation deadlines and refund policies.