Our History of Firsts
Our NAFA VCU digital badges are the first in our specialty specifically designed to recognize exemplary Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) achievement.
VCU has a long history of firsts – we created the first Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (MSNA) degree, the first Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree, and now, we are the first institution to offer digital badges for CRNAs.
Recognizing CRNA Exemplary Achievement
Digital badges give you a way to share your abilities online that is simple, trusted, and can be easily verified in real time. Each digital badge image contains verified metadata that describes your qualifications and the process required to earn them.
Earning NAFA VCU Digital Badges
CRNAs have trusted us for over 45 years to deliver quality continuing education opportunities in the nurse anesthesia specialty. We’re honored that many CRNAs have been joining us consistently for years – some well over five to 10 years and counting.
For our most loyal CRNAs, we will issue retroactive digital badges to recognize their milestone achievements. We will document all of these badges in the year ahead. No action is required on your part during the review unless you would like to accelerate our review of your achievement. In that case, please reach out to us at nafa@vcu.edu to request a special review.
As a thank you for your ongoing support, we offer digital badges at no cost to you. We are glad to waive the $175 processing fee.
Earn the Evidence-Based Practice CRNA credential:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs) complete at least 100 hours of pre-approved Class A Continuing Education (CE) units with Nurse Anesthesiology Faculty Associates (NAFA VCU).
- Content may include nurse anesthesia ultrasound workshops, high-fidelity simulations to practice anesthesia crisis resource management (ACRM) principles, conference programming and seminars.
- Complete a learner assessment and program evaluation for each CE program pre-approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
- Complete AANA-approved CE in a minimum of five years.
Earn the Evidence-Based Practice CRNA Leader credential:
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs) complete at least 200 hours of pre-approved Class A Continuing Education (CE) units with Nurse Anesthesiology Faculty Associates (NAFA VCU).
- Content may include nurse anesthesia ultrasound workshops, high-fidelity simulations to practice anesthesia crisis resource management (ACRM) principles, conference programming and seminars.
- Complete a learner assessment and program evaluation for each CE program pre-approved by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
- Complete AANA-approved CE in a minimum of 10 years.
Earn the Socratic Crescent credential:
- Read five pre-approved curated leadership books.
- Participate in five three-hour facilitated discussions with other health professionals for a total of 15 hours.
- Complete a learner assessment and program evaluation for each book.
Earn the Socratic Circle credential:
- Read ten pre-approved curated leadership books.
- Participate in ten three-hour facilitated discussions with other health professionals for a total of 30 hours.
- Complete a learner assessment and program evaluation for each book.