01/18/2026
Celebrate CRNA Week 2026
CRNAs: The Heart of Anesthesia
Every year across the United States, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, safely administer more than 58 million anesthetics to patients.
My name is Gabriel Gigliotti, CRNA, MS and I am proud to count myself among the more than 75,000 CRNAs celebrating our profession during National CRNA Week, January 18-24, 2026.
As expert anesthesia providers, CRNAs undergo years of rigorous education and training. We are the only anesthesia professionals who obtain critical care experience before even entering anesthesia school. CRNAs’ extensive training and expertise support hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers across the country that might otherwise struggle to maintain anesthesia and pain management services for their patients. Patients are at the center of what we do. CRNAs collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide patient-centered, high-quality, holistic, evidence-based care. CRNA Week is an opportunity to reflect on the heroic work and unique expertise of
CRNAs and Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs) —future CRNAs enrolled in rigorous nurse anesthesiology programs—while also recognizing the strength and resilience of our community.
In rural areas, CRNAs provide more than 80% of anesthesia care? Our presence in the community, skill, and precision ensure patients undergo timely surgery and complex cases safely, access pain management, and avoid needless delay or travel. CRNAs support expectant families by enabling access to high-quality labor and delivery care—often in areas where no other anesthesia professionals are available. We are members of one of America’s most trusted and respected healthcare professions. CRNAs have long served on the front lines of patient care during wartime conflicts as well as civilian facilities, where we continue to answer the call to keep patients healthy and safe.
I’ve been a CRNA Since 1983, having been trained in the USAF Nurse Anesthesia Residency Program from August 1981-August 1983. I continued to serve as a CRNA in the USAF until April 1996, retiring after 20+ years as a Lt Colonel. After working several Illinois Hospitals, I settled in Greenville IL in December 2001, where along with my incredible Wife, Shelly Gigliotti, RN, BSN, we served side-by-side in the Surgery Dept of this fine community hospital until her retirement in August 2024.
I had “Retired” from routine scheduled duties in January 2024. I am blessed and honored to still be called upon to work alongside some outstanding anesthesia colleagues a few days per month at HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Greenville and HSHS St Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.
Please join me in recognizing CRNAs as the heart of anesthesia as we celebrate National CRNA Week!
