Delta State nursing alumnus George “Sandy” Weathers (‘97) recently received the distinguished designation of Fellow of the AANA (FAANA).CLEVELAND, Miss.— The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently awarded Delta State University alumnus George “Sandy” Weathers (‘97), a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), the designation of Fellow of the AANA (FAANA).
As a recognized hallmark of leadership and outstanding achievements in the profession and science of nurse anesthesiology, the FAANA designation is the organization’s most elite professional achievement. By earning the right to include this designation among their credentials, fellows have demonstrated a high level of commitment to the growth and advancement of nurse anesthesiology.
Weathers, who currently serves as a CRNA with Willow Anesthesia, LLC, earned the distinguished designation by demonstrating an exceptional level of expertise, service and commitment to transforming the nurse anesthesia profession.
“We recognize Sandy as a leader who has demonstrated a depth of expertise that is critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care,” said Chief Advocacy Officer of the AANA and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AANA Foundation Dr. Lorraine Jordan. “Earning this distinction signifies a commitment of excellence and dedication to making impactful changes for our profession.”
A CRNA for over 16 years, Weathers launched his career at Delta State, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. He continued his education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning a master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia. During his residency/clinical training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, he earned the outstanding organizational skills and patient care award in 2006.
“Sandy is so deserving of this recognition by the Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology,” said Dr. Vicki Bingham, dean of the Robert E. Smith School of Nursing at Delta State. “He is relentless in his efforts to improve patient outcomes and promote his profession. We are so very proud of him and celebrate such an outstanding accomplishment.”
Weathers was among 51 individuals inducted into the 2022 Class of Fellows of the AANA. To date, only 116 CRNAs have received the FAANA designation.
To be awarded the FAANA distinction, applicants must be credentialed as a CRNA for a minimum of 10 consecutive years; be an AANA member for at least 10 years; have a minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience as a practitioner of anesthesiology or educator/program director, facility leader or business leader; have a record of attending AANA conferences; demonstrate outstanding achievements in nurse anesthesia and leadership that command respect and recognition from other leaders in the profession; and provide evidence of enduring and substantial professional achievement that demonstrates professional and personal growth and use of innovative, creative solutions in at least one of several categories.
During his 16 years of service at the Greenwood Leflore Hospital, Weathers served time as Chief CRNA and contributed to multiple committees. During his tenure as Chief, he established Greenwood Leflore Hospital as a clinical training site for multiple CRNA programs and has been a part of nearly 100 students’ clinical training.
Along with his partners, Weathers brought many new techniques in anesthesia to enhance patient care with particular interests in post-operative pain management. He has served in many capacities for the Mississippi Association of Nurse Anesthetists, including Political Action committee chairman, State Governmental Affairs director, multiple terms as a board member and two terms as president.
In addition, Weathers has served on committees at the Mississippi Board of Nursing and presently works with a coalition of Mississippi nursing leaders to enhance and increase access to care in Mississippi.
Founded in 1931 and located in Rosemont, Ill., the AANA is the professional organization for more than 58,900 CRNAs and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) across the United States. The AANA advances patient safety and the CRNA profession through excellence in practice and service to members. Learn more at www.aana.com.
Delta State’s Robert E. Smith School of Nursing’s numerous degree offerings regularly rank high nationwide for quality, affordability and efficiency.
For more information on Delta State’s nursing programs, call (662) 846-4255, or visit www.deltastate.edu/nursing.
