South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

05/29/2026

🗳️ South Carolina's Marcia Iszard, DNAP, CRNA, FNP-C, FNP-BC, FAANA, was elected to the AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology's Bylaws and Resolutions Committee!

A true leader, Marcia is poised to make an impact at the federal level, and we look forward to seeing her grow in this new role. 👏 Congrats, Marcia!

05/28/2026

This month's standout of the month is Caroline Leonard Trent from the program.

1️⃣ What motivated you to pursue nurse anesthesia?

🏥 In high school, I began volunteering at a local hospital and quickly fell in love with the healthcare environment. I was constantly inspired by the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals around me, which led me to pursue a career in nursing. I shadowed many different roles along the way, but it wasn’t until I met my husband and was introduced to his sister, brother, and uncle, all CRNAs, that I truly found my passion. I became fascinated by the profession, and the rest is history!

2️⃣ What has surprised you most about CRNA school so far?
One thing that surprised me most was the incredible support I’ve received from my classmates, who I now consider some of my closest friends. I entered this program knowing no one, and the friendships and relationships I’ve built have truly helped carry me through the experience. There’s something so meaningful about being surrounded by people who genuinely prioritize supporting and encouraging one another throughout this journey.

🎉 Please join us in congratulating Caroline!

05/27/2026

The when, where, and how to ask for help.

❤️‍🩹 May is Mental Health Awareness Month! CRNAs, like all health care professionals, may experience challenges such as stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

For more, visit AANA's Peer Assistance Resources:

The AANA Helpline—800-654-5167—is available 24/7 for a live, confidential response with support, information, and helpful resources.

05/26/2026

Megan Page Herring, CRNA, is our of the Month!

1️⃣ What is one part of your practice or training that you’re most passionate about or proud of?

🩺 I love providing patients with my very best care at their most vulnerable moments. It’s an absolute honor. Someone is trusting me with their loved one and I do not take that duty lightly.

2️⃣ Outside of anesthesia, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you or that you enjoy doing?

👦👦👦 I’m a boy mom! When I’m not working, you can find me at a ball field watching my three boys do what they love to do. My husband and I also love to travel and we are always looking forward to our next adventure.

Congratulations, Megan, on your nomination as one of the very best anesthesia providers!

05/25/2026

Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

📲Text "SCCRNA" to stay in the loop with S.C.A.N.A.! Life gets busy—our short text alerts send quick, important reminders so you don’t miss deadlines or events we have planned this year.

05/20/2026

Rachel Burress, BSN, was nominated and is S.C.A.N.A.’s SRNA of the month! We caught up with Rachel about the growth that's happened since day 1 in the USC School of Medicine Nurse Anesthesia Program:

1️⃣ What motivated you to pursue ?

I love learning new things, especially about the human body. I’ve always said I would teach Anatomy and Physiology once I retire. While I absolutely loved my job as a critical care nurse, I knew I wanted to grow my career. I had the opportunity to shadow a CRNA before applying to school. I vividly remember thinking, “This is it. This is what I want to do.” Becoming a CRNA gives you the opportunity to think critically, work autonomously, advocate for your patient, and make their day just a little bit better. Every time I walk to pre-op to get my patient, I can’t help but smile and think, “Oh my gosh, I really get to do this!” Never gets old!

2️⃣ When you’re not studying or in the OR, how do you like to recharge or spend your free time?

🪏👩‍🌾 I love being outside! I have land, chickens, a garden, and animals to tend to! I also love to fish, kayak, play outdoor volleyball🏐, and hike! Truly, any outdoor hobby has my heart!

🦋 Congrats, and thanks for sharing your journey with us, Rachel!

05/19/2026

🗳️ Voting reminder! We're halfway through the AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology election period!

✅ S.C.A.N.A. proudly nominated and supports Randy Cornelius for AANA VP 2027!

✅ We also support SC's own Marcia Iszard, DNAP, CRNA, who is on the ballot for AANA's Bylaws & Resolutions Committee.

https://www.aana.com/membership/elections-and-governance/governance/election-center/candidates/

05/18/2026

Rural health transformation should mean removing barriers—not reinforcing them!

This new column by the AANA / American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology President-elect .Paul.Young explains how allowing CRNAs to practice to the full extent of their licensure is one of the most immediate, impactful steps available to stabilize rural healthcare. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/strategy/rural-health-transformation-should-mean-removing-barriers-not-reinforcing-them/

05/13/2026

!

🤩 Big congratulations are in order! Blake Frazier ('12 BSN) was named a recipient of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association's award.

🧑‍🎓This honor recognizes outstanding alumni under 35 who embody the spirit of Carolina and make a meaningful impact in their fields. Notably, Blake is the first University of South Carolina College of Nursing alumnus to ever receive this distinction!

From serving as Student Nurses Association president at USC to his current roles as a CRNA, assistant professor, and President-Elect of the South Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, Blake has consistently championed leadership and the next generation of healthcare providers.

"My time at the college shaped not only my foundation as a nurse, but also my commitment to leadership and service." — Blake Frazier

We are incredibly proud to see a CRNA leading the way and representing the nursing profession with such excellence!

Read more about Blake's journey: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/nursing/news/2026/frazier-gamecock35-recipient.php