KU Department of Nurse Anesthesia Education

08/24/2026

The Class of 2029 has officially completed their first semester of the program! 🎉

This fall, they’ll take the next big step as they begin clinicals and enter the OR. We’re so excited to watch their knowledge, confidence, and skills grow as they put everything they’ve learned into practice.

We can’t wait to see what’s ahead! 💙

07/17/2026

We hope you will join us for an unforgettable evening of fun (and fundraising!) at the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Education Department’s Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, from 7-11pm. The event will be hosted by the class of 2027 at Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa, KS.

This year, we’re bringing the spirit of the Wild West to Kansas City! Come dressed in your best western regalia - boots and cowboy hats welcome.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/13th-annual-ku-nurse-anesthesia-program-fundraiser-tickets-1991797443772?aff=oddtdtcreato

Your ticket includes the following:
• Unlimited Union Horse craft spirits
• Grazing tables from Blush Farms
• Copious desserts to choose from
• Casino-style game tables (including blackjack, poker, and craps)
• Access to our silent auction

🎟 Early Bird Special: Purchase before September 1st for a discounted price. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

👨‍🎓 Student Tickets: Student tickets may be purchased using the discount code: 2026SRNA
Note: Discount code only applies to students. Additional guest tickets (including spouses) must be purchased at the non-student price.

💌 Give the Gift of Attendance: If you’d like to donate a ticket for a current SRNA in our program (either someone you’ve mentored or a randomly selected student), please contact Jen Bendure at [email protected].

We appreciate your continued support of our program and hope to see you at this year's event!

Questions? Please contact us at [email protected].

Join us October 10 at Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa for a Wild West themed night of fun! Food and drinks are included with ticket.

06/14/2026

Save the date! 🤠

The 13th Annual Nurse Anesthesia Education Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at Union Horse Distilling Co. in Lenexa, Kansas.

We are excited to celebrate and support nurse anesthesia education with a fun western-themed evening. More details will be shared soon, but for now, mark your calendars. We hope to see you there!

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the KU DNAP Class of 2026! We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and excited to watch you continue to grow as leaders in anesthesia care. This class is taking its talent and training across the country, from the nation’s capital to Alaska, the US military, and of course- right here in Kansas. No matter where your journey takes you, we know you will make a lasting impact and represent KU with excellence as CRNAs.

Thank you for the dedication, resilience, and heart you’ve shown throughout this journey. The future of nurse anesthesia is brighter because of you.

“Remember your nest; return to it often. And never forget this unique bird that has set you free.” ❤️💙

04/21/2026

Congrats to our seniors finishing up clinical this month!! It is hard to believe graduation is only a couple of weeks away. So proud of all the hard work you have put in to get here and so excited for everything that is ahead for you guys! 🎉👏🏻

03/26/2026

This semester, Class of 2027 completed their central line placement simulation! Building confidence with ultrasound, maintaining sterility, and refining their technique as they prepare to bring this skill to the OR!

01/23/2026

💙 We are still celebrating CRNA Week, and today is Throwback Thursday 💙

We’re throwing it back and reflecting on our nurse anesthesia journeys. From our nursing days, to the long nights of studying, early clinical milestones, and everything in between—each step has helped shape us into the skilled, compassionate CRNAs we are becoming.

Take a moment to look back and celebrate how far you’ve come. Share a photo, memory, or story from your CRNA journey and honor the dedication, resilience, and heart that define this profession.

Here’s to growth, grit, and the incredible community that makes it all possible!

01/19/2026

HAPPY CRNA WEEK!!

This week, we celebrate Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and the incredible impact they make each and every day!

As KU Nurse Anesthetist Students, we are grateful for the CRNAs who mentor us, challenge us, and set the standard for excellence in our profession. Thank you for paving the way and inspiring the next generation of anesthesia providers!

12/16/2025

Hello everyone!!
🎉🎉Great news!🎉🎉 The 2025 Fall Apparel has arrived. We are currently reviewing each item for quality control, confirming receipt of the correct number of each item, and reviewing payment for all orders. We will send an email notice when orders are ready for pickup. In the meantime, please ensure you have paid via Venmo to and included the note "KUNA2025"

If you have not paid for your items, you will not be allowed to pick them up. Payment on the same day as pickup will NOT be available, as it takes a few days for us to receive confirmation records that payment has been received.

If you are unable to pick up your items at the NURA Office and will need items shipped (you will pay shipping), please let Kimberly Cooper, Ben Rinehart, Catherine Dinh, and Rajean Buffa know now so we can start the shipping process.

Thank you all again for supporting our students! We are so excited for you all to receive your apparel!

Catherine Dinh: [email protected]
Ben Rinehart: [email protected]
Kimberly Cooper: [email protected]
Rajean Buffa: [email protected]

11/30/2025

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!🦃🍁

This year, we are incredibly thankful for our amazing CRNA clinical educators who go above and beyond to teach and support our SRNAs in the operating room. We are truly grateful for the passion, knowledge, and wisdom you all pour into our SRNAs. We are so fortunate to have the best of the best! So thankful for you all💕

Pictured: Lane, CRNA + Juan Quesada-Olarte, senior SRNA + Cari, CRNA

at one of our affiliate clinical sites