Epidural catheter complication.

The 2-part Education News column, “Upgrading nurse anesthesia educational requirements (1933-2006)” by Betty Horton, CRNA, PhD, was very timely and informative.1,2 Dr Horton succinctly chronicled the historical development of our educational standards and how the consistent elevation of those standards reflects a sustained commitment to excellence. Over the past 2 years, I have practiced anesthesia at a world renowned medical center, working with some of the very best and brightest. I enjoy doing complex cases that challenge my clinical skills and stir my intellectual curiosity. I also work with some very gifted nurse anesthesia students who enhance my professional practice. I have come to appreciate that knowledge is power, and that our thirst for knowledge must be insatiable. While attending the 2007 AANA Annual Meeting this past August in Denver, Colorado, AANA President Terry Wicks, CRNA, MHS, announced the adoption of the official position statement: “The AANA supports doctoral education for entry into nurse anesthesia practice by 2025.”3 After reading the 2 columns by Dr Horton, moving to a doctoral education entry requirement seems a logical next step for our profession. I strongly recommend that all CRNAs read the 2-part column in order to better understand the foundation of this now adopted educational position statement.