For many, the knowledge of impending surgery can be worrisome. Thoughts of cold operating rooms, beeping monitors, masked faces, and sharp instruments all add to the unease. That’s why it is reassuring to know an expert anesthesia provider will keep you safe and comfortable during your procedure.

"I am very proud of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) who provide exceptional care to our patients," says Sarah Sorlien, MD, Board Certified Anesthesiologist and manager of anesthesia services at Memorial Hospital.

"CRNAs are often the patients’ eyes and ears during surgery," says Sorlien. "They serve as the patients’ advocate when the patient can’t speak for themselves."

"CRNAs are with a patient through the entire operative process – inducing sleep, monitoring vital signs, adjusting anesthesia levels, and waking the patient after surgery. CRNAs have to be aware of every heartbeat, every breath, and be ready to respond if something isn’t right," she said.

"I very much appreciate our anesthesia team at Memorial Hospital. They have my appreciation and trust," Dr. Sorlien said.

CRNAs at Memorial Hospital are dedicated to their patients’ anesthesia care from start to finish. During surgical and other procedures, CRNAs stay with their patients from the time they go to sleep to the time they wake up.

Whether they are giving anesthesia for surgery or easing the labor pains of new moms, CRNAs are all about one thing: extraordinary patient care.

For more information about surgical services at Memorial Hospital, log on to the hospital’s web site at www.memorialhospital.org.