Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

CRNAs at UVA Health

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice providers with specialized training, including a BSN, critical care experience, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). At UVA, over 70 CRNAs deliver anesthesia care in collaboration with anesthesiologists, residents, and technicians across multiple settings, from the Main Hospital to the Ambulatory Surgery and Endoscopy Centers.

They provide general, monitored, and regional anesthesia for specialties such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and cardiovascular care. CRNAs also mentor students, participate in leadership, and contribute to UVA’s educational mission as clinical educators for student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs).

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Director's Welcome

Lindsey Sites

MSN, CRNA, CRNA Director

"My name is Lindsey Sites and it is my privilege to lead the team of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) at UVA Health. CRNAs have been providing anesthesia at the University of Virginia for over fifty years."

Currently we have over 70 CRNAs working within our department and providing care in every area where anesthesia services are needed. What makes this such a strong group of Nurse Anesthetists is the involvement of our team. In addition to being phenomenal clinicians, we have leadership and mentorship within the group that propels each CRNA to be their best.

This is the most committed group of professionals I have worked with. We have dedicated teams for obstetrics, cardiovascular procedures, and pediatrics. Our recent growth has been exponential, fifteen years ago there were only fourteen CRNAs. The focus is to grow a group of high-caliber, education-driven, CRNA leaders. These CRNAs are more than just my colleagues; they are my friends, and I am honored to work with them.

I have an open-door policy, so if there is ever any question that you have, whether you are a patient, a student, or a healthcare professional, please reach out to me and I would be delighted to speak with you!

For questions or further insights, please contact Lindsey Sites at LMW2D@uvahealth.org.

Our Programs

Comprehensive support and development initiatives for CRNA professionals

Onboarding Process

Our onboarding process is a CRNA-led approach, providing comprehensive support for all new team members, with tailored orientation plans and schedules based on their background and experience.

The new CRNA will undergo 2-4 weeks of OR rotations, paired with an experienced CRNA, ensuring exposure to various cases, subspecialties, and locations.

New team members are oriented, assigned to the Main hospital OR for 6 months to learn the UVA system by repetition, meeting the nurses and physicians they work with, understanding equipment and supplies, assimilating into the culture, and then meet with their leadership team to discuss future interests.

The CRNA has the option to rotate to other practice locations and join a specialty team, allowing them to establish a practice tailored to their unique interests.

CRNA Mentorship Program

The CRNA mentorship program is for new graduate hires, providing a formal resource for their first six months of employment.

Our aim is to ensure a smooth transition for your new role as a CRNA, with monthly mentor meetings to provide necessary support and information for success in the OR and NORA spaces.

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of new graduates to join our team!

For more information, please contact Stefani Bell: sab2df@uvahealth.org.

Peer Support

The CRNA team recently launched UVA's version of the Peer Support program. This initiative offers "emotional first aid" to providers involved in patient-related emergency events in the O.R. and procedural areas.

In Fall 2024, the CRNAs introduced a pilot program allowing CRNA providers to step away from their clinical duties following an adverse event to debrief with a peer. These peers received training in empathetic, non-judgmental listening, coping skills, and support resources.

Providers who opt into Peer Support have several opportunities to debrief and discuss the event. The program is evaluated through a responsive survey measuring wellness and support before and after. By expanding the resources available, we reinforce resilience and strengthen frontline caregivers.

CRNA Lead - Tyler Degel, CRNA

Vascular and Non-Invasive Cardiac Specialty Team

Our vascular CRNAs take care of some of the highest acuity patients that we encounter in the operating room. We care for patients undergoing vascular surgeries ranging from perfusion-related wound washouts to endovascular arterial stenting to open aneurysm repairs. We obtain vascular access devices necessary for each patient, monitor and manage rapidly changing hemodynamics, titrate vasopressor infusions, and administer fluids and blood products when necessary in order to optimize patient outcomes. Our goal is to provide the most thoughtful and watchful care in order to meet the physiological demands of a complicated and challenging patient population.

CRNA Lead - Rachel Godwin, CRNA

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Specialty Team

At UVA Health, we have a team of CRNAs who are trained to cover patient needs in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. As part of the PACU team, we are able to deliver care to patients along the continuum of their perioperative course. We work closely with the PACU nurses and Anesthesiologists to ensure patients are comfortable, safe and recovering from anesthesia appropriately. We are present on the unit to manage any additional support needed in areas such as pain management, glucose control, nausea treatment, hemodynamic concerns, and more. If any emergent situations arise during their stay in the PACU, we work closely with various surgical and anesthesia specialties to adjust the level of care, meet immediate needs and escalate concerns.

CRNA Lead - Shelly Cole, CRNA

Pediatric Anesthesia Specialty Team

UVA has a Pediatric CRNA team who is dedicated to caring for our youngest patients – children ranging from birth to 13 years old. The team has grown to a total of 10 CRNAs who are dedicated to excellence in pediatric care. The case variety includes pediatric cardiac patients, high acuity inpatients to healthy outpatients. This specialty team loves what they do!

CRNA Lead - Jacqueline Hollingsworth, CRNA

Ob Anesthesia Specialty Team

The OB Anesthesia CRNA team consists of a small team of CRNAs who provide comprehensive coverage to the Labor and Delivery Unit. We are a team of specialized providers who care for Women with Obstetric needs including labor epidurals and anesthetics for Cesarean Sections. We also provide anesthesia services for peripartum women which include anesthetics for External Cephalic Versions, Cerclage placements, and the evaluation and treatment of Post Dural Puncture Headaches or Spinal Headaches. It is our goal that women have the best possible experience during their Labors, Deliveries, and various surgeries that they may require. This small, highly-motivated and specialized team contributes to patient safety through consistency and collaboration with L&D nurses and physicians. Come see us!

CRNA Lead - Christina Wheeler, CRNA

Regional Anesthesia Team

The UVA CRNA Regional team specializes in providing a multidisciplinary care approach for Orthopedic patients. They strive to provide the best standard of care for their patients across the entire surgical spectrum. In the preoperative care phase, these CRNAs communicate and work very closely with their patients to formulate a personalized plan, frequently including regional techniques. The intraoperative care phase includes providing a variety of anesthesia techniques such as general, monitored anesthesia, and regional techniques (spinals and epidurals). In the Post-op phase, these CRNAs are focused on safety and comfort for their patients. These CRNAs conduct check-in calls with their patients. This team provides the highest level of care across a varied case mix including but not limited to total joint replacements, hand and foot/ankle surgery, and sports.

Quality Improvement & Patient Safety (QIPS) Committee

This committee reviews departmental quality improvement initiatives, tracks Be Safe trends, and prioritizes patient safety in anesthesia, ensuring policies and guidelines are created and maintained to meet evolving evidence.

CRNA Lead - Lindsey Sites, CRNA

CRNA Lead - Mike Miller, CRNA

CRNA Lead - Dixie Mills, CRNA

Meet Our CRNA Team

At UVA Health, our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are innovators in patient care, combining precision, compassion, and leadership to redefine excellence in anesthesia and beyond.

CRNA Global Health And Community Involvement

Beyond the operating room, our CRNA team embodies UVA Health’s mission to serve and empower. From international outreach to hands-on community programs, their work creates meaningful impact across borders.

Global Health

Six CRNAs each year join global missions to expand care, strengthen collaboration, and provide anesthesia support worldwide.

Community Involvement

CRNAs engage locally through volunteer work, mentorship, and health outreach, supporting Central Virginia communities and fostering long-term connections.

CRNA Global Outreach

Reaching beyond borders. Empowering communities. Our CRNAs are committed to making healthcare accessible, compassionate, and inclusive, everywhere.

Join Our UVA Health CRNA Team

The Department of Anesthesia at the University of Virginia Medical Center is seeking CRNAs for roles across our Main Campus, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Endoscopy Center, and upcoming Outpatient Orthopedic Center. Full-time positions include no nights, weekends, or call, and offer competitive compensation, sign-on bonuses, and relocation packages.

Our CRNAs participate in specialty teams, leadership roles, and research initiatives that drive innovation and patient care excellence. Whether you're an experienced professional or a new graduate, join a collaborative team making a difference in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

View Current Openings

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