Brad Koss, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) who grew up in Many, La., and now lives in Franklin, Tenn., was recently introduced as the 2021-22 president of the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA) during the association’s annual meeting. Koss works as the CRNA Manager of Education at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
“It is an honor to have been elected by my peers to represent them in this position,” said Koss. “Getting to know my fellow board members, I am perpetually amazed by their dedication to their profession and patients. I’m excited to take on this role in anticipation of what the year ahead will bring for TANA’s 2,400 members.”
CRNAs are anesthesia experts who practice in every type of healthcare setting where anesthesia is required for surgical, obstetrical, trauma stabilization and pain management procedures. Every year, more than 60,000 nurse anesthetists safely deliver over 50 million anesthetics to patients across the United States. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these airway experts have \provided essential front-line services such as caring for patients in respiratory distress, operating ventilators and managing intensive care units (ICUs).
“CRNAs have demonstrated their dedication and compassion by caring for the sickest of patients during this extreme time,” said Koss. “Serving in operating rooms, on airway teams, and in critical care settings, CRNAs humbly demonstrate their ability to safely and effectively serve their patients and communities through all facets of healthcare.”
Despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Koss said his main intent as president will be to uphold TANA’s vision of actively engaging and supporting its members in the pursuit of protecting and advancing nurse anesthesia practice on behalf of the patients they serve.
“This last year and a half has been a struggle for everyone on so many levels,” Koss said. “My hope for the next 12 months is that the world, our nation and our state find relief from this pandemic, and that healthcare workers especially can find relief and peace knowing we have done our best to serve our communities to our fullest abilities. Mental health related to the pandemic is a major concern for so many, but especially for healthcare workers. It is my desire to make this a major focus of attention for institutions and organizations to support their employees and members.”
Koss said he believes it is incumbent upon healthcare professionals to set an example by demonstrating the importance of following vaccination and infection control protocols. “CRNAs need to get engaged in their communities to be resources for those who continue to search for direction,” he said.
Interestingly, TANA’s new president didn’t take a direct route to becoming a CRNA. A Computer Information Systems major in a previous life, Koss started searching for a different career path after a 10-year stint in IT. It wasn’t until he spent a day shadowing a nursing friend at a hospital
that the idea of shifting gears and pursuing a career as a nurse clicked inside him.
“I had to go to night school to obtain the prerequisites to apply to nursing school,” recalled Koss. “That done, I was accepted into Belmont University’s Nursing program. After earning my RN I then went to work in the trauma unit at Vanderbilt where I gained the ICU training necessary for acceptance into a nurse anesthesia program.” Koss eventually went on to earn both his Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (2009) and Doctorate in Nursing Anesthesia Practice (2020) from the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia (MTSA) in Madison. Today he practices as a CRNA at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
“During my education and training, I fell in love with caring for and helping those who are unable to help themselves in a time of need,” said Koss. “That has carried over to the operating rooms where I am able to calm and comfort patients prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery. It is very gratifying being able to reassure them that I will be there throughout their procedure to keep them safe and comfortable.
“Twelve years into my profession, and I still deeply value and appreciate the work I’m blessed to do on a daily basis,” he added.
About the Tennessee Association of Nurse Anesthetists (TANA) TANA is the professional organization representing more than 2,400 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student nurse anesthetists who provide more than 1.5 million anesthetics annually to patients across Tennessee. As anesthesia experts, CRNAs deliver high-quality anesthesia care for every type of procedure and in every type of healthcare facility that requires anesthesia services. On behalf of its members and the patients they serve, TANA strives to protect and advance nurse anesthesia practice through advocacy and public education and to ensure patient access to safe cost-effective anesthesia care, especially in rural and other medically underserved areas of Tennessee. TANA is headquartered in Nashville.