Dr. Jodie Szlachta Inducted as Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

Jodie Szlachta, PhD, RN, CRNA, FAANA, director of the Post-baccalaureate Nurse Anesthesia Doctor of Nursing Practice program, was inducted in August as a Fellow in the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) at their Annual Congress in Seattle, Washington.

The 2023 Class of 58 AANA Fellows has not only met the high standards of AANA but also made impacts on areas including clinical practice, education, research and professional advocacy.

“Dr. Szlachta has been a strong advocate for nurse anesthetists and their practice – locally as well as at the state and national levels - and this recognition is well-deserved,” says Donna S. Havens, PHD, RN, FAAN, Connelly Endowed Dean and Professor.

Dr. Szlachta notes, “I am honored to be inducted as an AANA fellow. I am proud to be a CRNA, a champion for our advanced practice role, and an educator of the next generation of our profession.”  

She has served in her current role for 10 years, while maintaining her clinical practice as a CRNA. Previously, she was the associate program director for 10 years. The nurse anesthesia program has a national reputation for graduating consistently high-caliber CRNAs, maintaining a low attrition rate, a high board pass rate, and strong relationships with clinical partners.  

A high-energy leader who enjoys new challenges and watching her students succeed, Dr. Szlachta has served on the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) board in many roles, including trustee, treasurer, PAC chair, vice president, and president.  She has also served as a member of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Health Policy Board.

Dr. Szlachta earned her MSN and PhD through Villanova’s Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.