Candidate for Director, 2024 - 2026

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 Matthew DiCicco, DNP, BSN, CRNA

Fast Facts About Matthew

          • Lives in the Lighthouse Educational District
          • Works at Stonybrook University Hospital
          • CRNA since 2020
          • Curriculum Vitae 

 What are the biggest challenges facing the profession?

I feel the biggest challenges facing the CRNA profession currently is the lack of recognition for the CRNA profession in relation to our title and scope of practice. In addition, as a group effort it's crucial for CRNAs to come together to support the cause. Because the more involved we are as a whole, the stronger the impact is towards making positive change.  

What experiences, ideas, connection or resources do you have that would allow you to help with those challenges? 

With the combination of both my clinical experience, involvement with NYSANA and anesthesia conferences, and networking abilities, I will apply these connections and resources as solutions to the challenges we currently face. With the advice and direction given by experienced peers, I will have the tools necessary to tackle problems as they arise. 

Name one skill or strength you possess that is unmatched by your colleagues or peers

I feel all CRNAs possess a certain skill or strength that they bring with them to work. For me, it's my enthusiasm and positive attitude that exhibit amongst my colleagues. I am always willing to lend a helping hand as an essential team member towards providing excellent patient care in conjunction with showing how valuable CRNAs are to the perioperative anesthesia team. 

What do you love about being a CRNA? What drew you to the profession? 

Practicing as a CRNA is truly a special feeling that only a CRNA could clearly understand. As a CRNA, I have the unique opportunity to practice both nursing and medicine simultaneously in the clinical setting. Without forgetting my nursing roots, as a CRNA I also enjoy speaking with my patients during the perioperative phase before surgery in order to establish a trusting relationship in just several minutes. This important connection that's made with my patients helps put their stressors and fears aside. Nothing makes me happier than when my patients in recovery ask me, "Did we start yet? Is the procedure really done? This profession comes with a lot of responsibility, however there is a tradeoff with how self rewarding practicing as a CRNA really is. 

Please provide at least one idea you believe will engage or involve members to advance NYSANA’s mission. 

An idea of mine that I believe will help involve more members to advance NYSANA's mission would be making closer and closer steps with legislation towards passing the bills that are in progress, which would grant CRNAs the APRN status. With this significant recognition in place, I feel it will motivate and grab the attention of more CRNAs in the NY area to focus their efforts