Candidate for Nominating Committee, 2024 - 2025

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Sean McGarry, CRNA

Fast Facts About Sean

  • Lives in the Capital Educational District
  • Works at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center and Hunter College
  • 11 years as a CRNA

 What are the biggest challenges facing the profession?

The most obvious challenge to me facing the profession in NY is the legislative battle we are engaged in to recognize CRNAs. The lack of recognition perpetuates inequity and restrictiveness in the workforce all around the state. This does not improve access to care or help New Yorkers, but only makes it harder to address their health and surgical needs. If the state is serious about fixing the major problems the healthcare workforce is facing in New York, we must first look at maximizing the efficiency of the current workforce available right now. Historically proving time and again, CRNAs are extremely valuable in providing equity, efficiency and cost effectiveness which increases access to care in our communities. New York policy makers need to get on board if the communities they and we serve are to have better access to safe anesthesia. This requires every CRNA in the state to advocate for this change with their elected officials. We have made headway in the last couple of years, but we need all of us.

 “It is not about being the best player, it’s about being the best team.” J. Klopp.

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

I have been on the board into my fourth year now working to adapt new ideas and strategies to continue to propel the profession in an ever forward direction. I have been developing relationships with our elected officials over the last few years as this is what has been done in the states that have been successful passing pro-CRNA legislation. This takes time, but I’m here for it. I will continue to be ever present and not take no for an answer, and should we lose a fight in a legislative session, I will show back up to continue to demonstrate the value that CRNAs provide in the face of strong and well-funded opposition.

I will continue to remain accessible as a resource and work hard on behalf of the membership to help anyone who wants to meet with their elected officials. I’ll continue to do my part by providing the tools to make it a valuable experience. Lastly, I’ll continue my attempt to excite members to become involved because we need everyone.  

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

Persistence.

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

I love the ability to practice autonomously and work to ensure each patient has the best experience possible. There are a number of variables that look to spoil our ability as CRNAs to provide the best anesthetic, but it’s the challenge that I love the most. I also really enjoy teaching in the OR. I can talk a lot. My mother used to say, “bring it in for a landing,” but I remember what it was like to be a resident and the day-to-day stress of working with providers that practice differently. I hope to bring a different perspective to enhance their education and create an environment conducive to learning. 

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

One idea that I believe will engage or involve NYSANA members to advance the mission is when we finally achieve the historic legislative win that will bring the last state into the 21st century. This recognition has been a long time coming and year after year of losing the battle of the legislative sessions, members get fatigued and disheartened. I’m one of them. Although, I’m of the belief that a win will inspire members to want to participate in advancing the profession.