Candidate for Director, 2025 - 2027

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Fast Facts About Jake

• Lives in the Liberty Educational District
• Works at NYU Langone
• 3 years as a CRNA in New York

Jake Forrester graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2016 with his BSN. Immediately after graduation, Jake worked in the Neuro-surgical ICU at MUSC then moved to NYC where he also worked in the Neuro ICU at NYU Langone. In 2019, Jake went to Columbia University for his Masters in Nurse Anesthesia. While at Columbia, Jake became the student representative for NYSANA where he began his advocacy for our state CRNAs and NARs. Upon graduating from Columbia, Jake began his CRNA career at NYU Langone where he is actively working. Since being at NYU Langone, Jake has managed the RNs that are interested in becoming a CRNA and then taking over as the clinical coordinator for Columbia. Jake has maintained his involvement with NYSANA by becoming the Liberty District Chair and as a member of the finance committee. 

What are the biggest challenges facing the profession? 

Currently, our profession encounters numerous challenges, but title recognition presents a particularly significant obstacle in New York State. We must persistently advocate for the full scope of our practice to enable hospitals and surgery centers to determine their preferred utilization of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) within their healthcare systems. By achieving this goal, we can facilitate the reduction of redundancies and enhance access to care. If successful, this endeavor will enable hospitals to accommodate a greater number of patients while maintaining the high-quality care that patients in New York expect and deserve. Additionally, CRNAs in New York must address the anesthesia provider shortage within our state and demonstrate to our state legislature that we have been committed to serving our community and will continue to contribute to the solution, rather than introducing Anesthesia Assistants (AAs).

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

Currently, I am the clinical coordinator for the nurse anesthesia residents who rotate through our facilities at NYU Langone. In this role, I have been instrumental in demonstrating the positive work environment that CRNAs can enjoy with the physician anesthesiologists with whom we collaborate. My primary objective has been to provide an exceptional experience for the current NARs in New York, thereby encouraging them to remain in the state rather than seeking employment elsewhere. This is a significant challenge, as approximately 30% of the graduating CRNAs choose to leave our state. As a Columbia University student representative for 1.5 years on the NYSANA board, I gained valuable insights into the CRNA work environment in rural areas of New York. This knowledge has been instrumental in comprehending the diverse needs of our state and the challenges faced by CRNAs in various settings. 

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

As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), one of my strengths is finding innovative solutions. In my leadership roles, I have encountered system issues that were considered fixed aspects of the institution. Rather than accepting this, I sought creative solutions to address and improve these issues.   

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

As a CRNA, I love trying to perfect my anesthetic for each patient so when they are in recovery they are content with their anesthesia experience. Pharmacology has always captivated my interest since I was a pharmacy technician, and as a nurse anesthetist, I have the privilege of integrating this knowledge into clinical practice. And because we only have one patient at a time (compared to 2-3 in the ICU), I enjoy being able to getting to know my patient thoroughly. 

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

For the past two years I have been the Liberty District chair and in this position I have noticed the answer to engagement is by hosting events that are fun and help CRNAs meet other CRNAs that work in other facilities that are nearby. Focusing on more social events in the various regions of the state I believe will improve engagement and help NYSANA members to be up to date on current topics.