USM Nursing Administrator Earns Prestigious Honor
Mon, 08/29/2022 - 08:57am | By: Van Arnold
Dr. Nina McLain, Nurse Anesthesia Administrator at The University of Southern Mississippi
(USM), has joined an esteemed group with her recognition as an American Association
of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Fellow.
As a Fellow of the AANA, McLain is recognized as one of the most accomplished leaders in the profession of nurse anesthesiology. Earning the FAANA designation is a major career achievement that recognizes CRNAs as outstanding practitioners, educators, researchers, and advocates for the profession. The designation communicates a commitment to excellence in the profession of nurse anesthesiology.
“I am most honored to be selected as a fellow for the AANA. When I look at the others among the group, I am so humbled to be amongst them,” said McLain. “Dr. (Lachel) Story was very kind to write a wonderful recommendation letter. Most of my success in what I have attempted can be traced back to the huge support I have received from my Director (Dr. Lawanda Baskin), Dean Story and USM administration all the way ‘to the top’, as well as to Dr. Lorraine Jordan (AANA) and Dr. Chuck Biddle (Ph.D. Chairman). I feel fortunate to have walked on paths paved by others or those where I know others can help me navigate.”
Acceptance criteria for AANA fellowship include professional achievements demonstrating impactful contributions that continue to promote and advance the profession in the areas of clinical practice, education, research, and professional advocacy and are consistent with the high standards of AANA.
“We are very proud of Dr. McLain for this important recognition. It signifies that she represents among the best in her field, and therefore, our Nurse Anesthesia students have access to the best health providers as their faculty,” said Story, Dean of USM’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.”
McLain has served as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for 31 years and a Registered Nurse for five years before that. She spent 12 years as an educator at Samford University in Birmingham before joining the USM faculty in 2017.