Dawn Bent,

DNP, CRNA, FAANA

CRNA since:  2004 

Why are you interested in serving on the NBCRNA Board of Directors? 

Serving on the Board of Directors for the NBCRNA is something that I have always wanted to do. I believe that my experience in leadership, mentorship, and collaborative decision-making would enable me to offer valuable insights and help drive positive change. Additionally, I am eager to learn and grow from other leaders within anesthesia circles. I want to continue the path of personal and professional development, as well as have a deeper understanding of the NBCRNA, and being a member of the NBCRNA BOD would help me achieve this goal. 

Describe your qualifications and experiences in leadership. 

I have had the opportunity to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Pennsylvania Association for Nurse Anesthetists for the past two years, and this position has led me to gain more experience in leading various groups. I currently serve as the Chair for the Membership Engagement Committee, and I am a member of the Communications Committee. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Board. I have gained experience in understanding association processes, identifying solutions that would best serve the Association and its members, and ensuring consistent communications to members. Additionally, I believe my current employment with the University of Pennsylvania as a Program Director has also enhanced my leadership skills. I lead a team of 12 faculty members and 77 students, and my motto is that we are team members with our students. I try to live this leadership style every day. 

Describe your current employment, including major clinical, teaching, or practice areas; field/place of employment; and responsibilities. 

I currently work at the University of Pennsylvania as the Program Director, where I am heavily involved in teaching. I have responsibilities in didactic education, which include the basics of anesthesia, inhalational agents, anesthesia pharmacology, basic and advanced monitoring, and all pediatric content, just to name a few.  In clinical practice, I still serve as a preceptor to not only my own students, but to students from four other nurse anesthesia programs in the Philadelphia Area. I also work very closely with other anesthesia providers in a Faculty Development Program, which aims to increase diverse faculty within nurse anesthesia programs. My dedication to nurse anesthesia education, clinical practice, and the future of nurse anesthesia keeps me busy, but it is much needed work for the profession, and I am pleased to do it

Education and Credentials 

  • University of Pennsylvania, Master in Law, 2024 (expected) 

  • Duquesne University, Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2011 

  • Temple University, Masters of Nursing, 2004 

  • Temple University, Bachelors of Nursing, 1994 

Professional Memberships, Affiliations, Elected Positions, or Leadership Experience 

  • Board of Trustees, PANA

  • Chair, Member Engagement Committe

  • NBCRNA - SEE Subcommittee Item Writer

  • NBCRNA - Professional Practice Analysis Subcommittee

  • NBCRNA - CEO Search Committe

  • Consultative Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Associate Dean Selection Process

  • AANA – Scholarship Committee