In some cases, Virginia Family Dentistry’s Dentists will work with Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists to administer IV sedation to patients. A CRNA is an advanced practice registered nurse who administers anesthesia and other medications. They also take care of and monitor people who receive or are recovering from anesthesia. CRNAs have specialized training and knowledge to administer anesthesia safely and properly. CRNAs work closely with Dentists to administer sedation during procedures.
CRNAs Currently Working with Virginia Family Dentistry
Please note, CRNAs are outside contractors and are not employees of Virginia Family Dentistry. Therefore, if your procedure in our offices requires the use of a CRNA, you will be billed separately by the provider for CRNA services.
Cathy Harrison, DNAP, MSN, CRNA
Dr. Harrison, DNAP, CRNA, is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist who typically cares for patients who require extensive dental care to be undertaken in one visit and/or have anxiety as a result of traumatic life events. She provides moderate sedation to patients in several dental offices inMidlothian Virginia and surrounding area.
She meets with patients who have requested moderate sedation prior to their procedure, completes a physical assessment and provides pre and post procedural instructions in order to alleviate patients’ fears and anxiety. During the procedure, she monitors vital signs, administers IV medications and provides patient support throughout. Having a CRNA as a member of the dental patient care team enhances the safety and quality of care provided. Each member of the team can focus on their individual jobs, which increases team member and patient satisfaction.
Dr. Harrison started her nursing career at Mercy School of Nursing in Charlotte, NC, and went on to pursue her diploma of Nurse Anesthesia at the Medical College of Virginia. Upon graduation, she work in several local medical centers and in 2000 she started LCH Anesthesia Services where she specialized in office-based anesthesia services. A life long learner, she earned her doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Harrison served as an officer in the Navy Nurse Corps. She retired with 26 years of service to our country at the rank of Captain.
Dr. Harrison is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and Federal Health Care Executives Institute. She has also served inmany roles for the Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists, including President and Government Relations Chair, among others. She is also the co-chair of the AANA Dental Advisory Panel.