Voices of Experience 2005

Provider of Distinction:
Christopher Stein, CRNA, MS

Born in the small farming town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, Christopher Stein, CRNA, MS, developed a disciplined and strong, early to bed, early to rise, Midwestern work ethic. By age 17, Chris knew that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others and chose to demonstrate his dedication by volunteering to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. Chris met his wife Ann during his tour of duty in the Navy. She, too, had chosen to make a difference in the world by serving her country. Finding that they both had so much in common, Chris and Ann married before leaving the Navy in 1977. After joining civilian life, Chris worked as a mechanic in a foundry to support his growing family while Ann attended nursing school.

Following nursing school graduation it was Ann’s turn to support Chris while he attended the University of Wisconsin’s Nursing Program. In 1986, Chris started practicing nursing in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center. Several years later, Chris set his sights on becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and entered the UCLA Program of Nurse Anesthesia. His first experience as a CRNA was at UCLA-Olive View Medical Center where he worked his way up to the top position of Chief CRNA while also maintaining a clinical faculty position for the UCLA Program of Nurse Anesthesia. For the last 5 years Chris has been the Chief CRNA for the Northridge Pain Management and Surgery Center, and a clinical faculty member for the University of Southern California (USC) Program of Nurse Anesthesia.

Chris became involved in the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists (CANA) immediately after graduating from the UCLA Program of Nurse Anesthesia. He started out on the public relations committee, and served as the public relations committee chairperson. As he became more familiar and interested in the issues facing CRNAs, Chris was voted in as a trustee, followed by vice-president, president-elect, and finally president of CANA. After his term as president ended, Chris assumed the position as 3-year director for CANA. This position, he feels, is his favorite position within CANA because he has acquired first-hand knowledge and experience of every position inside CANA while at the same time developing a global understanding of the issues facing CRNAs in California.

When asked to look back over his career and articulate the highlights, Chris replied that he had four experiences that will always fill him with great memories and grant him a sense of accomplishment. First, despite the challenges of his work for CANA, Chris was able to get people to see differing points of view while still trying to bring people together. Second, Chris was instrumental in developing the CANA Foundation – a foundation dedicated to providing financial stability to CANA, and also to sponsor student scholarship and research. Third, he is proud to be able to provide safe, excellent, anesthesia care and alleviate pain for people undergoing surgery or pain management procedures. Fourth, Chris spoke of what a tremendous honor it was to be the keynote speaker at the graduation celebration of the University of Southern California (USC) Program of Nurse Anesthesia. While presenting his opening statements Chris looked out over the audience and realized the importance he played in preparing the next generation of CRNAs, and what a tremendous legacy that was to leave behind as a gift to the world.

We appreciate the sacrifices Chris has made to our profession, and we find it a great honor to have him within our ranks. Thank you Chris.