IFNA

International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists

was founded in 1989. It is a federation of national associations of nurse anesthetists. The IFNA is affiliate member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and partner of the WHO for strengthening nursing and midwifery. The IFNA is recognized as the international voice for nurse anaesthesia worldwide by different organizations as the International Hospital Federation (IHF), the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) and the Center for Quality Assurance in International Education (CQAIE).
The IFNA has developed International Standards of Education and Practice, and a Code of Ethics for nurse anesthetists that have been adopted by all the country members.

Nurse anesthetists is a generic name for nurses who have received a specific post-basic education in aesthesia. Nurse anaesthesia is an advanced role and practice of nursing in anaesthesia requiring an additional education to the general care one. The role and practice can vary from one country to an other depending on the national regulation. Some educational programs in the EU are combined programs for nurse anaesthesia and critical care, but most of them are specifically developed in anaesthesia, with advanced education in anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, pathophysiology and anaesthesia techniques. Most of the programs are 2 years long after a minimum of one year of experience as a general care nurse, preferably in an acute care ward. The program of education requires at least 50% of clinical training in anaesthesia.

There are 19 European country members within the IFNA representing 13000 active members within national associations and more than 22000 professionals over Europe.