Spulecki joins inaugural class of nurse anesthesiology fellows

Cheryl A. Spulecki, director of UB’s Nurse Anesthesia Program, has been named to the inaugural class of fellows of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) in recognition of her leadership and professionalism in the profession and science of nurse anesthesiology.

She is among 65 individuals named to the inaugural class of fellows of AANA, the professional organization for more than 59,400 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists across the United States.

“We recognize Cheryl as a leader who has demonstrated a depth of expertise that is critical to shaping the future of anesthesia care,” said Lorraine Jordan, chief advocacy officer of AANA and CEO of the AANA Foundation. “Earning this distinction signifies a commitment of excellence and dedication to making impactful changes for our profession.”

Spulecki joined the School of Nursing faculty in 2006. As director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, her duties include delivering didactic lectures in professional practice, anesthesia crisis resource management and principles of anesthesia. She also serves as faculty and adviser for the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) projects for both nurse anesthesia BS to DNP and MS to DNP students.

Spulecki’s clinical experience includes 15 years at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, including seven years as clinical coordinator. She currently maintains a clinical practice at Southtowns Surgery Center, Erie County Medical Center and Eye Health Associates. 

Spulecki is the recipient of the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists’ (NYSANA) 2020 Kathleen O'Donnell Excellence in Leadership Award for achievements in advancing the profession of nurse anesthesia during her tenure as NYSANA president from 2017-18, board adviser for the Government Relations Committee, federal political director/public relations, and current professional practice chair. 

She is also the recipient of the AANA Board of Directors’ Strategic Reserve Fund grant supporting NYSANA and the Patricia H. Garman Behavioral Health Nursing Endowment. Her research in the area of opioid respiratory depression and monitoring innovation has been featured in many media and peer-reviewed presentations and publications, both at the state and national levels.

Spulecki is currently a member of the New York State Board of Nursing’s professional practice disciplinary committee, and the Professional Nurses Association of WNY, AANA, NYSANA and Sigma Theta Tau.

She received her doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice from Virginia Commonwealth University, a MS from UB and a BSN from Niagara University.