As Chief CRNA, Diana plays a key leadership role in ensuring the day runs smoothly for both patients and providers in West County. Her work extends beyond the operating room, encompassing leadership, coordination, and support for a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced clinical environment. In this “Day in the Life,” Diana offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to lead with intention, adaptability, and a strong commitment to team-based care.
An anesthesia day has a rhythm we all know—early mornings, precise work, and teamwork that becomes second nature. As Chief CRNA, my role is to support a team that already works well together; along with coordinating scheduling, staffing, and working through unexpected challenges so that patient care runs at the highest level. The compassion and skill our CRNAs, physicians, nurses, and technicians bring to each day make all the difference, and I’m honored to be part of it.
5:30 a.m.—My day begins by reviewing the schedule, checking emails and text messages, and noting any overnight updates. Early preparation allows the team to anticipate challenges and stay on track.
6:00 a.m.—Sick callouts and last-minute changes are addressed quickly. Cases are reassigned, coverage is confirmed, and workloads are balanced to keep the day running efficiently. The anesthesia assignment board is completed and sent out to all of the CRNA’s so everyone is on the same page for the day.
6:30 a.m.—Our Lead Anesthesia Tech (Kim), Associate Chief (Emily), and OR Charge Nurse all check in with each other to review the schedule, discuss add-ons, and identify potential workflow or equipment issues. Collaborating early ensures there is a strong start to the day.
6:45–7:15 a.m.—Set up for my cases of the day. If anyone is running late or has questions we are there to help.
7:15–8:00 a.m.—Cases begin across three locations—the Orthopedic Center (5 ORs), the ASC (4 ORs), and Barnes West County Hospital (14 ORs, 5 Endo rooms, and an IR/CT suite). Between cases, my team and I together help troubleshoot IT issues, resolve workflow questions, and support new CRNAs as they navigate protocols and workflows, and our seasoned CRNA’s should any issues arise.
8:00–12:00 p.m.—Clinical time! The department runs smoothly with quick turn over times, and staff take care of each other by offering breaks/helping with other cases if there is downtime.
12:00–2:00 p.m.—Continued clinical time, but I also help make sure staff are getting lunch breaks, review the rest of the weeks schedule, anticipate staffing challenges, and make proactive adjustments. As rooms start to come down for the day, I work closely with the OR Charge to move cases and staffing around as needed and help make decisions about relief if there are questions. Planning ahead keeps patient care and our staff supported.
2:00 p.m. – Time to review emails, talk with Emily to make sure we follow up on any outstanding requests, create and disburse any education and attend meetings as needed. This behind-the-scenes work ensures the department operates effectively and that staff concerns are addressed and everyone is kept up-to-date with important information.
3:00–5:30 p.m. – The team and I continue our focus on patient care and helping with the board and relieving staff.
5:30–7:00 p.m. – As the last cases finish and our patients are safely in recovery, I meet with staff as needed and confirm coverage for the next day. Operational issues are reviewed, and adjustments are made. When the day winds down, I head home, knowing tomorrow will bring another set of challenges and opportunities to support our team.
While many of my days begin in the OR, the rhythm of my life is shaped just as much by what happens outside of it. Travel has become one of the ways I reset and return to work with renewed clarity. Even on a normal morning, I often think back to recent adventures—like wandering the serene temples of Kyoto, walking through the crowded streets of Tokyo, or taking in the breathtaking stillness of Mt. Fuji. (In case you couldn’t tell I just got back from Japan… and yes, you absolutely should go!)
The best part of my days are the time I get to spend with my family. Their love and support keep me grounded and remind me of what truly matters. Most evenings you can find us sharing a meal together, talking about our days, or getting out to cheer on the kids—whether it’s watching my 15-year-old son, Cade, race at his cross-country meets (10th grade at Whitfield), or supporting my 13-year-old daughter, Evie, at her volleyball games (8th grade at Whitfield). Through it all, my husband of 20 years, Wayne, remains a constant source of strength and inspiration for me.
Some days are busier than others—whether I’m in the OR, out seeing the world, or juggling life at home—but each setting gives me something essential. The intensity of the OR sharpens my purpose, travel broadens my perspective, and the quiet moments at home help me recharge, always reminding me that connection is what truly sustains me—both in my personal life and within my team at work.
