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http://www.aana.com/newsandjournal/inmemoriam/Pages/In-Memoriam-Arthur-Zwerling.aspx
Having been a CRNA since 1996 and among his other accomplishments in nurse anesthesia, he was a powerful and vocal advocate for trying to get independent practice rights for nurse anesthetists in Pennsylvania. Included in some of his more noteworthy testimony was his brave assertion "that an anesthesiologist is not necessary in most settings." The bill advocating for expanded practice rights never got out of committee, to many people's regret.
An admitted recovering alcohol and drug addict who remained sober since 1987, he advocated tirelessly for awareness of the frailty of the human condition and had the courage to continue to practice in the face of daily temptation. Art had experimented with everything from street to prescription drugs yet was still able to become a CRNA and go on to a fantastic career. He did continue to have the rare challenges, which was reaffirmed in 2002 after an episode where he was legitimately adminstered hydromorphone for an acute pain condition where he described his initial instinct as one where he "wanted another shot". Fortunately, he tells the story of how he continued to triumph over his addictive tendencies and even became vice-president and then president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. During that time, he also achieved his DNP from University of Tennessee, a program consisting of two 20-week semesters that requires students to be on campus three times yearly for a week, while continuing his numerous endeavors in Pennsylvania. He even became a diplomate in the American Academy of Pain Management, which proudly accepts chiropractors, massage therapists, and veterinarians alike as part of their more than 4,500 members. A tireless advocate for nurses and people recovering from addiction, it is truly amazing that one man could, like a phoenix from the ashes, accomplish so many things in one lifetime. Almost unbelievable.
After suddenly losing a battle with cancer, Dr. Zwerling will surely be missed by many. Friends remembering him most soberly reflect that he will no longer be in pain. A beacon of light in the darkness, the absolute best that nurse anesthesia has to offer, and a shining example of the pinnacle of achievement in the service of others towards the advancement of the nursing profession.
Having been a CRNA since 1996 and among his other accomplishments in nurse anesthesia, he was a powerful and vocal advocate for trying to get independent practice rights for nurse anesthetists in Pennsylvania. Included in some of his more noteworthy testimony was his brave assertion "that an anesthesiologist is not necessary in most settings." The bill advocating for expanded practice rights never got out of committee, to many people's regret.
An admitted recovering alcohol and drug addict who remained sober since 1987, he advocated tirelessly for awareness of the frailty of the human condition and had the courage to continue to practice in the face of daily temptation. Art had experimented with everything from street to prescription drugs yet was still able to become a CRNA and go on to a fantastic career. He did continue to have the rare challenges, which was reaffirmed in 2002 after an episode where he was legitimately adminstered hydromorphone for an acute pain condition where he described his initial instinct as one where he "wanted another shot". Fortunately, he tells the story of how he continued to triumph over his addictive tendencies and even became vice-president and then president-elect of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. During that time, he also achieved his DNP from University of Tennessee, a program consisting of two 20-week semesters that requires students to be on campus three times yearly for a week, while continuing his numerous endeavors in Pennsylvania. He even became a diplomate in the American Academy of Pain Management, which proudly accepts chiropractors, massage therapists, and veterinarians alike as part of their more than 4,500 members. A tireless advocate for nurses and people recovering from addiction, it is truly amazing that one man could, like a phoenix from the ashes, accomplish so many things in one lifetime. Almost unbelievable.
After suddenly losing a battle with cancer, Dr. Zwerling will surely be missed by many. Friends remembering him most soberly reflect that he will no longer be in pain. A beacon of light in the darkness, the absolute best that nurse anesthesia has to offer, and a shining example of the pinnacle of achievement in the service of others towards the advancement of the nursing profession.
