The Clinical Instructor of the Year Award, established in 1991, is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the teaching of nurse anesthesia students in the clinical area. This Award recognizes the commitment of individuals to the profession of nurse anesthesia and to the advancement of educational standards that further the art and science of anesthesiology and result in high quality patient care.
The Award is presented during the Educate, Develop, Grow, Engage (EDGE) Meeting.
The nominee may be a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist or non-CRNA, who has been active in the clinical education process of student nurse anesthetists during the most recent year ending August 31. The nominee may be living or deceased. The individual must have:
Please ensure your nomination clearly addresses how the candidate meets each of the outlined criteria.
Nomination Deadline: September 1
Submit a Nomination: Apply now
For more information, contact Kelly McCohen at governance@aana.com.
Newell serves as an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing in Cincinnati, Ohio, and as a clinical instructor in Scranton, PA for the University of Scranton. Her clinical focus is in obstetric anesthesia. Her teaching spans the full online Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum, with emphasis on evidence-based practice, leadership, quality improvement, and healthcare policy.
According to one of her students, “Newell embodies excellence in clinical teaching and mentorship. She explains the ‘why’ behind every decision, encourages critical thinking, and supports her students as we develop our own clinical judgment.”
Newell is known for her dedication to lifelong learning. She pioneered the first obstetric anesthesia rotation at the University of Scranton, developing evidence-based required learning materials to guide residents and ensuring a consistent and universal experience for every student who rotates through. She instills in her students the importance of every CRNA knowing not only how to provide comprehensive obstetric anesthesia but also how to function fully independently.
One of her students observed, “Dr. Newell’s excellence is not only in her clinical ability, but also in her ability to meet patients where they are, connect with them personally, and make them feel safe and understood.”
According to a colleague, “She is raising the standard for what residents should expect from a clinical instructor. Her excellence as a teacher, innovator, mentor, and leader has touched not only her students, but also her colleagues and the future of our profession.”
A 2022 Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (FAANA), Newell served as a director on the AANA Board of Directors and as president of the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research (SONAR). Her scholarship focuses on CRNA-led obstetric care models, maternal health, and interdisciplinary wellness.
Newell’s honors and recognitions include the 2023 AANA Alice McGaw Outstanding Clinical Practitioner Award, the 2024 Advocacy Award from Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists (OSANA), and the 2023 Elizabeth Kemble Award for Excellence in Nursing from University of Cincinnati.
Newell received her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio and her Master of Health Science in Nursing degree from Akron University in Akron, Ohio. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. She earned her Associate of Science degree from the University of St. Catherine and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Minnesota, both in Minneapolis.
Read Suzie’s acceptance speech.