AANA Honors Excellence in Nurse Anesthesiology: Mayme Bailey Receives Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award 

Rosemont, Ill. — The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) will present Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Mayme P. Bailey, CRNA, with the 39th Annual Alice Magaw Outstanding Clinical Anesthesia Practitioner Award during its 2025 Annual Congress, August 9-13, in Nashville.

Established in 1986, the Alice Magaw Award honors CRNAs who are actively engaged in direct patient care and whose clinical excellence and professional achievements have significantly advanced the nurse anesthesiology profession. 

With a decades-long clinical career, Bailey’s impact on the field of nurse anesthesiology has been profound and enduring. For more than 30 years, Bailey served at the forefront of patient care at Presbyterian University Hospital, then known as Presbyterian Hospital, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—first as a staff CRNA and later as the Chief of Nurse Anesthesia. She helped usher in a transformative era for nurse anesthesia practice, introducing progressive approaches to care and ensuring CRNAs and Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists (RRNAs) had access to advanced clinical training. Her work and leadership helped lift long-standing restrictions on CRNA-performed regional anesthesia, paving the way for a broader scope of practice that greatly benefited both patients and practitioners. 

Bailey’s clinical expertise spanned a period marked by significant advancements in surgical technique and anesthetic technology. During her tenure as Chief of Nurse Anesthesia, she was a key clinical presence during pioneering organ transplants and managed anesthesia safely and effectively during complex neurosurgical and trauma cases. According to one of her colleagues, her leadership “united all disciplines” and “shaped the entire perioperative department to run smoothly.” 

“Bailey’s natural abilities as an administrator included building bridges and facilitating communication between departments with the epitome of grace and humility,” wrote her nominator. “Hers is an ability and legacy beyond the scope of medical practice and one to be acknowledged and admired.” 

In addition to her clinical skills, Bailey was known for her compassionate and patient-centered approach. She consistently prioritized the safety, dignity, and comfort of her patients, earning the respect of colleagues, physicians, and RRNAs alike. Her presence and steady demeanor during high-stress cases provided reassurance not only to her team, but also to patients and families facing complex procedures. Colleagues recall her ability to deliver care to every patient, treating them “equally, with dignity and respect, in her non-discriminatory and humble fashion.” No matter the complexity or urgency of the case, Bailey was widely regarded for her clinical precision and deep empathy—attributes that made her both a trusted clinician and a beloved caregiver. 

As a mentor, she was a “persistent advocate for students” and was deeply invested in preparing RRNAs for real-world practice, instilling in them the confidence and competence needed to navigate complex cases. Through her leadership and mentorship, colleagues and students alike note that Bailey “cultivated highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate CRNAs” throughout her career. 

“Bailey embodies the qualities this award represents through her unwavering leadership, dedication, and the profound impact she had on RRNAs,” a former student writes. “Her contributions to the field and her role as a mentor have left a lasting legacy.” 

“If I had the chance, I’d do it all over again,” said Bailey. “This work allowed me to serve others in a deeply meaningful way, and I was fortunate to share it with exceptional professionals—colleagues who became lifelong friends both on and off the clock.” 

Bailey’s legacy exemplifies these values through exceptional commitment to hands-on practice, patient advocacy, and the elevation of clinical standards. She graduated from Harlem Hospital School of Nursing in New York City and worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) for several years. After gaining experience as an RN in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Bailey earned her diploma in nurse anesthesia from the Presbyterian Hospital School of Anesthesia in Pittsburgh. 

To learn more about AANA Member Recognition awards, visit https://www.aana.com/membership/recognition/aana-awards/ .