Heather Bair

Heather Bair, DNP, ARNP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA is an Associate Professor (Clinical) and Associate Director of the Anesthesia Nursing Program at the University of Iowa. She holds academic ties to the Department of Anesthesia Nursing within the university's nursing school. Her career spans over two decades at the University of Iowa, where she earned her BSN (1997), MSN (2005), and DNP (2011). Dr. Bair practices as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at the University of Iowa Ambulatory Surgical Center while maintaining an active role in education and research.

Her research focuses on simulation-based education, patient safety through cognitive aids, and burnout mitigation in anesthesia professionals. Notable contributions include implementing aviation-inspired safety checklists for anesthesia machines and advancing dementia care communication training via simulation. She serves on the National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) and chairs committees related to simulation education.

Dr. Bair is certified as a Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and actively presents at national/international conferences on topics like simulation validation and emergency manual implementation. Her clinical practice and academic roles are synergistically focused on improving patient outcomes through education innovation and evidence-based practices. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided materials.