Paige Knudson, DNAP, CRNA

Paige Knudson, DNAP, CRNA, is an anesthesia provider with the Surgical Care team at Amberwell Hiawatha. She has been with Amberwell since July 2023 and enjoys serving the Northeast Kansas area she grew up in. Paige appreciates the autonomy that comes with being a CRNA. She is responsible for assessing a patient’s medical history, evaluating their condition, and determining the appropriate anesthesia technique and dosage for each procedure. Paige prioritizes patient safety and comfort while optimizing the anesthesia experience and loves having such a direct influence on patient care and helping to achieve favorable results.

On choosing Amberwell…

“I grew up in Troy, Kansas, which is near Hiawatha and Atchison, and so I’ve been familiar with Amberwell my whole life” explained Paige. “In fact, my mom was a nurse and worked at three Amberwell locations at different times before retiring, including Atchison, Horton, and Hiawatha. During my clinical rotations at Amberwell Atchison, I had the opportunity to experience all the wonderful staff, nurses, CRNAs, and surgeons that work there, and it confirmed that Amberwell was the right place for me.”

On choosing to become a CRNA…

“One of the major inspirations for my decision to become a CRNA was my mom, who introduced me to the nursing profession,” said Paige. “I was drawn to the many options a nursing career provided. During nursing school, I knew I wanted to advance my knowledge and become a CRNA. I was immediately drawn to nurse anesthesia because of the flexibility it offers. Whether it’s focusing on surgery, GI procedures, or injections, there are countless paths to choose from. Anesthesia has been the perfect fit for me, and I have loved every moment of this journey.”

On her patients’ experience…

“I prioritize being very personable with my patients,” Paige explained. “I understand the reality of white coat syndrome, as both my dad and I have experienced it. By letting patients know that I’m just like them, I aim to establish a sense of normalcy. It’s important to me that they feel comfortable and safe, especially considering the fear and uncertainty surrounding surgery,” she continued. “I want them to have a positive experience and avoid developing negative associations with surgery. By putting them at ease, sharing a bit about myself, and demonstrating that I’m not just a provider but also a person who has been where they are, I believe I am fulfilling my role effectively.”

About Paige

Paige and her husband live in the country outside Horton, Kansas, with their two dogs who they adore. They are active in their church and love serving in their community. In their free time, they enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with their families, who live throughout the area. When Paige isn’t caring for patients, she enjoys reading and watching Bravo Network.