Melanie Schutt and Alexis Stachowski are third year student registered nurse anesthetist at the University at Buffalo (UB), class of 2020. They conducted a research study to learn how an online workshop effects certified registered nurse anesthetists’ (CRNAs) perception of clinical precepting of student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNA).  Additionally, they sought to explore the online workshop’s effect on the knowledge and use of anesthesia non-technical skills. This research filled the requirements of their doctorate in nursing practice degree at UB.

                They asked New York CRNAs that served as clinical preceptors, in the last six months, to participate in their study. The participants completed a total of three surveys (pre-workshop, post-workshop and one month post workshop). All surveys were online and took approximately five to ten minutes to complete. Responses were  anonymous, collecting data focused on SRNA precepting experiences and use of anesthesia non-technical skills. Some personal information such as age, education level and number of years of experience as a CRNA was also  collected.

               Upon completion of the pre-workshop survey, CRNAs viewed an online workshop in the form of a self-guided PowerPoint. The workshop was all online, and ompleted in multiple sittings. Next, CRNAs completed the post-workshop survey, and then a one month follow up survey.

               Alexis and Melanie both successfully defending their DNP projects in the Fall 2019 semester. They will both present their findings at the UB Research Day in April 2020.

              Thank you to the New York State Nurse Anesthetist Association (NYSANA), as well as their members for taking the time to participate in this DNP project. A special thank you to Dr. Cheryl Spulecki for her support, encouragement, and commitment to this project’s success.

 

Nursing students in class and the lab in Wende Hall Photographer: Douglas Levere