DNP CRNA Student Handbook

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP IN NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

STUDENT HANDBOOK

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027

A-State University

Nurse Anesthesia Program

2105 Danner Ave.

Jonesboro, Ark. 72401

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION I. ADMINISTRATIVE HANDBOOK

College of Nursing and Health Professions Mission Statement	5
School of Nursing Mission Statement, Core Values, & Philosophy	5
Notice of Intent	9
Purposes of Handbook	10
Forward	11
Faculty Staff Contact Information	13
School of Nursing Administrative Listings	14
CONHP Organizational Chart	15
Admission Criteria	16
DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Curriculum	18
Course Descriptions	20
Nurse Anesthesia Program Terminal Outcome	21
SON Program Outcomes	23
Graduation Criteria	28

SECTION II. STUDENTS’ RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND BENEFITS

Student Rights	30
AANA Code of Ethics	34
Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice	38
AANA Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice	40
Academic Integrity Policy	43
Policy/Procedure Guidelines for Infection Control	45
Exposure & Bodily Fluids (Clinical/On Campus)	47
Social Media Policy	49
Student Grievance Procedure	53
Student Services	52

SECTION III. NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM POLICIES

General Policies	56
Guidelines for Completing Clinical Case Records	59
Accreditation Policy	62
Admission, Transfer, and Graduation Criteria Policy	63
Allowable Time Off Policy	69
Attendance Policy	69
Audio, Videotaping, or Photography of Faculty, Administration, or Staff Policy	70
Call Policy	71
Clinical Affiliation Policy	72
Clinical Affiliation Site Evaluation Policy	74
Clinical Compliance Policy	75
Clinical Occurrence Policy	78
Clinical Daily Performance Evaluation Policy	79
Clinical Student Supervision Policy	80
Distribution of A-State Faculty, Administration, or Staff Information Policy	82
Dress Code Policy	83
General Policy on Curriculum Changes/Approval	85
General Policy on Self-Assessment (Program, Students, Instructors, Courses)	86
Grading Policy	90
Health Policy	93
Inclement Weather Policy	94
Leave of Absence Policy	95
Non-Discrimination Policy	96
Pre and Postoperative Anesthesia Rounds Policy	97
Radiation Badges and Radiation Safety Policy	98
Recommendation Policy	101
Review Course Policy	102
Record Retention Policy	103
Student Clinical Performance Policy	105
CNHP Substance Abuse Policy	106
NA Program Substance Abuse Policy	110
Student Clinical Progression Policy	114
Work Outside the Program Policy	115

Section IV Clinical Faculty

Clinical Faculty	117
Area Clinical Coordinator	118
Clinical Coordinator	120
Clinical Preceptor	122

SECTION V. CLINICAL SITES

Clinical Facilities	125
NORTHEAST ARKANSAS CLINICAL SITES
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital	127
St. Bernard’s Medical Center	131
CENTRAL ARKANSAS CLINICAL SITES
Arkansas Children’s Hospital	133
Conway Regional Medical Center	134
National Park Medical Center	135
Saline Memorial Hospital	136
WESTERN TENNESSEE/NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI CLINICAL SITES
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Women’s	141
Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis	146
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto	151
Baptist Memorial Union County	155
Regional One Health	156
St. Francis Hospital-Park	161
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital	165
Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center	169

SECTION VI. IMPORTANT FORMS
Current Medications	174
Unplanned Personal Day Off (Sick Time) Documentation Form	175
Planned Personal Day Off Documentation Form	176
Vacation Documentation Form	177
Review Course Request Form	178
Educational Time Off Request Form	179
(Course) Evidence Base Practice Conference	180
Change of Clinical Site Experience Request Form	181
Clinical Occurrence Form	182
Student Self Evaluation Form (Monthly)	183
Clinical Site Coordinator-Monthly Evaluation	184
Student Self Evaluation Form (Semester)	185
End of rotation Clinical Site Evaluation form	186
Student’s Evaluation of Preceptor Form	187
Student Summative Evaluation Form	188

SECTION I

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions

Mission Statements

Arkansas State University Mission Statement

Arkansas State educates leaders, enhances intellectual growth, and enriches lives.

College of Nursing and Health Professions Mission Statement

The mission of the College of Nursing and Health Professions is to provide quality education to students, graduates, and health care providers in a variety of health disciplines. Recognizing its unique position in the lower Mississippi Delta region, the College provides educational programs that are designed to promote lifelong learning based on the expressed needs of its varied constituencies.

School of Nursing Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Nursing is to educate, enhance and enrich students for evolving professional nursing practice.

The School of Nursing Core Values

The School of Nursing values the following as fundamentals:

· Integrity: Purposeful decision to consistently demonstrate truth and honesty.

· Excellence: Highest quality of nursing education, practice, service and research.

· Diversity: Respect for varied dimensions of individuality among populations

· Service: Professional experiences in response to the needs of society.

· Learning: Acquisition of knowledge and skills in critical thinking, practical reasoning, and decision- making.

· Student centered: Development of essential skills for lifelong learning, leadership, professionalism, and social responsibility.

Philosophy (AASN/BSN/MSN/DNP)

The faculty holds the following beliefs about personhood, environment, health, nursing and nursing education. We believe that each person has innate worth and individuality, which reflects integration of the bio-psycho-social-spiritual nature of one’s being. Though each is unique, all persons possess characteristics that form the bases of identifiable shared basic human needs. We believe that individual experience, heredity, and culture influence each person, and that one’s existence depends on perception of and reaction to change. Inherent in this process is the capacity to make decisions, weigh alternatives, predict and accept possible outcomes.

The faculty believes that environment profoundly influences all persons. The environment is the sum of all conditions and forces that affect a person’s ability to pursue the highest possible quality of life. The concept of environment has two major components. The first comprises society and culture, which derive from the need for order, meaning, and human affiliation. The second component consists of the physical and biological forces with which all human beings come in contact. Both of these components of environment are sources of stimuli that require personal adaptation and/or interaction in order for individuals to survive, develop, grow, and mature.

The faculty believes that health is a state of wholeness and integrity. We recognize that health is not a static state for individuals, families, groups, or communities, but that it is a continuum in which the mind, body and spirit are balanced, providing a sense of well-being. Health is influenced by the ability to cope with life processes. The achievement of this potential is determined by motivation, knowledge, ability, and developmental status. The faculty also believes the primary responsibility for one’s health rests with the individual or those upon whom one is dependent.

We believe that each individual has the right to quality health care. The goal of health care is to promote, maintain, or restore an optimal level of wellness. Nurses act as advocates in assisting persons to gain access to and secure maximum benefit from the health care system. The complexity of health care requires that nurses as professionals collaborate to provide the highest level of health care possible.

The faculty believes that nursing is both art and science. This unique altruistic discipline has evolved from the study and application of its own interventions as well as applying knowledge from a variety of other disciplines. The focus of nursing is the provision of care across the health care continuum utilizing a systematic nursing process.

We believe that nursing refines its practice in response to societal need, and that nursing education must prepare a professional nurse for evolving as well as traditional roles. The faculty recognizes the obligation of the nursing curriculum to include leadership, change strategies, professionalism and community service.

We believe that the education of nurses occurs at several levels in order to prepare various categories of practitioners. To acquire the knowledge and judgment inherent in practice, nursing education focuses on critical thinking, decision-making, analysis, inquiry, and research. The faculty also believes that learning is an independent, life-long process. Learning is an opportunity for professor-student interaction in setting goals, selecting and evaluating learning experiences and appraising learners’ progress. All levels of nursing education share certain rights, duties, and characteristics, such as the scientific basis of nursing care. Accordingly, we actively support the endeavors of the profession to assist nurses in pursuing professional education at beginning and advanced levels.

The purpose of the associate level is to prepare graduates who apply the nursing process in the provision of direct nursing care for clients with common, well-defined problems. Therefore, the associate curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and includes professional values, core competencies, core knowledge and role development. The associate degree graduate is prepared to function as a member of the profession and a manager of care in acute and community-based settings.

The nurse prepared at the baccalaureate level is a professional who has acquired a well- delineated and broad knowledge base for practice. We believe that the role of a baccalaureate graduate is multifaceted and developed through extensive study in the areas of liberal education, professional values, core competencies, core knowledge and role development. This knowledge base prepares the beginning baccalaureate graduate to function as, a provider of direct and indirect care to individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. The baccalaureate graduate is also a member of the profession and a designer, manager and coordinator of care.

The master’s level prepares baccalaureate nurses for advanced nursing practice
roles. Preparation for advanced practice emphasizes strategies to intervene in multidimensional situations. The knowledge base is expanded in scope and depth through the scientific, theoretical and research components of nursing. Various theories inherent in advanced practice roles and strategies are analyzed and explored to synthesize the interdependence of theory, practice, and scientific inquiry in nursing. This synthesis of knowledge and experience provides the basis for creating, testing, predicting, and utilizing varied and complex interventions for problems of health care and health care delivery. The graduate of the master’s program is a leader in the profession and prepared as an independent coordinator of care.

Organizing Framework

The organizing framework of the school of nursing is derived from the philosophy and has four major components. The four components are values, role, knowledge and process. These components are taught at each level of education and provide a construct for development of objectives and outcomes. The framework model clearly shows how each of the components increases in complexity at the three levels of education. The model is visualized as a circular process with each component dependent upon the others. However, writing about the framework requires discussing the components individually.

The first major component, values, is defined as the system of beliefs that guide behavior, attitudes and moral judgment. Personal values reflect cultural and social influences, relationships and individual needs. Professional values guide nurses’ behavior to act in a manner consistent with nursing responsibilities and standards of practice. We believe professional values can be formed through reasoning, observation and experience. Five core values, transcending personal and professional values, have been identified by the faculty: integrity, excellence, diversity, service, learning and student centered. The associate graduate possesses an awareness of personal values and how these values may influence care delivery. Additionally, the associate graduate incorporates professional values in assisting individuals with the process of value clarification that may impact health care decisions. The baccalaureate graduate has a global perspective and is able to help individuals clarify or re-prioritize personal values, minimize conflict and achieve consistency between values and behaviors related to health. The DNP’ prepared graduate applies professional values when designing health care systems in response to societal need. The master’s graduate is able to engage in activities that influence policies and service delivery to diverse populations in a variety of settings.

The second major component is role. The faculty believes provider of care, manager of care and member of the profession (NLN) are key elements of this component. To clearly explain how these roles develop, each will be examined at all three levels.

At the associate degree level, emphasis is placed on providing and managing direct care to individuals with common well-defined problems. The associate degree graduate functions as a team member using nursing diagnoses and established protocols for individuals in acute care and community-based settings. Additionally, the graduate participates as a member of the profession in appropriate specialty and politically focused nursing organizations.

The baccalaureate degree nurse provides direct and indirect nursing care to individuals, families, groups and populations. The baccalaureate graduate has the ability to individualize nursing diagnoses and protocols to enhance the design and coordination of preventative, complex and restorative care. As a member of professional organizations the graduate has the capacity to assume leadership and advocacy roles.

The master’s graduate is able to function independently in the provision for direct and indirect care. Practice settings for the master’s prepared graduate are multi-dimensional. Inherent is the ability to design, facilitate and coordinate care for individuals in a variety of health care settings. Graduates have the skills necessary to lead, effect policy and mentor as members of specialty and politically focused nursing organizations.

The third major component is knowledge. The general education curriculum provides a foundation of liberal arts and sciences for the associate and baccalaureate students. These courses help provide the basic psychosocial, spiritual, humanistic, and legal components which assist students in developing an appreciation of each person’s interaction with the environment. The knowledge gained enhances the nurse’s ability to think critically, reason logically, and communicate effectively.

The associate degree core focuses on liberal arts and sciences, which include courses in English, college mathematics, basic biological science, history and psychology. Content for the associate degree student provides basic nursing knowledge that is applied to common well-defined problems.

The baccalaureate student’s general education core is expanded to provide a more in depth science basis and global view of society. These courses include physical sciences, sociology, world civilization and humanities. The support courses of pathophysiology and statistics are incorporated into the nursing curriculum as the student progresses into complex nursing theory and application.

The master’s program builds on the baccalaureate curriculum. Core graduate courses include theory, research, role, and health policy. These courses prepare the master’s graduate to integrate the other components of role, process and values. The key support courses for all options include advanced pathophysiology, advanced pharmacology and advanced health assessment/physical diagnosis. Content in specialty courses reinforces concepts in the core courses as well as preparing the graduate for advanced nursing.

Process, the fourth and final major component of the organizing framework, recognizes the systematic approach used in the profession of nursing and incorporates the other three components, role, knowledge and values, to evaluate the needs of individuals, groups and/or communities. The process involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation on a continual basis. All nurses are prepared to use this process but as one acquires additional knowledge, the nurse begins to use the components of the process in unique and creative ways. As one moves through the educational program, elements such as communicating, educating, supporting, coaching and monitoring are incorporated into the process. Additionally, problem solving, planning, inquiry, and appraisal are used to derive and evaluate the interventions developed.

The associate degree graduate uses a systematic process in nursing care to implement and modify known nursing interventions. The baccalaureate prepared graduate has the capability of anticipating, individualizing, implementing and evaluating various interventions according to unique situations and cultural responses. The master’s graduate generates and designs nursing interventions. The master’s graduate recognizes the interdependence of theory, practice and scientific inquiry when creating, predicting, and evaluating interventions that are complex and varied. At all levels relevant research literature is utilized in the application of the nursing process.

In summary, the philosophy and organizing framework work in concert. Current applicable research is integrated throughout the curriculum and utilized in the clinical practice areas. Course work provides theoretical and clinical practice experiences to enable students to integrate knowledge from nursing, science and the humanities. The four major concepts and multiple unifying themes provide direction for the curriculum design and program outcomes.

Notice of Intent

This handbook has been developed to familiarize the Nurse Anesthesia student with the Nurse Anesthesia Program's policies. The handbook is not all encompassing and is subject to change.

The Nurse Anesthesia Faculty routinely reviews policies on an annual basis. The Anesthesia Faculty reserves the right to change policies during the year as deemed necessary as the Program may evolve and change the curriculum and/or clinical schedule in order to insure/improve the Program's educational standards. Notice of policy revisions, which have effect on the Nurse Anesthesia student will be given in writing via email and/or class meetings. Policy revisions between annual reviews supersede the existing policy of the current Student Handbook and are in effect immediately upon notification of the nurse anesthesia student.

Materials/policies found in this handbook do not displace, subrogate, or replace any official policies or guidelines of Arkansas State University, the College of Nursing and Health Professions, and the School of Nursing. Inclusion of errors in this text does not alter, in any manner, official University policy or procedures. Any questions regarding the policies contained in this handbook or subsequent revisions should be referred to the Program Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Revised annually: 5/19/2026

DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Student Handbook

Purposes of this handbook are to:

1. Inform students of their responsibilities and rights;

2. Provide guidance for new anesthesia Program members;

3. Furnish an orientation to the internal affairs of the Anesthesia Program;

4. Provide an overview of the external affairs of the Anesthesia Program;

5. Furnish pertinent information about the Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing – DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program;

6. List personnel policies; and

7. Supply information regarding clinical experiences.

Forward

Welcome to Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing - Nurse Anesthesia Program. We hope your time with us will be educational, rewarding and fulfilling.

This handbook has been prepared to acquaint you with all the services, regulations and policies of the A-State College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program in relation to anesthesia education.

As a graduate student enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia Program, you will be stimulated in analytical thinking; learning the principles and difficulties of problem solving. Faculty will assist you as you learn to investigate and comprehend the ramifications of the problem. You will learn problem solving principles through the gathering of facts to develop the best possible solution, implementation of solution action plans and evaluation of the solution. This process, once learned, is applicable to other life situations and the attainment of your professional and educational goals.

Teaching and learning are an interactive process. It is important that the professor and learner be open to ideas, concepts and insights. Teaching occurs as a reflective or problem-solving process to inspire the student to examine and explore all nuances of the problem. Freedom to learn while close supervision is maintained is provided for the student during the educational process. Continuous appraisal is a critical component of the educational process with the professor and learner providing feedback regarding their respective performance.

At the doctoral level, graduate students are expected to demonstrate a high degree of self-directed learning. Given the rigor and breadth of advanced coursework, as well as the complexity of the concepts involved, doctoral students must cultivate strong independent learning skills to successfully engage with, internalize, and apply scholarly material.

History

When St. Bernard's Hospital closed its diploma school of nursing in the early 1950's, northeastern Arkansas was left with no program preparing candidates for the Registered Nurse licensure examination. With the emergence of Jonesboro as a regional medical center, it was imperative that the community be assured that nurses necessary for this changing role be provided. Initially, hospitals provided scholarships at schools in other communities, but all too frequently the recipients of those scholarships remained in the area in which their education was received rather than coming to this area. The second degree accelerated BSN program admitted the first students in 2007.

During the middle 1960's, a group of concerned citizens, including a number of nurses, approached the University regarding the establishment of a nursing program and after a great deal of study, it was decided that the Associate Degree program in nursing would be initiated. In January 1969, the first class was admitted. The desirability of establishing a baccalaureate program in nursing was discussed, and these discussions resulted in the establishment of a generic baccalaureate nursing program in 1974. Both programs continued to expand, thus providing northeast Arkansas with a source of competent nursing graduates. In 1978, plans were formulated which would enable the graduates of both associate degree and diploma programs to move more readily into the baccalaureate program. The Second Degree Accelerated BSN program admitted the first students in 2007.

Joint planning between ASU/AHEC-NE/UAMS in 1990 led to funding of the Master of Science in Nursing program. Courses are scheduled in a manner that allows the currently-employed nurse to attend classes without interrupting employment status.

The future focus of the nursing programs will be on the continued improvement of all nursing programs and the development of plans, which will assist in meeting the health care needs of the citizens of Arkansas. The School of Nursing is committed to upgrading degrees of licensed nurses and increasing accessibility to current programs.

In 2002, the Nurse Anesthesia Program began as an integrated didactic and clinical program. The Master of Science in Nursing in Nurse Anesthesia is a 28-month, 88-credit hour, full-time program that prepares registered nurses for entry into nurse anesthesia practice. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. Satisfactory performance is necessary in order to practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Accreditation

In October of 2020, the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program received initial accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education for the MSN and DNP programs. Contact information for COA is: 222 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068, Phone: 847-692-7050. The COA’s website is http:// home.coa.us.com/Pages/default.aspx

The next accreditation visit is 2024.

In May of 2014, the MSN Nurse Anesthesia Program received the maximum accreditation of 10 years by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education for the MSN and DNP programs. Contact information for COA is: 222 S. Prospect Ave, Park Ridge, IL 60068, Phone: 847-692-7050. The COA’s website is http:// home.coa.us.com/Pages/default.aspx

Arkansas State University School of Nursing is approved by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., 3343 Peachtree Rd. NE, Suite 850, Atlanta, GA 30326. Phone (404) 975-5000. ACEN’s website is http://www.acenursing.org.

Initial COA accreditation for the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program was scheduled in October of 2023.

Arkansas State University is accredited by the regional institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604,

(800) 621-7440 The Higher Learning Commission’s website is https://www.hlcommission.org.

Nurse Anesthesia Program Mission

The Nurse Anesthesia Program faculty acknowledges and supports the mission of the A-State College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing. The Nurse Anesthesia Program strives toward excellence in graduate education of Registered Nurses as they prepare for anesthesia practice and continued life-long study.

The curriculum includes core graduate courses in nursing, research, leadership, and professional roles, as well as support courses in the sciences and specialty courses in anesthesia. Intensive clinical internships follow the didactic courses, providing ongoing opportunity for application of theory to practice.

Nurse Anesthesia Program’s Philosophy

A-State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program is consistent with the philosophy of the College of Nursing and Health Professions School of Nursing and Arkansas State University. Nurse Anesthesia Faculty believes that a dynamic, educational milieu promotes expertise while fostering self-directed and outcome-based learning. Faculty is also dedicated to producing vigilant, safe and conscientious practitioners possessing excellent critical thinking skills. Convinced that affective, as well as, behavioral objectives are obtainable, the curriculum and faculty members serve to exemplify responsibility for current trends and legal standards of practice. The practice of professional nursing rests upon a sound arts and science foundation that prepares graduates to excel in a rapidly changing, diverse, and technologically advanced society. Teaching and learning activities are keystones of the curriculum and occur within environments of care. Faculty serves as guides, mentors, role models, and consultants for students.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING - NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Administrative Listing:

Dean…………………………………………………………Stacy Walz, Ph.D.

Directory School of Nursing ………………………………..Kathryn Flannigan EdD, MSN, RN

Nurse Anesthesia Program Director…………………………L. Todd Hammon, PhD, DNP, MSN, CRNA

Nurse Anesthesia Assistant Program Director……….……..Cassandra K. Massey, DNAP, MSN, CRNA

Faculty………………………………………………………Virginia Baltz, DNP, MSN, CRNA

Faculty………………………………………………………Mohammad Akhter, MD

Area Coordinator……………………………………………Chris Ivy, MSN, CRNA

Area Coordinator…………………………………………… Lisa Lucas, MSN, CRNA

Administrative Assistant…………………………………….Mary Bouchard, BS

Nurse Anesthesia Program

Faculty & Staff Contact Information

1.	L. Todd Hammon, PhD, DNP, MSN, CRNA
	Program Director/Coordinator
	a.	Office phone number		(870) 972-2814
	b.	Email address		lhammon@astate.edu

2.	Cassandra Massey, DNAP, MSN, CRNA
	Assistant Program Director
	a.	Office phone number		(870) 972-3394
	b.	Email address		cmassey@astate.edu

3.	Virginia Baltz DNP, MSN, CRNA Faculty

	a.		Phone number	(501) 412-1662
	b.		Email address d M	Vbaltz@astate.edu

Program Office Mailing Address and Fax Number:

Arkansas State University

College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing

DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program

Box 910 State University, AR 72467-0910

(UPS) 104 N. Caraway, Jonesboro, AR 72401

(870) 680-8187

Fax: (870) 972-2954

College of Nursing and Health Professions

Organizational Chart Revised 6/3/16

Advocacy Board

President

Board of Trustees

Chancellor

Vice Chancellor for

Academic Affairs & Research

Dean

Nursing and Health Professions

Executive Council

AAS CLT

Chair

Department
of Clinical

Laboratory

Sciences

Faculty

BS CLS

Chair,

Occupational

Therapy

Faculty

OTD

OTA

(AAS)

Director,

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management

Associate of Applied Science in DPEM

Bachelor of Science in DPEM

Master of Science in DPEM

Faculty

Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education

A-State CARE

Director of

Nutritional Science

Faculty

Coordinated Program in Dietetics

Bachelor of Science in Health Studies

Master of Science in Health Sciences

Director

Health Studies

Co-Chairs

(BSW/MSW Directors)

Department of Social Work

Chair

Department
of Physical

Therapy

Faculty

DPT

Scoliosis Program

PTA

(AAS)

School of Nursing

Chair

AASN

Chair

Graduate

Chair

BSN

Adult Health Coordinator

Nurse Anesthetist Coordinator

Faculty

FNP

Coordinator

DNP
Coordinator

RN - BSN
Coordinator

Accelerated BSN
Coordinator

Traditional BSN

Off Campus

AASN Coordinators

AASN

Faculty

Chair

Department of

Communication Disorders

Faculty

Speech and Hearing Clinic

BS CD

MCD

Chair

Department of

Medical Imaging &

Radiation Sciences

Rad Therapy

Director

Faculty

DMS Director

Radiography

Director

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Director

BSW

Faculty

Director
of Field Education

MSW Faculty

IV-E

Interdisciplinary Programs

Diabetes Self-Management Program

Beck Pride Center

for America’s Wounded Veterans

National Advisory Council

Healthy Ager Program

Hippotherapy Program

EMT/Paramedic

Graduate Certificates

Phototherapy Institute

Head and Neck Cancer Program

Disaster City

ADMISSION CRITERIA

1. Successful admission to the Arkansas State University Graduate School

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.

3. Current unrestricted/unencumbered (clear/active) license as a Registered Nurse in one of the states/compact states or one of the protectorates of the United States, with eligibility for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri R. N. license.

4. A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on undergraduate course work or 3.25 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work on a 4.0 scale.

5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) on application within 5 years of application demonstrating:

· A combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 is preferred. An analytical writing section score. (Preferred 4.0)

6. A minimum of one (1) year full-time work experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting at the time of admission. Critical care experience must be within two (2) years of application. Critical care setting examples include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Neuro Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic or Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Burn/Trauma Intensive Care, Neonatal or Pediatric Intensive Care. A-State Nurse Anesthesia Program does not accept Emergency Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Operating Room or Obstetrical – Labor & Delivery Unit experience.

7. Completion of a 3-credit hour graduate level descriptive and inferential statistics course with a grade of “B” or higher.

8. Three references, one of which should be current and/or former supervisor completed on the program’s recommendation forms (See NursingCAS).

9. Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification on application.

10. CCRN or Cardiac Surgery Certification on application

11. Successful completion of the interview process. Interview is by invitation only and does not guarantee program admittance.

Written Application Process

1. Complete online application through NursingCas

English Proficiency Requirements

The College of Nursing and Health Professions School of Nursing requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure.

Applicants whose primary language is not English or did not attend K-12 in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following tests:

· Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

· For exams taken before January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83

· For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.

· International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7.

· Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with an overall score of 56.

· The TOEFL is available at the ASU Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011. All test scores are valid for two (2) years.

Exemptions may apply: See A-State Undergraduate and Graduate admission pages for more information.

Beginning July 1, 2026:

The College of Nursing and Health Professions School of Nursing requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure.  

Applicants whose primary language is not English or did not attend K-12 in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following tests: 

· Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)with a score of 4.5 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT)

· For exams taken before January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 86

· For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5

· International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 7 and a spoken band score of 7.

· Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with an overall score of 63.

· Accuplacer Exit ESL: with a score of 109

· The TOEFL and Exit ESL are available at the ASU Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011. All test scores are valid for two (2) years.  

· Exemptions may apply: See A- State Undergraduate and Graduate admission pages for more information.

English as a Second Language

Students who do not meet the required English language proficiency may enroll in ASU’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program in the International Center for English. Potential nursing students enrolled in the ESL program must maintain an average of 85 or higher in levels 0 through 4. In the final or 5th level of the ESL program an average of 90 or higher must be maintained. On completion of the ESL program, the potential nursing student must take the internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Upon successfully meeting the proficiency requirement, potential students are eligible to apply to the School of Nursing. 

NA DNP Curriculum

(rev. 2026)

FTF = Face-To-Face

O = Online

C = Clinic

H = Hybrid

Year 1

Summer

NURS	8013	DNP Basics of Anesthesia	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	88453	Physical and Biophysical sciences in Anesthesia Practice	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	88474	Advanced Clinical Anatomy for Anesthesia Practice	4 (3-1) FTF
NURS	8633	Healthcare Finance in Adv. Nursing	3 (3-0) O

			13 (12-1)

Fall
NURS	8464	Advance Pharmacology I for Anesthesia Practice	4 (4-0) FTF
NURS	88433	DNP Advance Physiology and Pathophysiology I	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	8453	Principle of DNP Anesthesia Practice I	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	88503	Leadership, Policy and Healthcare system	3 (3-0) O
NURS	88103	Theoretical Foundations for DNP	3 (3-0) O
			16 (16-0)

Spring
NURS	8033	Epidemiology and Population Health/Ethics & Genetics	3 (3-0) O
NURS	8613	Translational Research for DNP I	3 (3-0) O
NURS	8483	Advance Pharmacology II for Anesthesia Practice	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	88463	DNP Advance Physiology and Pathophysiology II	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	8463	Principle of DNP Anesthesia Practice II	3 (3-0) FTF
			15 (15-0)

Year 2
Summer
NURS	8023	DNP Regional Anesthesia	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	8473	Principles of DNP Anesthesia Practice III	3 (3-0) FTF
NURS	88451	Orientation to DNP Anesthesia Clinical Practice*	1 (0-1) FTF
NURS	66043	Advanced Assessment of Diagnostic Evaluation	3 (3-0) FTF
			10 (9-1)

Fall
NURS		8507		DNP Anesthesia Practicum I*	7 (0-7) C
NURS		8501		DNP Anesthesia Practicum I-B	1 (0-1) C
NURS		8623		Translational Research for DNP II	3 (3-0) O
NURS		8653		Healthcare Informatics Adv. Nursing	3 (3-0) O

					14 (6-8)
Spring
NURS	8608		DNP Anesthesia Practicum II*		8 (0-8) C
NURS	8601		DNP Project Development		1 (1-0) O
NURS	8443		DNP Professional Aspects for the CRNA		3 (3-0) O
					12 (4-8)

Year 3
Summer
NURS	8704	DNP Anesthesia Practicum III*	4 (0-4) C
NURS	8714	DNP Anesthesia Practicum III - B	4 (0-4) C
NURS	8702	DNP Project Implementation	2 (2-0) O
NURS	8012	DNP Senior Seminar I	2 (2-0) H
			12 (4-8)

Fall
NURS	8807	DNP Anesthesia Practicum IV*	7 (0-7) C
NURS	8801	DNP Anesthesia Practicum IV-B	1 (0-1) C
NURS	88802	DNP Project Evaluation	2 (2-0) O
NURS	8022	DNP Senior Seminar II	2 (2-0) H
			12 (4-8)

Spring
NURS	8908	DNP Anesthesia Practicum V*	8 (0-8) C
NURS	8032	DNP Senior Seminar III	2 (2-0) H
			10 (2-8)
		Total Credit Hours	114

CREDIT HOUR BREAKDOWN

Credit Hours

Didactic Hour Ratio = 1 credit: 15 hours

Clinical Hour Ratio = 1 credit: 60 hours;

Lab Hour Ratio = 1 credit = 4 hours/week (60 hours/semester).

Totals:

Total Clinical Contact Hours = 1 credit: 60 hours (2400 hours total for 5 clinical courses);

Total Lab Contact Hours = DNP Orientation (60) (+) Anatomy Lab (60) = 120 Clinical Lab Contact Hours

Total Clinical/Lab Contact Hours = 2520 contact hours

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

https://catalog.astate.edu/content.php?filter%5B27%5D=NURS&filter%5B29%5D=&filter%5Bcourse_type%5D=2200&filter%5Bkeyword%5D=nurse+anesthesia&filter%5B32%5D=1&filter%5Bcpage%5D=1&cur_cat_oid=11&expand=&navoid=322&search_database=Filter#acalog_template_course_filter

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM TERMINAL OUTCOMES

Program outcomes have been identified to assure that the new graduate has acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies in patient safety, perianesthetic management, critical thinking, communication, and the professional role as mandated by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. These outcomes are based on Standard D of the DNP Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Upon successful completion of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, the graduate student will be able to demonstrate:

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 1. Be vigilant in the delivery of patient care.

* 2. Refrain from engaging in extraneous activities that abandon or minimize

vigilance while providing direct patient care (e.g., texting, reading, emailing,

etc.).

* 3. Conduct a comprehensive equipment check.

* 4. Protect patients from iatrogenic complications.

Perianesthesia

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 5. Provide individualized care throughout the perianesthesia continuum.

* 6. Deliver culturally competent perianesthesia care (see Glossary, “Culturally

competent”).

* 7. Provide anesthesia services to all patients across the lifespan (see Glossary,

"Anesthesia services" and “Across the lifespan”).

* 8. Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment (see Glossary,

“Comprehensive history and physical assessment”).

* 9. Administer general anesthesia to patients with a variety of physical conditions.

* 10. Administer general anesthesia for a variety of surgical and medically related

procedures.

* 11. Administer and manage a variety of regional anesthetics.

* 12. Maintain current certification in ACLS and PALS.

Critical Thinking

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 13. Apply knowledge to practice in decision making and problem solving.

* 14. Provide nurse anesthesia services based on evidence-based principles.

* 15. Perform a preanesthetic assessment before providing anesthesia services.

* 16. Assume responsibility and accountability for diagnosis.

* 17. Formulate an anesthesia plan of care before providing anesthesia services.

* 18. Identify and take appropriate action when confronted with anesthetic

* 19. Interpret and utilize data obtained from noninvasive and invasive monitoring

modalities.

* 20. Calculate, initiate, and manage fluid and blood component therapy.

* 21. Recognize, evaluate, and manage the physiological responses coincident to the

provision of anesthesia services.

* 22. Recognize and appropriately manage complications that occur during the

provision of anesthesia services.

* 23. Use science-based theories and concepts to analyze new practice approaches.

* 24. Pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) administered by the NBCRNA.

Communication

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 25. Utilize interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective

exchange of information and collaboration with patients and their families.

* 26. Utilize interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective

interprofessional exchange of information and collaboration with other

healthcare professionals.

* 27. Respect the dignity and privacy of patients while maintaining confidentiality in

the delivery of interprofessional care.

* 28. Maintain comprehensive, timely, accurate, and legible healthcare records.

* 29. Transfer the responsibility for care of the patient to other qualified providers in a

manner that assures continuity of care and patient safety.

* 30. Teach others (see Glossary, “Teach others”).

Leadership

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 31. Integrate critical thinking and self-reflection in one’s approach to leadership.

* 32. Provide leadership that facilitates intraprofessional and interprofessional

collaboration.

Professional Role

The graduate must demonstrate the ability to:

* 33. Adhere to the Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

* 34. Interact on a professional level with integrity.

* 35. Apply ethically sound decision-making processes.

* 36. Function within legal and regulatory requirements.

* 37. Accept responsibility and accountability for one’s practice.

* 38. Understand the importance of providing cost-effective anesthesia services. †

* 39. Demonstrate knowledge of wellness and substance use disorder in the anesthesia

profession through completion of content in wellness and substance use disorder

(see Glossary, "Wellness and substance use disorder").

* 40. Inform others of the role and practice of the CRNA.

* 41. Evaluate how public policy impacts the financing and delivery of healthcare. †

* 42. Advocate for health policy change to improve patient care.

Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Programs - Practice Doctorate Page 20

Revised May 21, 2025

* 43. Advocate for health policy change to advance the specialty of nurse anesthesia.

* 44. Analyze strategies to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.

* 45. Analyze health outcomes in a variety of populations.

* 46. Analyze health outcomes in a variety of clinical settings and healthcare systems. †

* 47. Disseminate scholarly work (see Glossary, “Dissemination of scholarly work”).

* 48. Use information/communication technologies and informatics processes to

support and improve patient care (see Glossary, “Information/communication

technologies and informatics processes”). †

* 49. Use information/communication technologies and informatics processes to

support and improve healthcare systems (see Glossary,

“Information/communication technologies and informatics processes”). †

* 50. Analyze business practices encountered in nurse anesthesia delivery settings

PROGRAM OUTCOMES DNP PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Graduate nursing education builds on a foundation of undergraduate nursing education and provides an opportunity for professional nurses to develop a specialty practice that is congruent with an expanding theoretical and empirical knowledge base. The graduate program in nursing is designed to assist professional nurses to prepare for advanced clinical and functional roles that demand increased accountability, expertise, and leadership. The doctoral program facilitates the use of the research process through the course of study and prepares the graduate to be a critical thinker and a self-directed professional who collaborates with consumers and other health care providers.

The program outcomes emphasize study in the areas of theory, research, role, practice, and health policy. Upon completion of study for the Doctor of Practice in Nursing, the student is expected to be able to:

DNP Program Outcomes:

The program objectives emphasize study in the areas of theory, research, role, practice, and health policy. Upon completion of study for the Doctor of Nursing Practice, the student is expected to be able to:

ACEN End-of-Program Outcomes with Domains:

1. Incorporate theories and concepts from nursing, the arts, humanities, sciences, and evidence-based practice to guide clinical and professional judgment in nursing practice. (Bloom’s Domain--Create) (Domain 1 AACN)

2. Enhance person-centered care while respecting diversity and the unique determinants of individuals and populations. (Bloom’s Domain--Create) (Domain 2/3 AACN)

3. Integrate leadership and collaborative roles in the planning, provision, and management of services to influence policy for individuals, families, and populations. (Bloom’s Domain--Create) (Domain 3/6 AACN)

4. Facilitate authentic leadership within complex health systems for the improvement of safe, cost-effective, quality health care for diverse populations. (Bloom’s Domain—Create) (Domain 5 AACN)

5. Model professionalism in nursing practice through accountability to ethical and legal standards. (Bloom’s Domain—Create) (Domain 9/10 AACN)

6. Cultivate critical inquiry to advance the discipline and profession of nursing. (Bloom’s Domain--Create) (Domain 4 AACN)

7. Revise programs of care, outcomes of care, and care systems through information systems and technology. (Bloom’s Domain--Create) (Domain 7/8 AACN)

DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program Outcomes/Student Outcomes

1. Integrate theories and concepts from nursing and related disciplines in the implementation of the advanced clinician role.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five (85%) of the graduates will pass the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists’ National Certification Examination on the first writing as verified by the certification report from the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the respondents to the Arkansas State University School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program’s Graduate Survey one year following graduation will evaluate their (his/her) ability to perform entry-level tasks as average or above average.

· Eight-five percent (85%) of the respondents to the Arkansas State University School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program’s Graduate Employer Survey one year following graduation will evaluate the graduate’s ability to perform entry-level tasks as average or above average.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 88453; NURS 88474; NURS 8464; NURS 8483; NURS 8453; NURS 88433; NURS 88463; NURS 8463; NURS 8473; NURS 88451; NURS 8507’ NURS 8501; NURS 8608; NURS 8704; NURS 8714; NURS 801;, NURS 8702; NURS 8807; NURS 8801; NURS 8022; ; NURS 8908; NURS 8032; NURS 88103; NURS 8613; NURS 8633; NURS 8653; NURS 8033; NURS 88623

2. Propose solutions for complex health care situations presented by clients/families using deliberative processes and knowledge from nursing and related disciplines.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 88453; NURS 88474; NURS 8464; NURS 88433; NURS 8453; NURS 8483; NURS 88463; NURS 8463; NURS 8473; NURS 88451; NURS 8012; NURS 887055; NURS 8032; NURS 8507; NURS 8501; NURS 8608 NURS 8704; NRUS 8714; NURS 8702; NURS 8807; NURS 8801; NURS 88802; NURS 8908; NURS 88103; NURS 88503; NURS 8633; NURS 8653; NURS 8033; NURS 8623

3. Demonstrate clinical judgment in providing nursing care to clients/families in states of wellness or illness.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 88474; NURS 8464; NURS 8453; NURS 8433; NURS 8463; NURS 85087; NURS 8501; NURS 8608; NURS 8704; NURS 8714; NURS 8807; NURS 8801; NURS 8908; NURS 8012, NURS 8032; NURS 8022

4. Analyze learning needs of clients and care providers in establishing educational programs to foster an environmental milieu conducive to achieving an optimal level of health.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8403; NURS 8423; NURS 8133; NURS 8163; NURS 8223

5. Critique research in nursing and related disciplines as a basis for application to advanced nursing practice.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8403; NURS 8434; NURS 8433; NURS 8451; NURS 8003; NURS 8508; NURS 861x; NURS 871x; NURS 891x; NURS 8702; NURS 8808; NURS 8163; NURS 8223

6. Initiate cooperative and collaborative relationships to foster and implement clinical research studies.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

· Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8403; NURS 8444; NURS 8454; NURS 8601; NURS 8702; NURS 8123; NURS 8153; NURS 8223

7. Synthesize knowledge of public policy issues in managing and delivering health care to clients.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8113; NURS 8123; NURS 8143; NURS 8153; NURS 8163; NURS 8223

8. Assume leadership and consultation roles in the planning and providing of services and in influencing public policy for the health care of clients.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

• Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations; project

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8444; NURS 8454; NURS 8451; NURS 8601; NURS 8802; NURS 8113; NURS 8123; NURS 8143; NURS 8153; NURS 8133; NURS 8163; NURS 8223

9. Propose strategies that contribute to the advancement of nursing as a practice discipline and as a social force.

Assessment Measures:

Direct Measures:

· Eighty-five (85%) of the students will complete the program within 9 semesters

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will be employed as CRNAs within six months of graduation should they desire to be employed.

· Eighty-five percent (85%) of the graduates will have participated in some form of continuing education within two (2) years of obtaining certification.

Indirect Measures:

· Examinations, presentations, care/management plans, written assignments/papers, clinical evaluations; project

Which Courses are responsible for this outcome?

· NURS 8423; NURS 8434; NURS 8433; NURS 8444; NURS 8454; NURS 8003; NURS 8601; NURS 8702; NURS 8702; NURS 8802; NURS 8113; NURS 8143; NURS 8133; NURS 8223

GRADUATION CRITERIA

Graduates must:

1. Meet all requirements set forth by the Nurse Anesthesia Program, School of Nursing, and College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University.

2. Meet all requirements specified by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and NBCRNA.

3. Submit a formal application to the graduate school prior to enrolling in the final semester of the program. (Intent to graduate)

4. Possess an accumulative grade point average of 3.0 on all course work.

5. Submit final student evaluations for the last semester from clinical facility declaring that the student has acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies in patient safety, perianesthetic management, critical thinking, communication needed for entry level practice as a nurse anesthetist.

6. Successfully complete Comprehensive Examinations.

7. Maintain AHA BLS, ACLS and PALS certification, which is valid throughout the program and for at least ninety (90) days post-graduation.

8. Maintain an unrestricted Registered Nurse license at all times, and which is valid for at least ninety (90) days post-graduation.

9. Fulfill all financial obligations to Arkansas State University. Students must complete the financial-aid exit interview when necessary.

SECTION II

STUDENT RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES

AND BENEFITS

STUDENT RIGHTS

As an equal partner in your education at Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Nurse Anesthesia Program, you are entitled to rights and are charged with responsibilities for your education. Your participation is essential as is your willingness to communicate your concerns and needs.

You are an adult learner with extensive professional and life experiences who brings knowledge, commitment, professional expertise, and emotional intelligence to this educational venture. It is within this context your education will be designed and your future career as a CRNA will be forged.

As a student you have the right to expect:

· The freedom to pursue your educational goals. The Nurse Anesthesia Program will provide a highly specialized, graduate curriculum steeped in professionalism, progressive didactic instruction and a personally designed mentored clinical experience. Student’s performance will be evaluated on established grading criteria outlined in each course syllabi.

· Fair and accurate evaluations of your progress in the educational program and to be kept informed of the status of that progress.

· The right to freedom of expression, inquiry, and assembly subject to reasonable and nondiscriminatory Nurse Anesthesia Program rules and regulations regarding time, place, and manner.

· The right to inquire about and to propose improvements in policies, regulations, and procedures affecting the welfare of the students with the Program Director.

· The right to privately confer with faculty concerning a personal grievance. If the outcome is not satisfactory, you may proceed to the next person on the organizational chain. If you feel that you have been subject to irresponsible treatment, arbitrary decisions, discrimination, or differential treatment that has resulted in dismissal from the program, you have the right to appeal and due process. Students shall have access to the accrediting agency after all grievance procedures have been exhausted at the local institution relative to student appeals.

· Confidentiality regarding exam grades, clinical experiences, and status in the program.

· The right to review your school record and to request nondisclosure of certain information. Arkansas State University abides by the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

· A complete and accurate certified transcript of their student educational experiences and supporting documentation, as required, will be forwarded to the Certifying Agency in sufficient time for eligibility determination for the qualifying examination within two months of graduation.

Students will be accountable for:

· Reading the student handbook, knowing, understanding, and acting within Nurse Anesthesia Program’s regulations, policies and procedures.

· The proper completion of all academic and clinical obligations both at Nurse Anesthesia Program and the Arkansas State University.

· Maintaining your personal physical and emotional health and notify the Nurse Anesthesia Program if the student is under the care of a healthcare provider for any serious or chronic illness.

· Respecting and guarding the confidentiality of all client/patient information.

· Maintaining professional demeanor and conduct at all times.

· Maintaining communication with the Nurse Anesthesia Program regarding current licensure, certifications, address, e-mail address and telephone number. Similarly, as a graduate, the student has the responsibility to complete post-graduate program evaluation of the Nurse Anesthesia Program and notify the Nurse Anesthesia Program of changes in employment status, completion of additional degrees and advanced training or certification.

· Fulfilling financial obligations i.e. payment of tuition, repayment of loans, etc.

· Abiding by required dress code

It is the responsibility of the student to know and to follow the requirements, policies and procedures contained in this handbook. As new policies and procedures are adopted by the faculty, students will be provided this information. Notices will be provided by e-mail and/or in classroom settings/meetings.

As a member of the profession of Nurse Anesthesia and Arkansas State University, College of Nursing and Health Professions, students are held to the ethical standards of AANA and the University. Among these standards are honesty and integrity. These standards are the basis for representation of the profession and the Nurse Anesthesia Program. This attitude should be conveyed to patients, faculty and healthcare providers. As an anesthesia care provider, the student must be aware of the patient’s rights and responsibilities.

Patients

The patient has the right to:

· Know who is administering their anesthesia, who will be supervising the administration of the anesthetic and the relationship between the two. No practice shall be engaged in which the intention is to deceive the patient in this regard. The student should introduce himself or herself as a “Graduate Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist” and identify who will be supervising them during the anesthetic case;

· Expect that anesthesia services provided by students be under the supervision of a CRNA or an anesthesiologist; be consistent with the anesthesia risk for the patient, the magnitude of the anesthesia and surgery, and that the CRNA or anesthesiologist be immediately available at all times in all anesthetizing areas where students are performing anesthesia;

· Expect that the student and supervisory personnel providing their services are mentally alert and not impaired by fatigue, drugs, or other incapacitating conditions; and

· Know that the attending CRNA, anesthesiologist or the responsible physician shall be kept informed of information pertaining to anesthetic management and any complication arising from that management.

The patient has the responsibility to:

· Make every reasonable effort to keep appointments as scheduled;

· Follow, as best he or she can, instruction provided by his or her physician and other health care providers and question instructions he or she does not understand; and

· Provide adequate information about his or her health/medical history and post hospitalization course.

Applicants

The applicant has a right to:

· Information that is provided shall be factual, fairly presented, timely, and contain detailed information pertaining to admission criteria and process; program content, graduation requirements, and student rights and responsibilities;

· Fair and non-discriminating practices in the selection process; and

· Confidentiality.

The applicant has the responsibility to:

· Provide accurate, truthful information;

· Complete their application and provide all application supporting documentation by the application deadline;

· Meet application requirements by submitting all required documents; and

· Communicate with the program in a timely manner accepting or declining admission decisions.

Alumni

The graduate has the right to:

· Access transcripts of their academic and clinical endeavors according to the record policy;

· Have verified copies of their transcripts furnished to any institution specified by the student or graduate upon their request; and

· Expect that a complete and accurate transcript and application of the graduate’s educational experiences be forwarded to the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) upon graduation. It is the graduates’ responsibility to ensure that all guidelines and deadlines in the Candidate Handbook of the CCNA are followed. The graduate is responsible to make arrangements to take the Certification Examination at a site and within the time frame designated by the CCNA.

The graduate has the responsibility to:

· Provide to the nurse anesthesia program, signed written release of information when requesting information from their student files be furnished to institutions, agencies, employers, or other entities;

· Notify the nurse anesthesia program of their place of employment one-year post graduation to allow the mailing of an Employers Evaluation of the graduate’s preparedness for practice;

· Submit the completed Graduate Survey one-year post-graduation to the nurse anesthesia program; and

· Participate in continuing education activities and function according to the appropriate legal requirements within the state they are employed.

Faculty

The faculty has the right to expect:

· Students will fulfill their responsibilities relative to their education.

· Treatment in a respectful manner by students, University and program administration.

· Provision of the support needed to conduct the activities of programmatic committee work, clinical and didactic instruction, and faculty development;

· Well prepared students for any given lecture, clinical case, or assignment;

· Removal of a student from the learning environment if the integrity of the learning environment or the safety of the patient may be compromised;

· Students who will have self-motivation and seek learning opportunities to develop the necessary skills, knowledge, and professional behaviors necessary to be successful in completion of the program; and

· Student, peer and superior evaluations will be fair and unbiased.

The faculty has the responsibility to:

· Demonstrate excellence in teaching and clinical performance;

· Seek student input and feedback;

· Engage in fair student evaluation and grading;

· Interact on a professional level with integrity and civility;

· Be active in and supportive of program committee assignments;

· Be available at reasonable times for student questions;

· Not consider, in either academic or clinical evaluations, factors such as race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, handicap, political affiliation, lifestyle, etc.;

· Not exploit professional relationships with students for private advantage and refrain from soliciting student assistance for private purposes in a manner which infringes upon the student’s freedom of choice;

· Give appropriate recognition to contributions made by students;

· Respect the dignity of each student individually and all students collectively in areas of

educational endeavors;

· Provide appropriate supervision and direction based on a student’s clinical expertise;

· Assist with remediation or disciplinary actions of students as needed;

· Maintain student confidentiality in all forms of communication related to their clinical or didactic performance;

· Serve in the capacity of advisor with specific student assignments; and

· Respect student confidentiality regarding information within the student’s record, exam grades, clinical experiences, and status in the program.

Conducting Institutions

The program (Arkansas State University) and affiliated clinical sites have the right to expect that:

· The nurse anesthesia faculty operates the program in accordance with the applicable standards, policies, and procedures of the accrediting agencies, university, hospital, affiliate clinical sites, and the program;

· Accurate and comprehensive records will be maintained;

· The program will submit annual reports to the accrediting agency (COA) and other submissions as required;

· The program represents itself with integrity and honesty in all communications;

· Information regarding program changes, accrediting agency evaluations and standards and trends affecting nurse anesthesia education will be provided;

· Students will be aware of and follow departmental and institutional policies related to patient care and all other matters addressed in relevant policies;

· Students will communicate with clinical instructors relative to their abilities to perform procedures and apply knowledge in their clinical educational experiences; and

· Students will arrive prepared for classes, seminars, conferences, clinical experiences, and other educational experiences.

The program (Arkansas State University) and affiliated clinical sites have the responsibility to:

· Provide clinical and didactic instruction and evaluations;

· Coordinate and carry out application and admission procedures;

· Provide classroom and laboratory space as needed for didactic lectures/courses;

· Provide academic and clinical counseling to the interns as needed;

· Coordinate advertising and public relation efforts;

· Provide orientation to the clinical area;

· Provide support for clinical research;

· Provide resources needed for effective operation of an educational program of high quality.

· Continually evaluate the program to ensure that it meets student needs and graduates attain desired outcomes;

· Uphold the reputation of the NAO and its entities

· Conduct the program in compliance with all legal and accreditation standards; and

· Be accountable to the public.

Council on Accreditation

The COA has the right to:

· Conduct periodic announced and unannounced site reviews to assess compliance to published standards;

· Expect the program’s assistance in the conduction of an accurate evaluation by providing accurate and truthful statements and supportive documentation as required; and

· Require the program to follow all policies and procedures published by the COA.

The COA has the responsibility to:

· Publish any and all applicable standards necessary for accreditation and successful re-accreditation, and to evaluate programs in their ability to meet the published standards;

· Identify areas of noncompliance and to inform the program accordingly; and

· Assist the program in attempts to comply with COA requests.

AANA Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist

Preamble

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Code of Ethics offers guidance to the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to make ethical decisions in all practice roles. The practice of nurse anesthesia may include clinical practice, nurse anesthesia-related administrative, educational or research activities, or a combination of two or more of such areas of practice. The Code of Ethics consists of principles of conduct and professional integrity that guide decision making and behavior of the CRNA. The CRNA’s ethical responsibility is primarily to the patient, as well as to the profession, other healthcare providers, self, and society. The CRNA acknowledges, understands, and is sensitive to the vulnerability of the patient undergoing anesthesia, pain management, and related care and preserves the patient’s trust, confidence, and dignity.

The CRNA has the personal responsibility to understand, uphold, and adhere to these ethical standards of conduct. Deviation from the Code of Ethics occurs rarely in practice and any deviation must be supported by ethical decision making, compelling reasons, and best judgment specific to the situation. The AANA recognizes the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics as the foundation for ethical values, duties, and responsibilities in nursing practice.1

1. Responsibility to Patient

The CRNA respects the patient’s moral and legal rights, and supports the patient’s safety, physical and psychological comfort, and well-being. The CRNA collaborates with the patient and the healthcare team to provide compassionate, holistic, patient-centered anesthesia, pain management, and related care. The CRNA:

1.1 Respects human rights and the values, customs, culture, and beliefs of patients and their families.

1.2 Supports the patient’s right to self-determination.

1.2.1 Presents accurate, complete and understandable information to the patient to facilitate informed healthcare decisions.

1.2.2 Encourages patients, including minors, to participate in healthcare decision making that is appropriate for their developmental capacity.

1.2.3 Supports a patient’s decision making without undue influence or coercion.

1.3 Acts in the patient’s best interest and advocates for the patient’s welfare.

1.3.1 Discloses and manages or resolves perceived or real conflicts of interest (e.g., corporate sponsorships, funding, consulting and other relationships that may present a conflict between the CRNA’s interests and the patient’s interests.)

1.3.2 If the CRNA has a moral, religious or ethical conflict related to the patient’s healthcare decisions or plan for care, the CRNA may, without judgment or bias, transfer care to an appropriately credentialed anesthesia provider willing to perform the procedure.

1.4 Prior to providing anesthesia, pain management, and related care:

1.4.1 Introduces self, using name, a term representing the CRNA credential, and role.

1.4.2 Verifies that students have introduced themselves or been introduced to the patient, and the patient has consented to student participation in anesthesia, pain management, and related care.

1.4.3 Discusses the plan of care and obtains informed consent or verifies that the patient has given informed consent in accordance with law, accreditation standards, and institutional policy.2

1.4.4 Discusses the plan of care and obtains informed consent from a legal decision maker (e.g., healthcare proxy, surrogate) when the legal decision maker is responsible for the patient’s healthcare decisions or verifies that the legal decision maker has given informed consent.

1.4.5 Protects patient privacy, including confidentiality of patient information, except when necessary to protect the patient or other persons, or when required by law.

1.5 Protects patients from healthcare providers who are incompetent, impaired, or engage in unsafe, illegal, deceptive, abusive, disrespectful, or unethical practice.

1.6 Participates in honest and transparent disclosure of an adverse or unanticipated event to the patient and others with the patient’s consent.

2. Responsibility as a Professional

As an independently licensed professional, the CRNA is responsible and accountable for judgments made and actions taken in his or her professional practice. Requests or orders by physicians, other healthcare professionals, or institutions do not relieve the CRNA of responsibility for judgments made or actions taken. The CRNA:

Competence and Responsibility in Professional Practice

2.1 Engages in a scope of practice within individual competence and maintains role-specific competence.

2.2 Maintains national certification as a CRNA and a state license as a registered nurse and meets state advanced practice statutory or regulatory requirements.

2.3 Engages in continuing education and lifelong professional development related to areas of nurse anesthesia practice, including clinical practice, education, research, and administration.3

2.4 Evaluates and integrates personal practice outcome data, scientific research, expert opinion, new technology, patient preferences, and relevant metrics to improve processes and outcomes.

2.5 Is physically and mentally fit for duty.

2.6 Clearly presents his or her education, training, skills, and CRNA credential.

2.7 Is honest in all professional interactions to avoid any form of deception.

2.8 Treats all others, including patients, families, staff, students, and colleagues, in a culturally sensitive manner and without prejudice, bias, or harassment.

2.9 Maintains professional boundaries in all communications and actions.

Leadership

2.10 Creates an ethical culture and safe work environment.

2.10.1 Supports policies and behaviors that reflect this Code of Ethics.

2.10.2 Communicates expectations for ethical behavior and actions in the workplace.

2.10.3 Helps individuals raise and resolve ethical concerns in an effective and timely manner.

Clinical Practice and the Interdisciplinary Team

2.11 Respects and engages healthcare providers to foster a collaborative and cooperative patient care environment through a culture of safety and open communication to contribute to the ethical and safe environment of care.

2.11.1 Facilitates review and evaluation of peers and other members of the healthcare team.

2.12 Manages medications to prevent diversion of drugs and substances.

Role Modelling and Education of Others

2.13 Provides positive role modeling by upholding and promoting quality patient care outcomes, the professional standards of practice, and this Code of Ethics.

2.14 Fosters a safe and trusting environment for successful learning for students, colleagues, and members of the healthcare team.

2.15 Educates the student registered nurse anesthetist regarding the ethical responsibilities of the profession.

The Profession

2.16 Is responsible and accountable to contribute to the dignity and integrity of the profession.

2.17 Participates in activities that contribute to the advancement of the profession and its body of knowledge.

2.18 Reports critical incidents, adverse events, medical errors, and near misses in accordance with law, accreditation standards, and institutional policy to promote a culture of safety, maintain the integrity of the profession, and advance the profession and its body of knowledge.

3. Responsibility in Research

The CRNA protects the integrity of the research process and the reporting and publication of findings: The CRNA adheres to the ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice relevant to research involving human participants.4 The CRNA:

3.1 Protects the rights and wellbeing of the people that serve as participants and animals5 that serve as subjects in research.

3.2 Respects the autonomy and dignity of all human research participants.

3.3 Promotes selecting human participants in such a way that all populations have equal access to the potential benefits and risks of the research.

3.4 Seeks to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits to research participants.

3.5 Conducts research projects according to accepted ethical research and reporting standards established by law, institutional policy, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).

3.6 Obtains informed consent or verifies that the human research participant or legal decision maker, as appropriate, has provided informed consent as required by law, institutional policy, and the IRB.

3.7 Protects the human research participant’s privacy to the greatest extent possible and in accordance with law, institutional policy, and standards of the IRB.

3.7.1 Maintains confidentiality in the collection, analysis, storage and reuse of data and in accordance with law, institutional policy, and standards of the IRB.

3.8 Discloses perceived or real conflicts of interest to organizations where the research will be conducted, organizations that fund the research, and any publication where the research is submitted. Manages or resolves perceived or real conflicts of interest.

3.9 Reports research findings in an objective and accurate manner.

3.10 Provides appropriate attribution for contributions by other individuals.

3.11 Supports, promotes, or participates in research activities to improve practice, education, and public policy relative to the health needs of diverse populations, the health workforce, the organization and administration of health systems, and healthcare delivery.

4. Responsibility in Business Practices

The CRNA, regardless of practice arrangement or practice setting, maintains ethical business practices in dealing with patients, colleagues, institutions, corporations, and others. The CRNA:

4.1 Establishes and performs contractual obligations consistent with this Code of Ethics, the professional standards of practice, and the laws and regulations pertaining to nurse anesthesia practice.

4.2 Is honest in all business practices.

5. Responsibility when Endorsing Products and Services

The CRNA may endorse products and services only when personally satisfied with the product’s or service’s safety, effectiveness, and quality. The CRNA may not say that the AANA has endorsed any product or service unless the Board of Directors of the AANA has done so. The CRNA must not endorse any product or service when presenting content for an AANA-approved continuing education activity as this is a prohibited conflict of interest. The CRNA:

5.1 Makes truthful endorsements based on personal experience and factual evidence of efficacy.

5.2 Discloses and manages or resolves perceived or real conflicts of interest associated with the endorsed product or service (e.g., corporate sponsorships, funding, consulting and other relationships that may present a conflict).

5.2.1 Only uses the CRNA credential when endorsing products or services that are related to CRNA professional practice or expertise.

6. Responsibility to Society

The CRNA collaborates with members of the health professions and others to improve the public health, including access to healthcare and anesthesia, pain management, and related care. The CRNA:

6.1 Works in collaboration with the healthcare community to promote highly competent, ethical, safe, quality patient care.

6.2 Supports activities to reduce the environmental impact of disposable items and waste anesthetic gases.

References1. American Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. http://www.nursingworld.org/code-of-ethics. Accessed February 8, 2018.2. Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care. Park Ridge, IL: American Association of Nurse Anesthetists; 2016.3. National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists. The Continued Professional Certification (CPC) Handbook. https://www.nbcrna.com/docs/default-source/publications-documentation/handbooks/cpc_hb.pdf?sfvrsn=941c170c_8. Accessed May 1, 2018.4. United States National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, The Belmont Report: Ethical Principles and Guidelines for the Protection of Human Subjects of Research.https://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/regulations-and-policy/belmont-report/read-the-belmont-report/index.html#xinform. Accessed March 3, 2018.5. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. 8th ed.

Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Professional Role

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) licensed as independent practitioners who plan and deliver anesthesia, pain management, and related care to patients of all health complexities across the lifespan. As autonomous healthcare professionals, CRNAs collaborate with the patient and a variety of healthcare professionals in order to provide patient-centered high-quality, holistic, evidence-based and cost-effective care.

CRNAs practice in hospitals, nonoperating room anesthetizing areas, ambulatory surgical centers, and office-based settings. They provide all types of anesthesia-related care for surgical, diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. CRNAs provide anesthesia for all specialties including, but not limited to, general, obstetric, trauma, cardiac, orthopedic, gastrointestinal, dental, and plastic surgery. CRNAs administer anesthesia care to patients in urban, suburban, and rural locations in the U.S., and are often the sole anesthesia professionals delivering care to the military, rural, and medically underserved populations. CRNAs serve as leaders, clinicians, researchers, educators, mentors, advocates, and administrators.

Education, Licensure, Certification, and Accountability

Before receiving graduate education in anesthesia, CRNAs must be licensed registered nurses with critical care nursing experience. Building on this critical care foundation, CRNAs successfully complete a comprehensive didactic and clinical practice curriculum at a nurse anesthesia program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Graduates are certified as CRNAs following successful completion of the National Certification Examination. CRNAs are accountable to the public for professional excellence through lifelong learning and practice, continued certification, continuous engagement in quality improvement and professional development, and compliance with the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice and Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

CRNAs exercise independent, professional judgment within their scope of practice. They are accountable for their services and actions and for maintaining individual clinical competence. The scope of an individual CRNA’s practice is determined by education, experience, local, state and federal law, and organization policy.

Clinical Anesthesia Practice

The practice of anesthesiology is a recognized nursing and medical specialty unified by the same standards of care. Nurse anesthesia practice may include, but is not limited to, the services in Table 1

*These services are listed in table format for ease of reference. The table is not intended to be all inclusive or limit the services to specified phases of patient care. CRNA scope of practice is dynamic and evolving. CRNA clinical privileges should reflect the full scope of CRNA practice evidenced by individual credentials and performance.

Leadership, Advocacy, and Policymaking

CRNAs provide pivotal healthcare leadership in roles such as chief executive officer, administrator, manager, anesthesia services director, board member, anesthesia practice owner, national and international researcher, educator, mentor, and advocate. Nurse anesthetists are innovative leaders in the delivery of cost-effective, evidence-based anesthesia and pain management, integrating critical thinking, ethical judgment, quality data, scientific research, and emerging technologies to optimize patient outcomes.

As demand for expert healthcare and anesthesia services accelerates, advocacy activities continue to target supporting the full scope of nurse anesthesia practice. CRNAs engage in healthcare advocacy and policymaking at the facility, local, state, national, and international level. They also participate in professional associations focusing on patient access to quality and affordable care.

The Future of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

The CRNA scope of practice evolves to meet the demands of the ever-changing healthcare environment and increasing patient and procedure complexity. As their record of safety, high-quality, cost-effective care demonstrates, CRNAs will continue to lead in the delivery of patient-centered compassionate anesthesia and pain management care.

For additional information and supporting documents, see Clinical Privileges and Other Responsibilities of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, Professional Practice Documents, and Publications and Research.

In 1980, the “Scope of Practice” statement was first published as part of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Guidelines for the Practice of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In 1983, the "Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice" and the "Scope of Practice" statement were included together in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Guidelines for the Practice of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. That document subsequently had the following name changes: Guidelines for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1989); Guidelines and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1992); and Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1996). The Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice was revised in January 2013. In February 2013, the AANA Board of Directors approved separating the Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice into two documents: the Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice. The AANA Board of Directors approved revisions to the Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice in June 2013 and February 2020

Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice

The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice provide a foundation for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in all practice settings. These standards are intended to support the delivery of patient-centered, consistent, high-quality, and safe anesthesia care and assist the public in understanding the CRNA’s role in anesthesia care. These standards may be exceeded at any time at the discretion of the CRNA and/or healthcare organization.

These standards apply where anesthesia services are provided including, but not limited to, the operating room, nonoperating room anesthetizing areas, ambulatory surgical centers, and office-based practices. The standards are applicable to anesthesia services provided for procedures, including, but not limited to surgical, obstetrical anesthesia, diagnostic, therapeutic, and pain management.

In addition to general anesthesia for surgery and procedures, CRNAs provide anesthesia and analgesia care that does not require the extent of monitoring as delineated in standard 9 (e.g.,

obstetrical analgesia, chronic pain management, regional anesthesia). The AANA also provides guidance for these practice areas: Analgesia and Anesthesia for the Obstetric Patient, Guidelines, Chronic Pain Management Guidelines, and Regional Anesthesia and Analgesia Techniques - An Element of Multimodal Pain Management, Practice Considerations.

Although the standards are intended to promote high-quality patient care, they cannot ensure specific outcomes. There may be patient-specific circumstances (e.g., informed consent for emergency cases that may be difficult to obtain, mass casualty incident) that require modification of a standard. The CRNA must document modifications to these standards in the patient’s healthcare record, along with the reason for the modification. When integrating new technologies or skills into practice, the CRNA will obtain any necessary education and evidence competency.

Standard 1: Patient’s Rights

Respect the patient’s autonomy, dignity, and privacy, and support the patient’s needs and safety

Standard 2: Preanesthesia Patient Assessment and Evaluation

Perform and document or verify documentation of a preanesthesia evaluation of the patient’s general health, allergies, medication history, preexisting conditions, anesthesia history, and any relevant diagnostic tests. Perform and document or verify documentation of an anesthesia-focused physical assessment to form the anesthesia plan of care.

Standard 3: Plan for Anesthesia Care

After the patient has had the opportunity to consider anesthesia care options and address his or her concerns, formulate a patient-specific plan for anesthesia care. When indicated, the anesthesia care plan can be formulated with members of the healthcare team and the patient’s legal representative (e.g., healthcare proxy, surrogate).

Standard 4: Informed Consent for Anesthesia Care and Related Services

Obtain and document or verify documentation that the patient or legal representative (e.g., healthcare proxy, surrogate) has given informed consent for planned anesthesia care or related services in accordance with law, accreditation standards, and institutional policy.

Standard 5: Documentation

Communicate anesthesia care data and activities through legible, timely, accurate, and complete documentation in the patient’s healthcare record.

Standard 6: Equipment

Adhere to manufacturer’s operating instructions and other safety precautions to complete a daily anesthesia equipment check. Verify function of anesthesia equipment prior to each anesthetic. Operate equipment to minimize the risk of fire, explosion, electrical shock, and equipment malfunction.

Standard 7: Anesthesia Plan Implementation and Management

Implement and, if needed, modify the anesthesia plan of care by continuously assessing the patient’s response to the anesthetic and surgical or procedural intervention. The CRNA provides anesthesia care until the responsibility has been accepted by another anesthesia professional.

Standard 8: Patient Positioning

Collaborate with the surgical or procedure team to position, assess, and monitor proper body alignment. Use protective measures to maintain perfusion and protect pressure points and nerve plexus.

Standard 9: Monitoring, Alarms

Monitor, evaluate, and document the patient’s physiologic condition as appropriate for the procedure and anesthetic technique. When a physiological monitoring device is used, variable pitch and threshold alarms are turned on and audible. Document blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration at least every five minutes for all anesthetics.

a. Oxygenation

Continuously monitor oxygenation by clinical observation and pulse oximetry. The surgical or procedure team communicates and collaborates to mitigate the risk of fire.

b. Ventilation

Continuously monitor ventilation by clinical observation and confirmation of continuous expired carbon dioxide during moderate sedation, deep sedation or general anesthesia. Verify intubation of the trachea or placement of other artificial airway device by auscultation, chest excursion, and confirmation of expired carbon dioxide. Use ventilatory monitors as indicated.

c. Cardiovascular

Monitor and evaluate circulation to maintain patient’s hemodynamic status. Continuously monitor heart rate and cardiovascular status. Use invasive monitoring as appropriate.

d. Thermoregulation

When clinically significant changes in body temperature are intended, anticipated, or suspected, monitor body temperature. Use active measures to facilitate normothermia. When malignant hyperthermia (MH) triggering agents are used, monitor temperature and recognize signs and symptoms to immediately initiate appropriate treatment and management of MH.

e. Neuromuscular

When neuromuscular blocking agents are administered, monitor neuromuscular response to assess depth of blockade and degree of recovery.

Standard 10: Infection Control and Prevention

Verify and adhere to infection control policies and procedures as established within the practice setting to minimize the risk of infection to patients, the CRNA, and other healthcare providers.

Standard 11: Transfer of Care

Evaluate the patient’s status and determine when it is appropriate to transfer the responsibility of care to another qualified healthcare provider. Communicate the patient’s condition and essential information for continuity of care.

Standard 12: Quality Improvement Process

Participate in the ongoing review and evaluation of anesthesia care to assess quality and appropriateness to improve outcomes.

Standard 13: Wellness

Is physically and mentally able to perform duties of the role.

Standard 14: A Culture of Safety

Foster a collaborative and cooperative patient care environment through interdisciplinary engagement, open communication, a culture of safety, and supportive leadership.

In 1974, the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice were adopted. In 1983, the “Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice” and the “Scope of Practice” statement were included together in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Guidelines for the Practice of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. That document subsequently has had the following name changes: Guidelines for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1989); Guidelines and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1992); and Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1996). The Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice was most recently revised in January 2013. In February 2013, the AANA Board of Directors approved separating the Scope and Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice into two documents: the Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice and the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice. Revised by the AANA Board of Directors in February 2019. The Standards for Office Based Anesthesia Practice were adopted by the AANA Board of Directors in 1999 and revised in 2001, 2002, November 2005, and January 2013. Upon the February 2019 revision of the Standards of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, the Standards for Office Based Anesthesia Practice were archived, as they are subsumed within the Standards for Nurse Anesthesia Practice. The supplemental resources from the Standards for Office Based Anesthesia Practice were transitioned to resource documents on the AANA website.© Copyright 2019

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

(Taken from the Arkansas State University Student Handbook):

Arkansas State University enthusiastically promotes academic integrity and professional ethics among all members of the A-State academic community. Violations of this policy are considered as serious misconduct and may result in disciplinary action and severe penalties.

1. Plagiarism is the act of taking and /or using ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one’s own.

a. To avoid plagiarism, give written credit and acknowledgment to the source of thought, ideas, and/or words, whether you have used direct quotation, paraphrasing, or just reference to a general idea. No copying and pasting from electronic textbooks/documents is permitted.

b. If you directly quote works written by someone else, enclose the quotation and marks and provide an appropriate citation (e.g., footnote, endnote, bibliographical reference).

c. Research, as well as the complete written paper, must be the work of the person seeking academic credit for the course (anesthesia care plans, papers, book reports, projects, and/or class assignments).

2. Discipline: Faculty members may respond to cases of plagiarism in any of the following ways:

a. Return the paper or other item for rewriting; the grade may be lowered.

b. Give a failing grade on the paper or other item-“F” if a letter grade is used for zero if a numerical grade is used.

c. Give the student who plagiarized a failing grade in the course.

d. Recommend sanctions, including disciplinary expulsions from the university. (See A-state Student Handbook for procedural details).

3. Cheating: An act of dishonesty with the intension of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent manner.

a. Observing and/or copying from another student’s test paper, reports, computer files and/or other class assignments.

b. Giving or receiving assistance during an examination period by any method. (This includes proving specific answers to subsequent examinees and/or dispensing or receiving information that would allow students to have an unfair advantage in the examination over students who did not possess such information).

c. Using class notes, outlines and other unauthorized information during the examination period.

d. Using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting, any part of entirety, the contents of an examination or other assignment not authorized by the professor of the class.

e. Using for credit in one class a term paper, book report, project or class assignment written for credit in another class without the knowledge and permission of the professor of another class.

f. Academic Integrity is to be maintained in the clinical portion of the program. Any student found to obtain or pass on any information regarding any exam such as ExamSoft, APEX, or any other exam or quiz will be subject to actions of the Academic Integrity Committee with the possibility of program dismissal.

g. Exchanging places with another person for the purpose of taking an examination or completing other assignments.

4. Discipline: Faculty members may respond to cases of cheating in any of the following ways:

a. Allow the testing to progress without interruption, informing the offending student about the offense and award a failing grade on the test-“F” if a letter grade is used or zero if a numerical grade is used.

b. Seize the test of the offending student and give a failing grade on the paper.

c. Give the offending student a failing grade in the course.

d. Recommend sanctions, including disciplinary expulsion from the university. (See A-State Students Handbook).

Any student who knowingly helps another violates academic behavior standards is also in violation of the standards.

· Withholding related information or furnishing false or misleading information (oral or written) to program and or university officials, faculty or staff.

· Forgery, alteration, or misuse of any program or university document, material, record or instrument of identification.

5. Artificial Intelligence (AI): See Course Syllabi)

POLICY/PROCEDURE GUIDELINES FOR INFECTION CONTROL

See Policy in DNP NA Student Resources Found on Canvas Dashboard

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

You should be aware that future employers may view potential candidate’s websites. Students are advised to review their site (s) for any unprofessional image or language which could adversely affect successful employment upon graduation.

Please make responsible decisions about your use of social media (Adopted Nov 24, 2014).

In order to promote professionalism of students enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia Program at Arkansas State University, no student shall post photos, comments, or other forms of a web-based material of faculty, students, clinical personnel or patients to their web-based communication sites such as, but not limited to: Face Book, Tick Tock, Instagram, X, etc., without the before mentioned person’s permission. In addition, students should not supply or forward photos, comments or other web-based materials to anyone for posting on any web-based communication sites, without that person’s consent. Any student found to have posted, supplied or forwarded materials for postings used on web-based communication sites without appropriate permission may be dismissed from the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Material from clinical sites is never to be posted or distributed. Posting material from clinical sites is considered a HIPAA violation and will be reported to the proper federal authorities for investigation and/or prosecution. Prior to taping ANY lecture, permission MUST be obtained by the instructor.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

STUDENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: See A-State Student Handbook.

https://www.astate.edu/student-life/student-support/student-conduct/astate-student-handbook-2025.pdf

STUDENT SERVICES: See DNP NA Student Resources in Canvas

https://www.astate.edu/student-life/student-support/index.html

SECTION III

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM POLICIES

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

AANA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

All students are required to join the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) within 30 days of beginning classes. The cost of the membership is the responsibility of the student. The current fee is $200.00 and may be subject to change. Benefits of the membership include:

1. Subscription to AANA Journal.

2. Subscription to AANA News Bulletin.

3. Reduced enrollment fees at national and state meetings.

4. Opportunities to network with other student anesthetists, CRNAs, and health service industry personnel

SIGMA THETA TAU

Students are encouraged to apply for membership in the National Honor Society of Sigma Theta Tau. Arkansas State University’s chapter is Eta Theta. Application for membership may occur upon completion of one-quarter of the required curriculum and have achieved a GPA of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

HEALTH INSURANCE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions strongly recommends that students obtain their own health insurance. Injuries that occur in a clinical setting are not covered and/or paid by the agency or the university. The N.A Program requires proof of current/active health insurance prior to starting the program and throughout enrollment in the program. Many clinical sites require proof of health insurance upon credentialing.

PREGNANCY POLICY

The A-State Nurse Anesthesia Program follows the University Pregnancy Policy. See Link: https://kb.astate.edu/books/pregnancy-parenting

TIME COMMITMENT

Students may expect to spend approximately 60 hours in preparation for didactic studies. The COA defines “limiting student time commitment to a reasonable number of hours that does not exceed 64 hours per week. This limitation is meant to support patient safety and promote effective student learning. The Glossary defines ‘reasonable time commitment’ as the sum of the hours spent in class and all clinical hours averaged over 4 weeks. Students must have a 10-hour rest period between scheduled clinical duty periods (i.e., assigned continuous clinical hours). At no time may a student provide direct patient care for a period longer than 16 continuous hours.” Any student providing continuous patient care for 16 hours must have 24 hours off prior to the following clinical assignment.

MANDATORY MEETINGS

Nurse Anesthesia faculty reserves the right to require students to report to campus at any time for mandatory meetings concerning Nurse Anesthesia class meetings, business and/or other issues.

WORK FOR COMPENSATION

Students need to be devoted to full-time study and the practice anesthesia. Employment is strongly discouraged. The Nurse Anesthesia Faculty reserves the right to prohibit employment if clinical and/or didactic educational responsibilities are not met.

During the length of the Program, the student is not permitted employment as a nurse anesthetist by title or function. Any student NOT in full compliance with this mandate is subject to immediate dismissal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

STUDENT REQUIREMENTS

Each student is required to:

1. Maintain a current unrestricted multi-state compact RN license for the duration of the Program and for 90 days post-graduation/program completion.

2. Have BLS, ACLS, and PALS (AHA) upon application for admission to the program.

3. Maintain current certification in BLS, ACLS, and PALS (AHA) throughout the duration of the Program and for 90 days post-graduation/program completion.

4. Obtain an annual physical exam, current PPD, flu vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines or titer levels. The tetanus/diphtheria vaccine must be less than 10 years, and completion date of polio series and evidence of meningitis vaccine must be presented to the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

5. Become an Associate Member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). Associate membership provides a subscription to the AANA Journal, AANA Bulletin, and eligibility to serve on one of the Councils.

6. Purchase an earpiece, precordial stethoscope and chest pieces, stethoscope, and 2 white lab coats.

7. Review A-State’s student e-mail account at least twice a day-morning and evening (and PRN). Students are required to respond to any email sent by faculty within a reasonable amount of time.

8. Notify the Program and the School of Nursing with changes of address, phone numbers, and e-mail within 48 hours.

9. Have a functional wireless laptop.

10. Drug screens and criminal background checks are required prior to clinical experiences. The Nurse Anesthesia Program may require a drug screen at any time and any place while enrolled in the program. The cost of which is the responsibility of the student. Examples of which the Nurse Anesthesia Program may require a student drug screen are (but not limited to) the following: Clinical entry drug screens, random drug screens, drugs screens for site specific clinical rotations, and drug screens for suspicion of intoxication and/or under the influence of mind-altering medication.

**Failure to comply with any of the above will result in charge of personal days, vacations days, and/or removal from the clinical area with time missed to be completed at the end of the semester/ program. Refusal or delay of obtaining a requested drug screen is grounds for automatic dismissal from the program.

EXAMINATIONS: See Course Syllabi

SCHOOL OF NURSING POLICY FOR TECHNICAL AND PHYSICAL STANDARDS

The School of Nursing affirms that all students enrolled in the graduate, nurse anesthesia program must possess those intellectual, ethical, physical, and emotional capabilities required to undertake the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty for safe professional practice.

The advanced practice nurse anesthetist must possess the knowledge and ability to effectively assess his or her client's biophysical, psychological, social, cultural, and intellectual domains. Further, the advanced practice nurse must competently analyze the assessment data through intellectual processing to arrive at a definition of the client's status or problem, plan independently or collaboratively for full range of therapeutic anesthesia interventions, execute all or part of the anesthesia care plan through advanced practice nursing acts, and evaluate the care delivered and the client's responses to it.

Candidates for advanced practice nursing must have the abilities and skills necessary for use of the nursing process. These skills and abilities include observations; communication; motor ability; conceptualization; integration and quantification; and behavioral/social acceptability. Technological compensation can be made for some handicaps in certain of these areas, but candidates must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary is not possible.

The following abilities and skills are necessary to meet the requirements of the curriculum:

Observations

The candidate must be able to observe patients and monitors accurately at a distance and close at hand. Observation necessitates the functional use of vision and tactile sensation. It is enhanced by the functional sense of smell.

Communication

The candidate must be able to speak, hear, and observe patients in order to elicit information; describe changes in mood, activity, posture, mentation, and consciousness; and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients. Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.

Motor

Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other assessment maneuvers. A candidate must have sufficient motor skills to gain access to clients in a variety of care settings and to manipulate the equipment central to the treatment of patients receiving anesthesia care. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision. Examples of required fine motor skills would include, but are not limited to, preparation and administration of medications, assessment of vital signs, administration of general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care anesthetics, and insertion invasive monitoring lines. Examples of required gross motor skills would include, but are not limited to, positioning clients, transferring clients and maneuvering in confined spaces. In addition, the candidate should be able to lift and carry a minimum of 35% of his or her own body weight. Also, the candidate should be able to sit, bend, reach and/or walk and stand for most of the day.

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities

These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and all members of the healthcare team. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, and appropriate interpersonal skills, interests, and motivations are all personal qualities necessary for professional nursing.

The citations for these guidelines are as follows:

Section 504 of the 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Bower, D., Line, L., & Denega, D. (1988). Evaluation instruments in nursing (pp. 71). New York: National League for Nursing

GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING CLINICAL CASE RECORD:

See DNP NA Student Resources

https://arkansasstateuniversity.instructure.com/courses/95688/pages/guidelines-for-counting-clinical-cases?module_item_id=2809343

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Accreditation Policy

I. Policy: Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia Program will maintain current accreditation status with the appropriate accrediting agencies and will accurately publish its accreditation status in all advertising statements, publications, and catalogs.

II. Purpose: The purpose of the policy on accreditation is to ensure that accreditation is maintained and accurately reflected by the Program.

III. Procedure:

A. The Program will voluntarily participate in:

1. the accreditation process as outlined by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs;

2. the accreditation process as outlined by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing; and

3. the accreditation process as outlined by the Higher Learning Commission Northcentral Association.

B. The Arkansas State University, College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Nursing and the Nurse Anesthesia Program will accurately reflect the status of accreditation in all advertising statements.

C. Students are actively involved in the accreditation process and details related to their role will be provided during the planning of the accreditation process.

IV. Accreditation Statement:

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing’s DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA), 10275 West Higgins Rd. Suit 906 Rosemont, Ill. 60018-5603; phone: 224-275-9130; https://www.coacrna.org

The COA is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Higher Education (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE). The program’s next review by the COA is scheduled for 2034.

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing’s DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Rd, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326; phone 404-975-5000; https://www.acenursing.org/

The DNP program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, 3343 Peachtree Rd, NE, Suite #850, Atlanta, GA 30326, Telephone: (404) 975-5000, http://acenursing.org/.

Arkansas State University is accredited by the regional institutional accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission North Central Association.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Admission, Transfer, and Graduation Criteria Policy

I. Policy:

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing Nurse Anesthesia Program, will admit to the program only those applicants that fulfill the admission criteria.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the policy on admission criteria is to ensure that the admission criteria are delineated for all applicants to the program.

III. Procedure:

A. The procedure for admission shall be determined by the following steps:

1. The Program will admit only those applicants that fulfill the following criteria:

a. Successful admission to the Arkansas State University Graduate School

b. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an ACEN or CCNE accredited program of nursing from a regionally accredited college or university.

c. Current unrestricted/unencumbered (clear/active) license as a registered nurse in one of the states/compact states or one of the protectorates of the United States, with eligibility for Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri R. N. license.

d. A cumulative grade point average of 3.25 on undergraduate course work or 3.25 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work on a 4.0 scale.

e. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) on application. Must be taken within 5 years of application demonstrating:

i. A combined verbal and quantitative score of 300 is preferred.

ii. An analytical writing section score.

f. A minimum of one (1) year full-time work experience as a registered nurse in a critical care setting at the time of admission. Critical care experience must be within two (2) years of application. Critical care setting examples include but are not limited to: Surgical Intensive Care, Medical Intensive Care, Neuro Intensive Care, Cardiothoracic or Cardiovascular Intensive Care, Burn/Trauma Intensive Care, Neonatal or Pediatric Intensive Care. A-State Nurse Anesthesia Program does not accept Emergency Room, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, Operating Room or Obstetrical – Labor & Delivery Unit experience.

g. Completion of a 3-credit hour graduate level descriptive and inferential statistics course with a grade of “B” or higher.

h. Three references, which should be current and/or former supervisors completed on the program’s recommendation forms.

i. Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification on application.

j. CCRN or Cardiac Surgery Certification on application

k. Successful completion of interview process. Interview is by invitation only.

l. Admission decisions are non-grievable.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants whose primary language is not English or did not attend K-12 in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following tests:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

For exams taken before January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 83
For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026:
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5 with a score of 83 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT), 570 on the paper-based test, or 213 on the computer-based test.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 6.5 and a spoken band score of 7.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with an overall score of 56.

The TOEFL is available at the ASU Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011. All test scores are valid for two (2) years.

Exemptions may apply: See A-State Undergraduate and Graduate admission pages for more information.

Beginning July 1, 2026:

The College of Nursing and Health Professions School of Nursing requires a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure.  

Applicants whose primary language is not English or did not attend K-12 in the United States must demonstrate English language proficiency through the following tests: 

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)with a score of 4.5 on the preferred internet-based test (iBT)

· For exams taken before January 21, 2026: 
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 86 

· For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: 
We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.5  

· International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least 7 and a spoken band score of 7.  

· Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with an overall score of 63.  

· Accuplacer Exit ESL: with a score of 109

The TOEFL and Exit ESL are available at the ASU Testing Center. When taking the exam off campus, the report code for A-State is 6011. All test scores are valid for two (2) years.  

 Exemptions may apply: See A- State Undergraduate and Graduate admission pages for more information. 

English as a Second Language

2. The procedure for admission is as follows:

a. Complete online NURSINGCAS application for admission to the graduate

school/anesthesia program.

B. The procedure for transfer shall be determined by the following steps:

1. The school does not accept direct transfer students from other graduate nursing programs or students who have previously attended a nurse anesthesia program.

2. Students who have attended another nurse anesthesia program may apply to the program and must follow admission criteria.

3. Transfer credits are not allowed.

C. The procedure for graduation shall be determined by the following steps:

1. Attending Hooding Ceremonies is required.

2. Meet all requirements set forth by the Nurse Anesthesia Program, School of Nursing, and College of Nursing and Health Professions at Arkansas State University.

3. Meet all requirements specified by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs and National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).

4. Submit a formal application to the graduate school prior to enrolling in the final semester of the program.

5. Possess an accumulative grade point average of 3.0 on all course work.

6. Maintain AHA BLS, ACLS and PALS certification, which is valid for at least ninety (90) days post-graduation.

7. Maintain an unrestricted Registered Nurse license, which is valid for at least ninety (90) days post-graduation.

8. Fulfill all financial obligations to Arkansas State University. Students must complete the financial-aid exit interview.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Allowable Time Off Policy

(Vacation, PDO, Education Leave)

I. Policy:

a. Students are required to attend all scheduled classes and clinical experiences appropriate for their level of experience. In order to receive University credit for the course, as each clinical course is assigned University credit, the clinical student must fulfill all commitments associated with the course. Each student is allotted Vacation: 2 weeks; Personal Day Off (PDO): 10 days.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a Student Allowable Time Off Policy is to delineate required attendance of students while enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

A. Vacation:

a. Each student is allowed a maximum two (2) weeks vacation.

b. Submit to NA Leave (NALeave@astate.edu) ≥ 60 days in advance (vacation)..

c. Vacation time is only granted in full week increments (Monday-Friday). Students will need to verify with their clinical coordinator whether or not they will have to work the weekend before or after the Monday –Friday vacation. Vacation days may not be taken individually, added to educational time or personal days off.

d. If vacation is taken during any week that the OR is closed (e.g., low census, holiday, etc.) the student will be charged all 5 days regardless of holiday.

e. Only one (1) vacation week may be taken at a time. Vacation and PDO cannot be used together unless extraordinary circumstances are deemed by faculty.

f. If vacation is taken during any week that the OR is closed (e.g., low census, holiday, etc.) the student will be charged all 5 days regardless of holiday.

g. Personal days immediately preceding or following any scheduled vacation week, meetings, or holidays will require verification of illness from a health care provider. Students calling in sick/taking personal days in such manner will be assessed TRIPLE vacation time.

h. No more than 20% of students in the same class that are assigned to the same clinical site may be granted vacation at the same time.

i. No vacation will be granted during the didactic portion of the program

j. No vacation will be granted during the first clinical rotation practicum

k. No more than one (1) week of vacation per month is allowable.

l. No vacation is permitted in March, April or May of the final semester of the program

m. No vacation may be taken during specialty rotations.

n. No vacation may be taken in an off rotation of 6 weeks or less.

B. Planned Personal Day Off:

a. Time granted as planned personal day off should be requested 2 weeks in advance and approved by NA faculty.

b. A planned personal day off request form should be completed and emailed to NA Leave at NALeave@astate.edu.

c. Only one (1) planned personal day may be granted at a time and any consecutive days will not

be approved except under extraordinary circumstances. In this context consecutive is defined as sequential order for example taking every Monday in a month. Students may only request 1 PDO per month.

d. Students will only be allowed to take 1 PDO per month during March, April and May of the final semester of the program.

e. No more than one PDO may be taken during specialty rotations.

f. Only one (1) PDO may be taken during an off rotation of 6 weeks or less.

C UnPlanned Personal Day Off:

g. Two (2) or more consecutive unplanned personal days will require documentation from a physician, APRN, or student health. If a student takes an unplanned personal day on the date of an exam, the student must submit documentation from a physician, APRN, or student health in order to be allowed to make up the exam. Failure to provide documentation will result in a zero for the exam.

h. Unplanned personal days immediately preceding or following any scheduled Vacation weeks, meeting leaves, or holidays (including/in addition to Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve) will require verification of illness from a health care provider. If a holiday (or Christmas Eve, NYE, etc.) falls on a weekend, then the preceding scheduled work day will be defined as the last scheduled clinical day and the following scheduled work day will be defined as the next scheduled clinical day. Students taking unplanned personal days in such a manner will be assessed TRIPLE vacation time.

i. For any unplanned personal day taken during March, Aprill, or May of the final semester of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, the student must submit documentation from a physician, ARPN, or student health within 24 hours. Failure to do so may result in:

i. Failure of the course

ii. Dismissal from the program

j. Unplanned personal day off taken during the following scheduled clinical experiences will be charged as follows:

I. 8 hour scheduled experience – 1 PDO day

II.. 2 hour scheduled experience – 1.5 PDO days

III, 16 hour scheduled experience – 2 PDO days

IV. 24 hour scheduled experiences – 3 PDO days

k. When an unplanned personal day is used, the following procedures must be followed:

l. The student must notify the assigned clinical site at least TWO (2) HOURS prior to scheduled experience. Students must follow the clinical affiliate site’s protocol for provider absences. The student requires documentation of the time as well as the name of the person-taking message.

m. The student must EMAIL the Anesthesia Program Director TWO (2) HOURS prior to start of scheduled shift. Students are to communicate DIRECTLY with faculty regarding notification of illness, time of site notification and name of facility personnel who took the message.

n. An EMAIL must be sent to the appropriate area clinical coordinator and NA leave email address with the attached NA Leave documentation within 24 hours following illness notification of program director and clinical site. Failure to submit within 24 hours will result in triple vacation time charge.

o. Students having 3 or more unplanned PDOs in a semester will be required to make up all of the unplanned day or days missed, and the original PDO will not be returned..

p. Any unplanned PDO taken in a specialty rotation or off rotation of 6 weeks or less will be required to be made up during that rotation period

q. Any 2 or more unplanned PDO days taken prior to time off from clinical (class day, weekend) will be required to be made up during that rotation period

r. Proof of the make-up days is the responsibility of the student and corrective action may be taken if not completed.

D Educational Time Off (ETO):

Time may be granted for educational experiences at the discretion of the Program Director. A maximum of one (1) day is available as a second or third year student. These days are granted for attendance to an educational endeavor with direct relationship to current evidence-based practice of Nurse Anesthesia education (regional anesthesia conference etc….) Use of this time, requires a copy of the meeting registration and submission of documentation of attendance.

Students must request educational time off via NA Leave at least 90 days prior to the event.

This cannot be used for other purposes such as job interviews (PDO must be used),

E Professional Meeting Time Off:

a Time may be granted for educational experiences at the discretion of the Program Director. A

maximum of two (2) days are available as a second or third year student. These days are granted for

attendance to national, state, and local meetings that have direct relationship to the practice of nurse anesthesia. Use of this time, requires a copy of the meeting registration and submission of documentation of attendance.

b Students must request meeting time off via NA Leave at least 90 days prior to the event.

There will be no NA Leave charge for meeting dates. Approval of NA Leave for

meetings/conferences is at the discretion of the Program Director.

Attendance of two (2) Valley Review Courses is required. These two mandatory Reviews will be

scheduled by DNP NA Administration and strategically placed within the program to facilitate

meeting the SEE benchmark and promote NCE success.

F. Military Time Off:

a. The program recommends that students perform active duty training before starting the program or after graduation, so as to not interfere with educational commitment. Students who take active duty training during formal course work

are required to obtain the information and pass each course to obtain credit for

the course(s). Vacation time may be used to fulfill active duty requirements or a leave of absence

may be required for longer periods of active duty.

b. Time off for completion of military duty obligations must be requested upon receipt of orders.

c. Documentation from the military is required before granting time off to fulfill obligations.

G. General Time Off Policies:

b. For any mandatory event/class missed that is unexcused, two (2) PDO days will be charged.

c. For mandatory events/classes missed, the student is required to email and call the N. A Director or, Nurse Anesthesia Faculty, and submit NA leave form prior to start of the missed event. Failure to submit NA Leave form to NALeave@astate.edu within 24 hours will result in triple PDO time charged.

d. Occasionally, changes in class times and days may be necessary. Students are responsible for checking their own class schedules. Students will be notified of changes by Nurse Anesthesia Faculty via email or verbal notification (check twice daily and PRN).

e. Any personal day beyond the allotted amount must be completed retrospectively at the end of the semester prior to the commencement of the next semester. If unable to do so, graduation will be delayed. (Exceptions may be made at the Program Director’s direction) The student may not work more than the time commitment permitted by the COA.

f. Any time taken away from the clinical arena for appointments, etc. beyond the allotted must be completed as a full eight-hour clinical day. The entire day will be made up.

g. If students have a PDO or Vacation during the first week of a semester, attendance to the semester orientation is mandatory

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Attendance & Other Time Off Policy

I. Policy:

Students are required to attend all scheduled classes and clinical experiences appropriate for their level of experience. To obtain an excused tardiness or absence, it has to be granted by the University’s Nurse Anesthesia Program’s faculty. Personal days will be assessed for any absence.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the student attendance policy is to delineate required attendance of students while enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

III. Procedure:

Student attendance shall be recorded according to the following procedures:

A. Class, Seminar and Conference Attendance:

1. There will be no unexcused absence from classes, seminars or conferences. If you are unable to attend class or weekly conferences you must call the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty, e-mail the program director and submit a leave form to NA leave.

2. Three (3) incidents of unexcused tardiness from didactic classes may result in failure of the course.

3. Unexcused absence from didactic courses will result in an incomplete status or failure for the course. Two unexcused absences from class or seminars may result in failure of the course.

4. Occasionally, changes in class times and days may be necessary. Students are responsible for checking their own class schedules. Changes will be worked out between the class, course coordinator, and the program director.

5. Personal days will be assessed for any absence.

B. Clinical Component:

In order to receive University credit for the course, since each clinical course is assigned University credit, the clinical student must fulfill all time commitments associated with the course. Therefore,

1. Any day beyond the ten (10) planned/unplanned personal days must be completed retrospectively at the end of the semester prior to the commencement of the subsequent semester. The student may not work more than the time commitment permitted by the COA: DNP Accreditation Standards.

2. Any time taken away from the clinical arena for appointments, etc. beyond the allotted (10) planned/unplanned personal days will be completed retrospectively at the end of the semester as a complete eight-hour clinical day or assessed vacation time. (if pulled for expired ACLS, immunization, etc.)

3. When requesting planned/unplanned personal days: See Allowable Time Off Policy

4. Three (3) incidents of unexcused tardiness from clinical area may result in failure of the course.

5. One (1) unexcused absence from clinical area may result in an incomplete status or failure for the course.

6. Students are highly discouraged from attempting to manipulate a set

rotation/schedule once it has been made during their clinical experience. Should

any changes be made, the student must notify by email, the Program director

with the reason for the change. If the student fails to do this, or does hot have a

legitimate reason, corrective action will be taken.

7. A request asking to alter any existing facility schedule, should be first brought to

the attention of the area coordinator prior to any contact with clinical coordinator.

9. The student is to remain flexible with how clinical rotations may change due to the

needs of the students and facilities

10. Corrective action will be taken such as warning, probation up to an including

dismissal from the program.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Audio, Videotaping, or Photographing of Faculty, Administration and Staff Policy

Policy:

Students may not audio, videotape, or photograph faculty, administration or staff without his/her consent.

Purpose:

The purpose of the audio, videotaping, and photographing faculty, administration, and staff policy is to remain in compliance with Arkansas State law. According to Arkansas State law 5-60-120. Interception and recording, it is unlawful for a person to intercept a wire, landline, oral, telephonic communication, or wireless communication, and to record or possess a recording of the communication unless the person is a party to the communication or one (1) of the parties to the communication has given prior consent to the interception and recording. Any violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Procedure:

The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Students wishing to audio or video record OR take a photograph of an instructor, faculty, administrator or staff member shall ask permission and gain consent prior to the interception and recording and/or photographing.

2. Any violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor, as defined by Arkansas state law.

3. Failure to comply with this policy may result in course failure (if applicable) and disciplinary measures. The student may be reported to university and law enforcement authorities.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Call Policy

I. Policy:

Students will participate in planned “Call” clinical experiences. The purpose of the call experience is to help the student develop a realistic picture of the future practice of nurse anesthesia. It is expected that the student will gain experiences with emergency surgery, obstetrical patients, patient assessment, resuscitations, and additional responsibilities assumed by anesthesia personnel.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Call policy is to inform students of the call experience provided by the program.

III. Procedure:

A. The COA requires a call experience. The COA defines call as “A planned clinical experience outside the normal operating hours of the clinical facility, for example, after 5 p.m. and before 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, and on weekends. Assigned clinical experiences falling within these hours are considered the equivalent of an anesthesia call, during which a student is afforded the opportunity to gain experience with emergency cases. (Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, effective May 2015, p. 28).

B. Any call experience is calculated as part of the committed time to meet the University course requirement’s time commitment.

C.The student MUST be supervised by a CRNA and/or anesthesiologist during the

call experience.

D Call Experience:

1. Call commitment may not begin prior to October of Clinical Practicum I and at that time is subject to the discretion of the clinical coordinator.

2. Call experiences (or any clinical work) may not occur after 7 p.m. the day before class or on the day of class.

3. Students must have a ten (10) hour rest period between scheduled clinical duty periods (ie: assigned continuous clinical hours). See Reasonable Time Commitment COA Standards

4. A 24-hour rest period is required following any 16-hours of continuous direct patient care

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Affiliation Policy

I. Policy:

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Program uses the resources of a number of affiliate clinical sites to provide the student with required and/or enhanced clinical experiences. The program reserves the right to select, revise, or terminate a clinical affiliation at any time and to change the student’s clinical affiliate schedule at any time to meet the requirements set forth by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs standards.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Clinical Affiliation Policy is to inform the students of expectations related to participation in clinical affiliation experiences.

III. Procedure:

A. Current Affiliate Organizations include:

1. Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR

2. Baptist North Little Rock, North Little Rock, AR

3. Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, TN

4. Baptist Women’s Hospital, Memphis, TN

5. Baptist Collierville Hospital, Collierville, TN

6. Baptist Memorial Hospital – Union County, New Albany, MS

7. Baptist Memorial Hospital – Desoto, Southaven, MS

8. Conway Regional Medical Center, Conway, AR

9. National Park Medical Center, Hot Springs, AR

10. NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro, AR

11. Outpatient Surgery Center, Jonesboro, AR

12. Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mt. Home, AR

13. Saline Memorial Hospital, Benton, AR

14. St. Bernard’s Medical Center, Jonesboro, AR

15. St. Francis Hospital – Park, Memphis, TN.

16. Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN

17. White County Medical Center, Searcy, AR

18. St. Vincents Hot Springs , Hot Springs, AR

19. St. Vincents North Little Rock, LR, AR

20. Baptist Memorial Hospital-Paragould, Paragould, AR

21. St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN

B. The Nurse Anesthesia Program is responsible for assigning individual clinical affiliate rotations. Students are prohibited from practicing clinical at sites where conflicts of interests may occur. Such examples may include, but are not limited to sites where family members are employed and/or act as governing board members or occupy any other similar positions where conflicts of interest may occur. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Program Director of any of the above situations at any clinical site. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Final decisions as to whether a conflict of interest may exist will be made by the Program Director. Student requests and residency location may be considered in determining clinical rotations; however, the decision of the Nurse Anesthesia Program is final. The Nurse Anesthesia Program reserves the right to schedule, alter, or omit student participation in affiliate experiences.

C. The student’s affiliation participation may be rescheduled or omitted if the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty concludes the student’s knowledge, skills, and/or performance are insufficient for the designated affiliation.

D. Each institution affording the affiliation experience appoints a CRNA or anesthesiologist to direct the students’ clinical learning. This CRNA or anesthesiologist is designated as the “Clinical Coordinator”. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the clinical coordinator to schedule an orientation time. If in doubt, check with student specific Area

Coordinator. Once the orientation time has been set, the student must notify the Nurse

Anesthesia Program to note the orientation on the schedule.

E. Specific orientation and contact information for each affiliation is provided by the Nurse Anesthesia Program to the student prior to the affiliate participation.

F. The clinical instruction is under the direction of CRNAs or anesthesiologists holding institutional staff privileges at all affiliate institutions.

G. It is the responsibility of the student to provide his/her own transportation/housing, copy of ACLS, BLS, & PALS, (AHA) RN licensure, Criminal Background Check, Drug Screen Results, Liability Insurance and immunization records for affiliate experiences.

H. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the department/institution policies and procedures of each clinical affiliate site.

I. Clinical responsibilities of the student during participation in affiliate clinical experiences include:

1. Perform a pre-operative assessment on all anesthetic cases that the student anticipates managing during the assigned clinical hours.

2. Provide care plan daily prior to managing the anesthetic case. This needs to be a typed management plan if applicable.

3. Manage a variety of anesthetics.

4. Perform a post-operative visit on all in-house patients.

J. Students are responsible for submitting all required (electronic) paperwork (daily clinical

performance evaluations, clinical occurrences, preceptor and/or site evaluations) in accordance with the established evaluation deadlines.

K Students are responsible to pre-op every patient. Students are responsible to perform

post- op assessments on all patients. Students are responsible to perform pre-op

assessments on all in-patient patients the day before surgery.

K. All scheduled time missed at an affiliation may be made up while at the affiliation at the discretion of Program Director (see Attendance Policy).

L. NA Leave (Personal days and Vacation time) is granted by NA administration. Clinical Sites

are notified following Nurse Anesthesia administrative approval. Vacation time may NOT be

scheduled during specialty rotations.

O. The student must notify the Program Director of any clinical occurrences consistent with the Clinical Occurrence Policy while on affiliation rotations (See Clinical

Occurrence Policy).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Affiliation Site Evaluation Policy

I. Policy:

Students, on a regular basis, shall evaluate all clinical sites. These evaluations will be compiled anonymously and distributed to the appropriate clinical coordinators and administrative personnel at the respective clinical sites.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a clinical site evaluation policy is to describe and outline the process for evaluation of clinical sites.

III. Procedure:

All clinical sites shall be evaluated using the following procedure:

Evaluation of all clinical sites:

A. Each student will complete evaluations during each site rotation during NURS 8507,

NURS 8501 NURS 8608, NURS 8704, NURS 8714, NURS 8807, NURS 8801 & NURS 8908.

B. These evaluations will be compiled anonymously prior to leaving an affiliate site.

Annually:

1. The composite summary evaluations shall be presented to the appropriate clinical coordinators and administrators.

2. Nurse anesthesia faculty shall discuss suggestions and plans for change based upon the evaluations.

3. Nurse anesthesia faculty shall implement and evaluate the efficacy of any previous changes.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Compliance Policy

I. Policy:

Students are required to abide by the established policies and procedures of Arkansas State University, College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia Program and all affiliate hospitals during their course of study. Failure to comply with federal or state legal requirements is grounds for immediate dismissal.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Clinical Compliance Policy is to inform students of their responsibilities related to legal and accreditation requirements for institutions providing clinical experiences for students.

III. Procedure:

A. Policies and procedures of Arkansas State University, College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Nursing handbooks are located on the A-State website. A hardcopy of the Nurse Anesthesia Program handbook will be given annually to all students.

B. Criminal History/Sex Offender Background Check

1. A criminal history and sex offender background check of students is a requirement by JCAHO for all hospitals beginning fall of 2004.

2. Participation in this process is a required component for completing clinical experiences in the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Each student must obtain a background check prior to full acceptance.

3. Completion of the process in a timely manner is the responsibility of the student to ensure full participation in the nurse anesthesia program.

4. Students are required to notify the Program Director of any incidents that may affect their ability to practice nursing in the any of the states used by the Nurse Anesthesia Program. The notification must occur no later than 30 days after the incident’s occurrence. Students unable to complete the clinical requirements due to noncompliance may be dismissed from the nurse anesthesia program.

C. Use and Disclosure of Protected Patient Information (HIPAA). The use and disclosure of patient information is governed by state and federal regulations and the rules established under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Students will handle protected information in a confidential manner at all times during the clinical experience at all clinical affiliates.

1. Students will participate in institutional in-services regarding the use and disclosure of protected patient information when such in-services are scheduled.

2. Students will use and disclose confidential health information only in connection with and for the purpose of performing duties related to the care of their patients.

3. Students will not request, obtain, or communicate more confidential information than is necessary to accomplish the duties related to the care required by their patients.

4. Students will take reasonable care to properly secure confidential health information on computers and will take steps to ensure that others cannot view or access electronic information. Students will log off of the computer when he/she leaves the computer workstation.

5. Students will not disclose or share their personal passwords and will refrain from performing any tasks using another’s password.

6. Copies of a patient’s anesthesia record or any patient data will not be made or taken from the anesthesia department. Anesthesia records used for conferences, paperwork will be de-identified.

7. Students’ will not use any patient identification information while maintaining their statistics regarding the clinical experience.

8. No copies of the OR schedule are to be made.

9. Discussions of patient management of care should only be done in appropriate areas. No such discussions should occur in public areas.

10. Students will abide by privacy policies of Arkansas State University Nurse Anesthesia Program and clinical affiliations.

11. Students will follow the SON Social Networking Policy.

12. Violation of HIPAA regulations will result in dismissal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

D. Licensure and Certifications (IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO

REMAIN

CURRENT WITH STATE REGULATIONS AND TO COMPLY WITH THE STATE

BOARD OF NURSING REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO LICENSURES)

1. Students are required to possess a current, unrestricted Registered Professional Nurse licensure. If you:

a. Reside in one of the multi-state RN licensing compact states; must have license for the state of residence.

b. Reside outside of one of the multi-state RN licensing compact states; must obtain license for all states where the program holds a clinical affiliation.

2. Students are accountable according to the scope of the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and any state where licensure has been granted and clinical experiences are obtained.

3. Failure to maintain an active RN licensure, upload into Typhon, and supply to clinical site before license expires will result in the student being removed from clinical experiences, charged TRIPLE the vacations days during removal from clinical and may be placed on clinical probation (See Student Progression Policy).

4. Students are required to possess current certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS (AHA). A copy of the certifications is to be provided to the Anesthesia Program Office upon application to the program. All re-certifications must be uploaded into Typhon and supplied to clinical affiliate sites before clinical experiences begin.

5. Failure to maintain current certifications in BLS, ACLS, and PALS (AHA) will result in the student being removed from clinical, charged TRIPLE the vacations days during removal from clinical, and the student may be placed on clinical probation (See Student Progression Policy).

6. The cost of nursing licensure and required certifications are the responsibility of the student.

G. Documentation

1. The anesthesia record is a legal document in the patient’s chart. The student will document the anesthetic care provided to the patient according to the clinical affiliation’s policy.

2. The student will accurately document the equipment and items to be charged.

3. The accountability of controlled drugs must be accurately completed by students in accordance with all federal and state laws, and standards of professional practice.

H. TB testing

1. A current TB test report is required to be on file with the Program at all times.

2. Students are responsible for obtaining a TB test annually at a minimum and more frequently based upon the affiliate clinical site’s requirement. All results must be uploaded into Typhon.

3. The cost of maintaining current TB test, required chest x-ray if applicable etc is the student’s responsibility.

4. The TB testing may be obtained at a facility of the student’s choice.

5. Failure to maintain a current TB test report on file will result in the student being removed from clinical, charged TRIPLE the vacations days during removal from clinical, and the student may be placed on clinical probation (See Student Progression Policy).

6. Follow local health department recommendation for any abnormal results (health card)

7. Any costs associated with maintaining current testing/recommendations by local health department following abnormal results is the student’s responsibility.

I. Physical Examination:

1. All students must submit a physical examination form after acceptance into the program.

2. Submit a record of immunization for

a. Measles\rubella,

b. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or documented history of hepatitis infection or antibody positive titer

c. Tetanus booster within the past 10 years.

J. Negative PPD skin test result or a negative chest x-ray, health card

from the health department when reactive to TB skin testing for any

semester in which enrolled for clinical courses.

e. Influenza vaccination must be taken annually.

Receipts from a pharmacy will not be accepted as proof of any immunization. You may submit the receipt, but the receipt must be submitted in addition to proof of administration by the pharmacy and/or provider. This is to be accomplished by a signed letter by the provided/ facility.

*************It is the student’s responsibility to keep all credentials and documentation (malpractice

insurance, etc…) current and uploaded to Typhon. It is also required that each student

send a copy to the Nurse Anesthesia Administration Specialist, so that an electronic copy

of all credentials may be stored in his or her student file.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Occurrence Policy

I. Policy:

The Nurse Anesthesia Program will maintain a confidential file of clinical occurrences for 5 years. Students will report and document all clinical occurrences. These records will be used for quality assurance, peer review and legal purposes.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Clinical Occurrence Policy is to ensure that students understand the significance of occurrences and those records of occurrence are maintained in the Nurse Anesthesia office for quality assurance and legal purposes.

III. Procedure:

A. A clinical occurrence is defined as any unexpected event a patient experiences that MAY result in patient harm. This includes deaths that may occur on any anesthesia patient 48 – 72 hours post procedure. This also includes occurrences such as “wet taps”, medication errors, and/or other anesthesia-related unintended occurrences that “may result” in patient harm.

B. Any incident must be reported immediately to the Preceptor or Clinical Site Coordinator at the facility. The student is responsible for notifying the Program Director at the completion of the assigned clinical scheduled experience as soon as possible. If the Program Director cannot be reached via phone, the student should leave a voicemail and send an email with the signed daily evaluation. If the Program Director cannot be reached, the student is responsible for notifying the Assistant Program Director following the same methods above.

C. A typed Clinical Occurrence Report must be completed and submitted to the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty by the first-class day following the event or sooner if instructed by faculty. ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION ALLOWED! NO ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION OF AN OCCURRENCE IS ALLOWED.

D. A scanned copy of a daily evaluation (completed and signed by the preceptor who was precepting the student during the time at which the clinical occurrence occurred) as well as any other daily evaluations that were completed on the same day by any other preceptors must be sent to the Program Director on the day that the occurrence occurred (prior to return to clinical).

E. Failure to follow this policy/notify the Program Director as outlined here may result in disciplinary action, probation, course failure, and/or dismissal of the student.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Daily Performance Evaluation Policy TO TRIAL CCAT JUNE-AUGUST 2026

I. Policy:

Students shall receive at least one written evaluation of their clinical experience from clinical faculty and compose a self-evaluation of that clinical experience on the same clinical evaluation form for each scheduled day of clinical experience.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a clinical evaluation policy is to inform students of the clinical evaluation process.

III. Procedure:

The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Students shall use the appropriate clinical evaluation form for the clinical experience to which they are assigned.

2. Students shall provide the assigned preceptor a clinical evaluation tool AT THE START OF THE CLINICAL EXPERIENCE.

3. Evaluations should be completed and signed by the preceptor. Failure to obtain preceptor completion of evaluation and signature may result in failure of the practicum.

4. Evaluations should be completed by the preceptor that the student spent the most time with on that given day. This is the preceptor who should be able to give the most summative assessment of the student’s daily performance.

5. All evaluations (evaluation form and additional written evaluations) shall be electronically submitted.

Directions for electronic submission will be dispersed by student specific Clinical Area Coordinators and Nurse Anesthesia faculty.

The written evaluations are to be electronically submitted and placed in the student’s

electronic file.

1. If the student receives a written or verbal evaluation that describes serious deficiencies in the student’s clinical performance, the student MUST notify the Nurse Anesthesia Program Director immediately.

2. If a student is sent home from clinical for any reason, the student must notify the Nurse Anesthesia Program Director IMMEDIATELY.

3. Failure to comply with any section of this policy may result in removal from the clinical area, probation, course failure and/or dismissal of the student. (See the Student Progression Policy).

4 ALL EVALUATIONS, Management Plans, are due on the first Saturday of each month. Late submissions will result in a face-to-face meeting with program administration. It is the responsibility of student to know all the policies of both clinical and didactic settings.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Student Supervision Policy

I. Policy:

The level of supervision for nurse anesthesia students by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA) and anesthesiologists is guided by the current clinical rotation.

II. Purpose:

The purposes of this policy are to:

A. Outline student clinical experience by semester

1. Define supervisory roles of the CRNA and Anesthesiologist for each designation of student clinical experience.

2. Delineate supervision for each level of student clinical experience.

B. Outline the evaluation procedure for each level of student clinical experience.

III. Procedure:

The criteria for CRNA and Anesthesiologist level of supervisor for each clinical experience is outlined below:

A. Student Clinical Experience:

DNP Curriculum

Clinical Semester	DNP Clinical/Lab Experience	Level of Supervision
1	NURS 8507, NURS 8501	Preceptor
3	NURS 8608	Preceptor
3	NURS 8704, NURS 8714	Preceptor/Mentor
4	NURS 8807, NURS 8801	Mentor/Consultant
5	NURS 8908	Consultant

B. Supervisory roles:

1. Supervision shall be on a 1:1 ratio (Student to Faculty) for students in all clinical courses if faculty deem it necessary. Faculty is defined as a CRNA or Physician Anesthesiologist who is credentialed to provide anesthesia in the affiliate clinical site. Faculty retains full responsibility for the care and safety of the patient and readily available.

2. Faculty shall be present in the operating room, delivery room, or other anesthetizing areas where students are assigned at all times. The faculty will function as a:

i. Preceptor* to students in NURS 8507, NURS 8501, and NURS 8608, NURS 8704, NURS 8714.

ii. Mentor* to students in NURS 8714 and NURS 8807, NURS 8801.

iii. Consultant* to students in NURS 8801 and NURS 8908.

C. Evaluation Procedure:

1. Evaluations for all clinical courses shall be evaluated on a per day/per shift basis and any on call shift unless the student’s behavior requires additional documentation.

2. Evaluations may be completed by CRNAs and/ or Anesthesiologists.

*Preceptor: A teacher, tutor, or educator. One who imparts knowledge, information, or skills in a methodical and formal manner. Methods used by a preceptor include teaching, instruction, drilling, testing, demonstration, example and modeling.

*Mentor A trusted guide or coach. Mentoring is a relationship between novice and expert in which advice is shared toward the mutual goal of career advancement. Methods used by a mentor include: guiding, supporting, avocation, exchange of information.

*Consultant An expert that gives counsel or advice. Methods used by a consultant include: recommendation regarding the course of conduct or decision-making process, sharing of knowledge or information that imparts professional or technical advice.

***All levels of supervision require supervising CRNAs and/or MDs to be easily assessable and readily available.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Distribution of A-State Faculty/Administration/Staff Information Policy

Policy:

Under no circumstances should students share (in any form- oral, written etc…) faculty, administration or staff personal information (personal contact information (home or cell phone numbers), home address, etc…) of faculty, administration or staff. Students may share office contact information (office phone number and A-State email address) should clinical, hospital or facility personnel, professional references etc… request contact information for faculty or administration members.

Purpose:

The purpose of the distribution of A-State/administration/staff information policy is to remain in compliance with Arkansas State law. According to the Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act, the purpose of this law is to ensure that sensitive personal information about Arkansas residents is protected. To that end, the purpose is to encourage individuals, businesses, and state agencies that acquire, own, or license personal information about citizens of the State of Arkansas to provide reasonable security for the information. This policy helps to protect the privacy and ensure safety of faculty, administration and staff.

Procedure:

The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Students shall share only professional contact information (office phone, A-State email address) to anyone requesting information pertaining to A-State faculty, administration or staff.

2. Personal home and/or cell phone numbers of faculty, administration or staff are not to be shared for any reason.

3. Personal information of any kind (home address etc…) of faculty, administration or staff is not to be shared for any reason.

4. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary measures.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Dress Code Policy

I. Policy:

As health care professionals, an image that reflects our commitment to quality care must be presented. In order to accomplish this goal, students must maintain professional attire and wear their university student ID at all times.

II. Purpose:

In order to maintain a positive image, all anesthesia students will follow the dress code guidelines.

III. Procedure:

The following suggestions for dress and grooming provide guidelines. Students must conform to the clinical affiliation site dress code through which he/she is rotating.

A. Clinical and Direct Patient Areas

1. Blue jeans, T-shirts, jogging shorts, casual shorts, sweat pants/shirts are not appropriate attire for the didactic or clinical component.

2. During pre- and post-operative visits, the student must maintain professional attire. A white lab coat is mandatory during visitation.

3. A white lab coat must be worn at ALL times when the student is leaving the operating room suite while wearing scrubs. *Note: Lab coats should cover scrubs. Masks, shoe covers, gloves, and caps are removed when visiting patients or leaving OR.

3. Scrub clothing, masks, shoe covers and gloves should be worn only in areas designated for their use. WEARING OF SCRUBS TO CONFERENCES WITH A LAB COAT IS ONLY ACCEPTABLE IF LEAVING CLINICAL TO ATTEND.

5. Jewelry is restricted to:

a. Watch

b. One necklace if confined within the scrub top.

c. One pair or one small earring if confined within the hat.

6. Ear gauges are not acceptable. Gauges must be replaced with flesh colored plugs that are flat to the surface of the body.

7. No facial or tongue jewelry is permitted.

8. Undergarments must be worn and not be visible through clothing or scrub attire.

9. Extremes in style or clothing, which may be offensive or immodest, are NOT appropriate.

11. Hair and body should be clean and well-groomed. Extremes in hair style or color are not appropriate. Deodorant should be utilized frequently.

12 Beards and mustaches must be kept clean and well-groomed and must be covered by facemask and/or surgical hat when in the operating room.

13. OSHA mandated standards for Universal Precautions must be utilized during the perioperative experience. This includes but is not limited to gloves and protective eye covers.

14. The mask for the operative experience must be secured over both nose and mouth in a way to prevent venting at the sides. Masks must be worn at all times in sterile and sub-sterile areas of the operating room.

15. Nametags should be worn and be visible at all times at the clinical facility.

16. Footwear for clinical areas should be appropriate for the work area. Safety should be the primary consideration when selecting footwear for work.

17. No perfume or scented body sprays are to be worn.

18. No artificial fingernails. Nails should be trimmed and not extend beyond the fingertip. If polish is worn only clear non-gel nail polish is acceptable.

B. Non-Clinical Areas (On-campus)

*****This policy is to be followed at all times, by all students enrolled in the program. It is to be followed irrespective of the reason that the student is on-campus (peer instructor, simulation, remediation, study time/groups, senior study etc..).

You are expected to select attire that projects professionalism and pride in our

organization. We encourage you to avoid choosing attire for class that may be extreme in

style. GOOD JUDGMENT, WHICH INCLUDES BEING WELL GROOMED AND NEAT,

IS THE MAIN GUIDELINE TO FOLLOW IN DRESSING APPROPRIATELY FOR CLASS.

Questions or clarifications on what would be considered appropriate attire for your specific

area should be directed to Nurse Anesthesia Faculty or use the Clinical Area Guidelines for

class..

a. OR Green or OR Blue Scrubs or Business Casual Attire is expected for class.

b. There may be times when business casual attire only is required. Faculty will inform students when this is required.

c. Undergarments must be worn and must not be visible through clothing.

d. Extremes in style or clothing, which may be offensive or immodest, are not appropriate.

e. Beards and mustaches must be kept clean and well-groomed and must be covered by facemask and/or surgical hat when in the operating room.

f. Nametags should be worn and be visible at all times while in clinic.

g. No perfume or scented body sprays are to be worn while in clinic.

h Lab coats must be worn while in the Reynold’s Building and the Nursing Building. Faculty may require lab coats at specific times.

i. Lab coats are not to be worn in any area other than the university

or clinical.

*As defined by the University of Toronto: “Business casual is a classic, clean cut, and put together look where a full suit is not required. Business casual is attire that is appropriate even for a chance meeting with the CEO, or your boss. For women it means clothing such as slacks or a skirt, a blouse or shirt with a collar and closed-toe shoes. For men, business casual usually means slacks or khakis (chino-style pants), with a polo shirt, or a button-down shirt with a tie but no jacket. Some sweaters are also appropriate for both men and women. It is also helpful to consider what business casual is not. It is not clothing you would wear to a club or for athletic purposes; anything that is revealing, tight, see-through, or spandex is off-limits, as are baseball or other hats, flip-flops, jeans and hooded sweatshirts.”

https://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/business-formal-professional-or-business-casual

Failure to comply with this policy will result in the following actions:

· 1^st offence: Written warning

· 2^nd offence: 4 hours PDO charge

· 3^rd offence: Citation for professionalism with possible probation

· 4^th and final offence: Possible dismissal due to persistent unprofessional misconduct

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

General Policy on Curriculum Changes/Approval

I. Policy:

Assessment of the Nurse Anesthesia Program is multifaceted, multidimensional, and

a systematically designed process that assures adherence to quality student education and adherence to accrediting bodies who oversee nursing education.

II. Purpose:

The purposes of the “General Policy on Curriculum Changes/Approval” are to:

A. Delineate the process of curricular changes/approval by the School of Nursing.

Inform student, instructors, and members of the community of interest, the process by which the School of Nursing conducts curricular changes/approval.

B. Provide a schematic presentation of the overall process to which the College of Nursing evaluates and approves changes in the curriculum.

III. Procedure:

The process of curricular changes/approval is a three-stage procedure. The first stage involves the evaluation and recommendation of curricular issues by the DNP Faculty Curriculum Committee. The second stage assesses and approves/disapproves recommendations of the Curriculum committee by the faculty for adherence to Accreditation Standards and educational quality. The final stage is the submission of the curricular changes to the University for publication and incorporation into university course offerings.

A. The evaluation and recommendation procedure includes:

1. Program recommendations are achieved through student instructor and course evaluations and faculty course evaluations.

2. Program recommendations are submitted to the DNP Faculty Curriculum Committee for review and evaluation.

3. DNP Faculty Curriculum Committee reviews and evaluates Program recommendations.

B. The assessment and recommendation procedure includes:

1. Graduate program Council review DNP Faculty Curriculum Committee recommendations and vote for approval for bulletin updates

2. If disapproved, the issue is sent back to DNP Faculty Curriculum Committee for further evaluation and review.

C. The submission of approval procedure includes:

1. If approved, changes are submitted to the University for incorporation into University course offerings and publication.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

General Policy on Self-Assessment (Program, Students, Instructors, Courses)

I. Purpose:

The purposes of the General Policy on Self-Assessment (Program, Students, Instructors, and Courses) are to:

A. Delineate the process of self-assessment by which the Nurse Anesthesia Program is able to determine its effectiveness in educating nurse anesthetists.

B. Inform students, instructors, and members of the community of interest, the process by which the Nurse Anesthesia Program conducts self-assessment.

C. Provide a schematic presentation of the overall self-assessment program of the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

D. Be consistent with the School of Nursing’s Master Assessment Plan.

II. Policy:

Assessment of the Nurse Anesthesia Program is multifaceted, multidimensional, and a systematically designed process that assesses program effectiveness by encompassing the following categories of evaluation:

A. Program:

1. Internal Evaluation

2. External Evaluation

3. Graduates, Employers (1 year out)

B. Student:

1. Clinical:

a. Daily (Formative) Evaluation

a. Semester (Summative) Evaluation by faculty

c. Self-Evaluations- Daily (monthly evaluation as needed)

2. Didactic:

a. Program evaluation

b. Self-evaluations

c. Course outcomes

d. Program outcomes

C. Instructor Evaluation:

1. Clinical:

a. Student evaluation of clinical instructor (preceptor evaluations by student)

b. Student course evaluation

c. Student clinical site evaluation (by student)

d. Faculty summary evaluation

2. Didactic:

a. Student evaluation of didactic instructor

b. Faculty site visit evaluation

c. Faculty course evaluation

D. Course Evaluation

a. Student course evaluation

b. Faculty course evaluation

c. Program Summary Evaluation

E. Clinical Site

a. Student clinical site evaluation

b. Faculty affiliation site visit

III. Procedure:

The process of self-assessment is a two-stage procedure. The first stage involves the evaluation of the Nurse Anesthesia Program, its faculty, clinical instructors and students. The second stage assesses the results of the evaluations and makes recommendations for program

change as appropriate.

A. The evaluation procedure includes:

1. Program: In addition to complying with all department regulations required by A-State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing, the Nurse Anesthesia Program is evaluated through the following mechanisms:

a. Internal Evaluation - Semester review of the internal organization and administration of the program are reviewed and updated at the DNP Faculty Committee meetings annually through the Program summary. Changes are made as needed.

ii. Annual programmatic assessment to ensure program compliance with COA standards will be done three months prior to annual report.

b. External Evaluation:

i. External accrediting organizations

a. COA (Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs)

b. ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Nursing Education).

c. HLC (Higher Learning Commission)

ii. External program evaluation – Student exit assessment survey and alumni assessment surveys and graduate employer evaluations are reviewed annually to identify areas needing change and improvement.

2. Students: All students are required to participate in the evaluation process. Their academic and clinical grades are determined by successful progression of clinical skills and academic courses are evaluated in the following manner:

a. Clinical:

i. Daily (Formative) Clinical Performance Evaluation – Students are evaluated daily. These evaluations are scored and tallied in an on-going manner that allows constant evaluation of the student.

ii. Semester (Summative) Evaluation – A composite evaluation is reviewed and discussed with the student at the end of each semester.

iii. Self-evaluation – Each student is responsible for a self-evaluation daily (monthly as needed) and at the end of the semester including appraisal of his/her own clinical and didactic performance.

b. Didactic:

i. Program evaluations – Grades for each academic course are distributed to the student at the end of each semester.

ii. Self-evaluations – Each student is responsible for self-evaluation at the end of the semester that includes appraisal of their own didactic performance.

3. Instructor Evaluation: In order to ensure continued excellence and improvement of both clinical and didactic instruction, all instructors are evaluated in the following manner:

a. Clinical

i. Student evaluation of clinical instructors- Students evaluate clinical instructors during each rotation. Each instructor with whom they have worked greater than five times during the course of the rotation is evaluated. All evaluations for a clinical instructor and compiled and presented in a summative document to protect student identity.

ii. Self-evaluation of clinical instructor – Upon receipt of the composite of the above evaluation the instructor completes a self-evaluation to be returned to the program.

b. Didactic:

i. Student evaluation of didactic instructor – Students evaluate didactic instructors after the completion of the course in which they have taught.

4. Course Evaluation

a. Student course evaluation - Students complete courses during the last third of the course.

b. Faculty Summary – Upon receipt of the composite of the student course evaluations, the instructor completes a faculty summary of the course that is returned to the Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program. The Director then completes a Program summary, which is then presented to the Curriculum and Program Coordinators’ Committees.

E. Clinical Site:

a. Students evaluate the clinical site at the completion of the clinical rotation. These are submitted to faculty and are compiled into an anonymous summative evaluation, which is sent to the clinical coordinator.

b. Faculty evaluates the clinical site during affiliation visits.

5. Clinical Affiliation Evaluation

a. Student evaluations - Students complete clinical site evaluations at the end of each clinical rotation. Composites of each affiliation are reviewed by Program Administration and shared with the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Faculty

Committee with the completion of the Program Summary. A

copy of the composite is provided to the Clinical Site

Coordinator. Issues related to clinical site experiences are

discussed between the Clinical Site Coordinator and

Program Administration.

b. Faculty affiliation evaluation - Nurse Anesthesia Faculty conduct clinical affiliation site visits and evaluations a minimum of once per year. These affiliation evaluations are kept on file in the Nurse Anesthesia Offices and used by program faculty to determine quality of student experiences and compliance with the program’s policies annually.

B. The self-assessment procedure includes analysis of the above evaluations by:

1. The Program Faculty

a. Assesses any items needing attention as revealed by the above evaluations during their Program meetings.

b. Makes appropriate changes based on evaluations and suggested or recommended changes by Curriculum and Faculty of the SON.

2. The Clinical/Didactic Instructors:

a. Assess course content changes prior to each semester.

b. Make suggestions and recommendations to the faculty of programming based on composite evaluations of courses, and experience in the clinical area.

3. The Clinical Faculty:

a. Are informed of major programmatic changes.

b. Make suggestions and recommendations for programmatic change based on their clinical experience.

4. The DNP Faculty Committee:

a. Assesses the results of the Certification Examinations annually and make recommendations for program change based on aggregate student outcomes.

b. Assesses graduating senior program exit evaluations annually and makes recommendations for program change based on aggregate student outcomes

c. Approves major programmatic changes and makes recommendations for change.

5. A-State SON Community Advisory Council

a. Meets annually

b. Exchanges information regarding general health trends, specific societal and community health needs, and specific needs of SON programs.

c. Exchanges information regarding community expectation and the quality of A-State SON graduates.

d. Engages in strategic planning.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Grading Policy

I. Policy:

A-State University College of Nursing and Health Professions’ School of Nursing’s policy found in the Graduate Information Guidelines. Each course within the nursing programs has a descriptive course syllabus with information concerning content and determination of course grade. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with and meet the requirements of each course. A grade of “B” is required in all Graduate courses in order to progress.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the grading policy is to ensure that students understand the academic (clinical and didactic) grading policies.

III. Procedure:

A. Grading

1. Grading Scale adopted by the SON

a. A = 90 -100

b. B = 80 – 89.99

c. C = 75 – 79.99

d. F= 70-74.99

2. Failure of the student to achieve a minimum overall course average of 80% at the end of the semester will result in a course failure and dismissal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

3. A course failure results in the inability of the student to progress further in the program. -cannot take any DNP courses.

4. The student may reapply for admission into the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Guidelines for the process are found in the Graduate Information Guidelines and Graduate Bulletin. Readmission to the Nurse Anesthesia Program is decided by the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Faculty Committee and is a non-grievable decision.

B. Clinical Grading

1. Daily evaluation appraisals, comprehensive examinations, and other requirements specific to the course are used to assign the clinical course grade.

2. Typhon is the tracking system used in the A-State Nurse Anesthesia Program. Typhon logs must be kept current and up to date at all times. Cases must be logged within ONE week and/or a personal/handwritten log must be kept with the student for proof that he/she has completed cases/procedures etc… for faculty to review. In extraordinary circumstances (family emergency etc…), should a student fall behind/fail to log data within ONE week, it is the responsibility of the student to notify Nurse Anesthesia faculty that this has occurred, and to supply the personal log of cases/procedures etc… to faculty for review. It is at the facultys’ discretion to assign a reasonable due date to have the Typhon log current and up to date (should the student produce the personal log as required).

Failure to notify faculty that Typhon has lapsed, failure to produce an “extraordinary circumstance” as to why the Typhon log has lapsed, and/or failure to maintain accurate and current Typhon records may cause a deduction in overall course grade, affect program progression, delay graduation and/or result in disciplinary measures. Failure to maintain an accurate and current Typhon log in addition of failure to maintain an accurate and current personal/handwritten log may result in clinical course failure and inability to progress in the A-State Nurse Anesthesia Program.

3. Students must achieve a grade of an A or B in all clinical courses.

4. Failure to earn a minimum grade of “B” at the end of the semester will result in a course failure, dismissal from the Nurse Anesthesia Program and an inability of the student to progress further in the program.

5. The student may reapply for admission into the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Guidelines for the process are found in the Graduate Information Guidelines and Graduate Bulletin. Readmission to the Nurse Anesthesia Program is decided by the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Faculty Committee and is a non-grievable decision.

6. If the student is placed on probation during a clinical course, the resultant semester grade earned will be no higher than a “B”.

7. Components of Clinical Course Grade

Each component of the clinical course grading system must be completed in chronological order before the student will be permitted to continue to the next level.

8. Refer to GIG about inability to enroll in other DNP courses if student fails

any course.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Health Policy

I. Policy:

Students will notify the Nurse Anesthesia program of a change in medications or health status.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a student health policy is to ensure students remain physically and/or mentally able to maintain optimal academic and safe clinical performance.

III. Procedure:

Students are responsible for maintaining their health status. Any student experiencing a change in health and/or in health/medication regimen:

1. Notify the Program Director.

2. Complete the required paperwork and submit copy of physician/providers letter or prescription.

3. If the student's health poses a danger to the safety of him/her-self, coworkers, patients or others:

a. The Program Director and the student shall determine possible courses of action within the guidelines of the Graduate Information Guidelines which may include but not be limited to:

i. Leave of Absence for up to one year

ii. Resignation or dismissal

b. The Program Director and the student shall establish an agreement that outlines the terms of the leave of absence, remediation, or continuation in the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

4. The Nurse Anesthesia Program has the responsibility to offer any assistance offered by Arkansas State University’s Health Services available to all students.

5. Failure to comply with this policy can result in probation or dismissal of the student. (See the Student Progression Policy).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Inclement Weather Policy

See Syllabi

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Leave of Absence Policy

I. Policy:

Students may request a Leave of Absence, one time, for up to one year, during their enrollment.

II. Purpose:

The purposes of this "Leave of Absence Policy" is to:

A. Inform students of the reasons that a leave of absence may be requested.

B. Delineate the process of a Leave of Absence.

III. Procedure:

A. Students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) for any of the following reasons:

1. Medical Reasons: a physician’s letter must accompany this type of LOA.

2. Personal: a signed request from the student is required.

3. Maternity: a physician’s letter indicating approximate due date is required. It is recommended that the student request a LOA during the semester in which she is expected to deliver.

B. Final approval for LOAs is by the Dean of College of Nursing and Health Professions.

C. No LOAs shall be considered or granted during clinical or academic probation.

D. All LOAs shall be granted at the beginning or end of a semester. If a student requests a LOA during the semester, the student will be required to withdraw from the courses in which they are currently enrolled. The student may re-enroll, with approval from the DNP Nurse Anesthesia Faculty committee, within the next academic year. The student is required to re-apply for admission four (4) months prior to the semester in which those courses are offered. No credit will be transferred from an incomplete course.

E. If a student requests an LOA during the middle of a semester, the student must repeat that semester. This includes all clinical experience and academic work. The student is responsible for all costs of the courses. (See D)

F. LOAs must be completed within one calendar year. Re-enrollment shall occur in a semester in which the needed course work is normally offered.

G. Academic enrollment: All academic courses will be offered only during the semester they are normally offered.

H. An individualized student reentry plan shall be designed that may include required independent studies, required course audits, and/or other reentry requirements

I. Clinical courses

1. The student may be re-introduced into the clinical area by auditing the clinical course he/she successfully completed prior to the LOA.

a. This clinical course experience will be evaluated using the evaluation form appropriate for the clinical course. (Example: A student requests a LOA after completing NURS 861v but prior to beginning NURS 871v. The student shall audit the course (NURS 861v) and will be evaluated using the NURS 861v evaluation form).

b. If these evaluations are satisfactory, the student shall be allowed to enroll in the next semester.

c. If the clinical evaluations are unsatisfactory, the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty shall review the student’s progress to determine eligibility to continue.

d. The student is responsible for all costs associated with auditing courses.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Non-Discrimination Policy

I. Policy:

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing – Nurse Anesthesia Program admits students of any race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national ethnic origin, disability or age to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Program. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, color, national or ethnic origin, disability or age, in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other university-administered programs.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a policy on non-discrimination is to assure the commitment of the Nurse Anesthesia Program to promoting inclusion, respect and the inherent value of all students.

III. Procedure:

A. The Nurse Anesthesia Program will voluntarily follow A-State’s policy for non- discrimination and diversity by:

1. Admitting students of any race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, color, national ethnic origin, disability or age;

2. Affording to all, the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the Program; and

3. Not discriminating on the basis of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, color, national or ethnic origin, disability or age in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs and other university-administered programs.

B. The Nurse Anesthesia Program will accurately depict the non-discrimination policy.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Pre and Postoperative Anesthesia Rounds Policy

I. Policy:

Each student is required to perform a preoperative visit on ALL anesthetic cases the student anticipates managing during his/her assigned clinical hours. It is mandatory to complete a preoperative visit if the patient is an in-house patient. A verbal or written care plan will be completed based upon course syllabus and the affiliate clinical site’s requirement. Faculty may require more based on student performance. A concise verbal case management is to be presented to each clinical preceptor prior to the beginning of anesthesia care.

Each student is required to perform a mandatory postoperative anesthesia visit on all inpatients with documentation placed in the clinical notes area of Typhon’s clinical case record within the first 24 hours after surgery. This note may not be written in the PACU.

Faculty will confer with clinical site coordinators to ensure that students are completing postoperative anesthesia rounds. Additionally, faculty will monitor the quality of verbal/written plans of care through random selection.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the pre and postoperative anesthesia rounds policy is to delineate expectations of the students’ behavior and responsibilities as a nurse anesthesia professional.

The policy is to provide a formal process for documentation and consequence of noncompliance.

III. Procedure:

1. Students will complete pre-anesthetic verbal and/or written care plan for each patient the student is assigned for induction and maintenance. Students will provide these care plans to the clinical preceptor for review and discussion.

2. Each student will perform a postoperative anesthesia visit on all inpatients or same day surgery within the first 24 hours after surgery yet NOT in the PACU setting.

3. All care plans must be submitted to the Preceptor or Clinical Site Coordinator or Nurse Anesthesia Faculty in order to obtain credit for clinical experience. This will be verified in the Daily Clinical Performance Evaluation.

4. A monthly review of compliance with care plans and case logs will be performed by Nurse Anesthesia Faculty, clinical area coordinators and/or clinical coordinators.

5. Failure to submit the appropriate documentation will result in counseling session and written warning for the first offense, placement on probation for the second offense and failure for the third offense. No credit for the clinical experience will occur.

6. Each student is required to perform a mandatory postoperative anesthesia visit on all inpatients with documentation placed in the clinical notes area of Typhon’s clinical case record within the first 24 hours after surgery.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Radiation Badges and Radiation Safety Policy

I. Policy:

All students while engaged in any clinical educational experiences associated with the program must wear an Instadose radiation badge at the level of the collar outside of body

lead. If a student becomes pregnant while enrolled in any course requiring clinical

participation, an additional fetal monitor will be required to be worn on the torso/at the waist.

This second/additional badge may be worn under the body lead. It is the students’

responsibility to ensure that she remains in compliance with proper radiation monitoring with

the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). Contact ADH Radiation Control Office P.

1.501.661.2301

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Instadose badge and radiation safety policy is to:

A. Monitor radiation exposure during clinical educational experiences; and

B. Provide a process to minimize and/or manage occupational exposure.

IV. Procedure:

A. Instadose Radiation Badge

1. An Instadose Radiation Badge will be provided to the student prior to entering the first clinical rotation.

2. The badge must be worn while engaged in any clinical educational experience.

3. The badge must be worn on the collar (outside of the body lead) and replaced according to the Program’s exchange program.

4. Pregnant students are required to wear a fetal monitor (baby badge) on the abdomen/at the waist, which must be replaced according to the Program’s exchange schedule. This second/additional badge may be worn under the body lead. It is the pregnant student’s responsibility to maintain compliance with ADH rules and regulations for radiation safety.

5. Proper care of the instadose badge is the responsibility of the individual student. Any discrepancy that might affect the badge reading should be reported immediately to the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty.

6. Students who lose and/or damage their radiation badges will be responsible for the cost of replacing the badge. A badge that is lost and/or damaged must be reported to anesthesia faculty immediately for further information on how to replace the badge.

7. Failure to wear an instadose badge during the clinical educational experience will result in a reduction of 1 letter grade for the course’s grade for each occurrence. Repeated failure to comply with any aspect of this policy may result in failure of the clinical course.

8. Students must return the badge to the Nurse Anesthesia Department prior after completion of clinical practicums, but prior to program completion. Failure to turn in a functional badge prior to program completion will result in a badge fee (replacement cost).

B. Monitoring

1. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that the badge is being read and working properly. Failure to complete this monthly reset/uploading of exposure information may result in disciplinary measures.

2. The student must have a working phone and download the required app. If the version of your phone is not compatible with the Instadose app, you must check-out a USB reader from the Administrative Specialist. You are not to leave the Nurse Anesthesia Department with the USB reader.

3. If the student has a phone that is not compatible with the radiation badge app, the student will be required to report to campus and check out a USB to read the badge.

4. On the first day of each month the student is required to do a manual reset of their badge. If there is a problem with the reset or the badge, the student needs to contact Mirion. P: 1.800.251.3331

a. Failure to complete this monthly reset/uploading of exposure information may result in a disciplinary easures.

5. Should the student’s exposure reading exceed an average monthly reading of 30 millirems, the student will meet with Nurse Anesthesia faculty for counseling regarding exposure. A written counseling form will be placed in the student’s record.

6. Should the student’s exposure reading exceed an average monthly reading of 60 millirems, the student will be removed from clinical while a formal investigation of cause occurs. Once assurance of student safety has been established, the student will be allowed to return to the clinical educational experience, but may have restrictions commensurate with their exposure. Such situations may result in the extension of the student’s clinical practicum to ensure that required clinical case experiences are obtained for program completion, as required the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

Directions for a manual reset:

1. Perform initialization immediately prior to regular use, NOTE: stabilize badge to room temperature before procedure

2. Open the instadose app on your mobile device and login (Bluetooth ON)

3. Click on the ‘Read Status’ icon on the bottom right of the Dashboard

4.Turn on ‘Scan for Instadose’

5. Press and hold the button on the back of your Instadose+badge for 5-seconds until a solid green light appears * (Note: there will not be any type of “read” message on the screen), close the app

6. Attach badge to recommended body area

Radiation Safety Manuel:

Arkansas State University Environmental Health and Safety

CEDE- Committed Effective Dose Equivalent (HE,50) is the sum of the products of the weighting factors applicable to each of the body organs or tissues that are irradiated and the committed dose equivalent to these organs or tissues (HE,50=∑ WTHT,50),

ODE - Deep Dose Equivalent (Hd), (which applies to external whole-body exposure) is the dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 1 cm (1000 mg/cm2).

TEDE - Total Effective Dose Equivalent is the sum of the deep-dose equivalent (for external exposures) and the committed effective dose equivalent (for internal exposures).

SOE- Shallow-dose Equivalent (Hs), (which applies to the external exposure of the skin or an extremity) is the dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 0.007 centimeter (7mg/cm2), averaged over an area of one

(1) square centimeter.

LOE - Lens of Eye Dose Equivalent. Applies to the external exposure of the lens of the eye and is taken as the dose equivalent at a tissue depth of 0.3centimeter (300 mg/cm2).

Occupational Dose Limits

Occupational dose limits to individual adults shall be in accordance with RH-200 of the Arkansas Department of Health, Rules and Regulations. No individual may receive in one calendar year, except for planned special exposures, a total occupational exposure in excess of the following:

Total Effective Dose	5 rems (0.05 Sv), or
Sum of deep-dose equivalent and committed dose equivalent to any individual organ or tissue other than the lens of the eye	50 rems (0.5 Sv)
Lens of the eye {lens dose)	15 rems (.l5Sv) and
Skin & extremities	Shallow dose equiv. of 50 rems (0.50Sv)

DE- Dose Equivalent is the product of the absorbed dose in tissue, quality factor, and all other necessary modifying factors at the location of interest. The units of dose equivalent are the rem and sievert (Sv).

COE - Committed Dose Equivalent (HT,50) is the dose equivalent to organs or tissues of reference (T) that will be received from an intake of radioactive material by an individual during the 50-year period following the intake.

EDE - Effective Dose Equivalent (HE) is the sum of the products of the dose equivalent to the organ or tissue (HT) and the weighting factors (WT) applicable to each of the body organs or tissues that are irradiated (HE = ∑ wTHT).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Recommendation Policy

I. Policy:

Nurse Anesthesia Program requires a written release from all seeking recommendations.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of a recommendation policy is to ensure that students’ rights of confidentiality are protected and that any recommendation regarding a student or former student is performed by the requested reference.

III. Procedure:

Students are responsible for notifying faculty of requests for recommendations/references. All requests are to be accompanied by a written release. Any student experiencing requesting recommendations or references will:

1. Notify the selected faculty (in writing).

2. This may be a signed formal letter OR a formal request sent via email from A-State email address.

3. The Nurse Anesthesia Faculty has the responsibility to adhere to FERPA regulations and to maintain a copy in the student’s file.

4. Failure to comply with this policy will result in no recommendation or reference to the student’s requested organization.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Review Course Policy

I. POLICY:

The Nurse Anesthesia Program will allow TWO (2) designated review courses during the last year of the student’s educational plan of study. Only TWO (2) days of educational time will be granted for travel/attendance. The travel day will be granted for travel/transportation to the review course.

II. PURPOSE:

The purpose of the “Review Course Policy” is to ensure that consistent protocol and time allotment is employed for students who elect to attend a review course during their education.

IV. PROCEDURE:

A. Every student is required to attend at least one (1) review course within the last year

of the program. Failure to attend may result in disciplinary measures and/or delay

in graduation.

B. Review course time is allowed during the last year of the student’s educational plan of study.

C. Only TWO (2) days of travel will be granted for absence from the clinical area.

D.. No additional days of clinical area absence are allowed.

E. A written request to attend the course be submitted 90 days in advance prior to attending the course. Failure to submit the request(s) by the deadline will result in

denial of request(s).

F. A copy of the request(s) with approval or denial will be returned to students for record keeping.

G. In the event that Nurse Anesthesia Program arranges for a review course with an established review course business, the following guidelines will be followed:

1. Attendance by all members of the applicable student class is mandatory.

2. Time will not be added up or subtracted from the student’s personal time off for attendance. The intent of the course is to assist students in synthesizing information in preparation for the NCE.

3. Students are responsible for any related costs of the on-campus review course.

4. This is a program requirement. Failure to attend may result in disciplinary

measures and/or delay in graduation.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Record Retention Policy

I. POLICY:

Confidential files of graduate students and applicants are maintained in the offices of the Anesthesia Program. Management of student files follows the requirements noted by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974. (COA Standard V, Criterion E7).

II. PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Record Retention Policy is to ensure that consistent protocol is employed for each student who matriculates into the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

III. PROCEDURE:

A. Applicants:

1. Applicant files are kept in the Nurse Anesthesia Program offices in locked cabinets until the completion of the application cycle.

2. Non-admitted student files are shredded following the application time period.

B. Current Students:

1. Confidential records of current students are maintained in locked cabinets in the Anesthesia Program offices.

2. All student records are retained until the student passes the National Certification Examination.

3. Health records are maintained by the student and uploaded into Typhon.

4. Students have the right to examine their own records at any time with the exception of any recommendations in which they waived the right to view.

5. Students have the right to request amendment of personal records. A written request and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Program Director.

6. A written request by the student or graduate is required to copy and/or release any information from the student’s or graduate’s record/file.

7. Students are responsible for providing affiliate clinical sites with information required for participation in an educational experience unless they have signed a written release allowing the Nurse Anesthesia Program to do so to those who are entitled to student information as defined by FERPA.

a. The student and any outside party who have the student’s written consent.

b. School officials who have “legitimate educational interest” as defined in FERPA.

c. Parents of a dependent student as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.

d. A judicial order or subpoena that allows the institution to release records without the student’s consent; however, a “reasonable effort” must be made to notify the student before complying with the order

8. Students requesting a complete copy of their student file must provide a written request. A separate copying fee will be assessed and is payable to A-State School of Nursing.

C. Graduates

1. All graduate records are retained until notification is received from the Council on Certification that the graduate has passed the National Certification Examination (NCE).

2. Once notification of passing the NCE has been received, any written care plans are destroyed.

3. Three years post-graduation, graduate records will consist of the following documents:

a. Final case logs

b. All summative evaluations

c. All clinical evaluations

d. Student self-evaluations

e. NBCRNA’s NCE transcript

f. Education verification forms

4. Graduate files are maintained in perpetuity and may be stored off premises in a secure area or stored in an electronic format.

5. A written request by the graduate is required to copy/release any information from the student records/file and may result in fees.

D. Litigation, Grievances, and Complaint files

1. Litigation, grievances, and complaints against the program are kept indefinitely.

2. Resolved litigation, grievances, and complaints against the program files may be stored off premises in a secure area in perpetuity.

3. Unresolved litigation, grievance, or complaint files are kept in the offices of Arkansas State University Legal Affairs and in perpetuity in locked cabinets located in the Nurse Anesthesia Program offices.

E. Students not completing the program or passing the NCE

1. The student record of any student who does not complete the program or pass the NCE will be kept in perpetuity.

F. The Nurse Anesthesia Program keeps the final Council of Certification of Nurse Anesthetists transcripts in perpetuity.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Student Clinical Performance Policy

I. Policy:

Knowing that an evaluation is a critical assessment of a students' overall clinical performance (positive and/or negative) and that this assessment is one of the criteria for the clinical grading policy, all CRNAs and anesthesiologists are acknowledged to be clinical instructors for student registered nurse anesthetists and are responsible for the clinical education and evaluation of the students.

II. Purpose:

The purposes of a policy on evaluation of student clinical performance are to:

A. Explain the clinical evaluation process

B. Identify the clinical instructors’ role in the evaluation of student clinical performance

C. Inform clinical instructors of their responsibilities as clinical instructors

D. Appraise students of the clinical evaluation process.

III. Procedures:

Upon accepting the assignment to supervise a student in the clinical area, the instructor shall:

A. Instruct the student in the skills needed for administering anesthesia, using safe, effective, accepted methods based on sound scientific, evidence-based principles.

B Evaluate the student in the following manner:

1. Each student must be evaluated daily using the form that evaluates

the student's level of education or specialized clinical rotation.

2. A student may receive more than one evaluation per day depending

upon the instructor(s) involved, cases done, or as particular incidents

arise.

3. The supervising anesthesia provider (CRNA and/or anesthesiologist) can fill out the evaluations.

a. Students must obtain an evaluation from the preceptor if the majority of

the day was spent with the preceptor and/or if the preceptor provided

verbal feedback of unsatisfactory performance.

b. The evaluation must be completed and signed by the preceptor.

c. Failure to obtain evaluation from the preceptor meeting the above

description may result in failure of the practicum.

4. If a student wishes to discuss or dispute a clinical evaluation, he/she should

notify the Program Director to schedule a meeting for discussion.

5. Site coordinators may notify the area coordinators, faculty or

the program director via email or phone to discuss the student’s performance

if desired.

6. Clinical instructors are encouraged to write comments critically

assessing, analyzing, praising and/or correcting student behavior.

7. All evaluations (evaluation form and additional written evaluations) shall be electronically submitted. Directions for electronic submission will be dispersed by student specific Clinical Area

Coordinators and Nurse Anesthesia faculty.

8. Failure to submit evaluations per requirements will result in failure of

the practicum.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Substance Abuse Policy

Policy:

The College of Nursing and Health Professions recognizes its responsibility to provide a healthy environment within which students may learn and prepare themselves to become members of a health occupation. Within each profession there are codes and standards for conduct by which all members of the profession are expected to function. Thus, when engaged in educational activities whether on campus or in the clinical setting health professionals are expected to be free from the abusive influence of chemical substances/drugs¹. When students are under the influence of drugs and alcohol, they present a threat to patients, other students and the employees and visitors of clinical facilities. It is the responsibility of the student to report any medication/s taken which would adversely affect her/his ability to perform safely in class or clinic. Written documentation will be required for verification of medications taken and will be placed in the student's file. As a condition of admittance and retention in any professional program in the Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions all students must sign a SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMPLIANCE CONTRACT agreeing to adhere to the Substance Abuse Policy & Procedures when conducting any activity associated with their educational program. As the contract notes, it is inclusive of testing for substances and appropriate release of that information (Taken from Graduate Information Guidelines, Substance Abuse Policy).

1The generic meaning of the term “drug” is broadly defined as any chemical substance which affects living systems. For the purposes of this policy, substance and/or drug abuse are used interchangeably and defined as socially unacceptable use of drugs or other chemical substances for non-therapeutic purposes. The substance alcohol (ethanol), by its properties and actions, is a drug and is used as such in this policy. Drugs prescribed by a licensed clinician, as long as the drug is taken in accordance with the provider’s instructions and do not impair the student’s ability to perform his/her duties, are exempt from this policy. However, drugs that do have the ability to impair a student’s ability to perform his/her duties safely are prohibited and are subject to this policy.

Reference:

Reiss, B. & Melick M. (1987). Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing Care (2nd Ed.). Albany, NY: Delmar Publishers, pp. 2, 627, 631-633.

Purpose:

The purpose of a policy in substance abuse is to explain the standards of conduct and disciplinary sanctions to be imposed for the unlawful possession, use of distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, or misuse of drugs and alcohol by A-State University College of Nursing and Health Professions, School of Nursing- Nurse Anesthesia Program students.

Procedures

The Nurse Anesthesia Program will follow the procedure as outlined in the Graduate Information Guidelines.

1. If a faculty member or supervisor observes a student demonstrating behavioral changes giving probable cause to believe the student is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while performing course activities the student will immediately be asked to submit to body

fluid testing (urine, blood, hair etc…) for substances at a lab designated by the College of Nursing

and Health Professions who have identified procedures for collection (see attached). The cost of

the test will be borne by the student. Refusal to submit for testing warrants immediate program dismissal.

At the time the specimen is released to the testing lab, the student will sign a release statement requesting that the test results be sent to the N.A Director and Dean's Office, College of Nursing and Health Professions, and to the student. If the results are negative, no further action will be taken and the students will only be allowed to make up work missed. If the results are positive (and substantiated by a second or confirmation test), the student will be dismissed from the professional program. Laboratory results will be disclosed to individuals whose duties necessitate review of the test results and confidentiality will be adhered

to as stringently as possible.

2. This policy applies only to a student exhibiting behavior creating probable cause to believe drug or alcohol abuse is present. A student may be removed from the clinical environment or educational program for any prohibited behaviors as set out in the university or program handbooks, rules and regulations, whether related to substance abuse.

3. Readmission of the student to the program is contingent upon the following conditions:

a. Formal application for readmission to the program.

b. Meeting specific program admission criteria as noted in the Undergraduate/ Graduate Bulletin.

c. Clinical space availability.

d. Documentation that a prescribed treatment program has been completed by the student related to the drug/alcohol condition. The documentation is to be submitted to the Nurse

Anesthesia Department and Dean's Office, College of Nursing and Health Professions

by the designated treatment facility

and N. A department.

e. Follow-up program as suggested by the treatment facility which may include, but is not limited to, one or more relapse prevention procedures. The follow-up program will be individual specific and written as part of a contractual agreement with the student.

4. Arkansas State University may be required by state or national regulatory boards to submit information regarding a student's substance abuse history when he/she applies to take the examination for licensure. There is no guarantee that these boards will allow individuals with a substance abuse history to take the examination. Each case is judged individually by each board.

5. Students will be required to abide by individual institutional policies relating to substance abuse in clinical agencies to which they are assigned.

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The College of Nursing and Health Professions has developed the following list of behaviors that are not all inclusive but, when observed, can be used as indices to identify an individual who at the moment of observation could be under the influence of a "drug" (see the Substance Abuse Policy for definition of the term "drug" and for the mechanisms to operationalize the policy). The College of Nursing and Health Professions is guided by behavioral descriptors that are stated in the latest edition of Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

* Observation of any of these behaviors will result in dismissal from the learning environment (clinical or classroom and/or dress code as deemed by facility and/or faculty.

a. Attention Deficit/Cognitive Impairment

i. ataxia

ii. tremors, especially of the hands

iii. slowed response time in a familiar skill

iv. diminished from the usual in coordination/dexterity

b. Social Impairment

i. inappropriate verbal remarks (subjects/words/expletives)

ii. inappropriate behaviors or those beyond the societal norm such as:

1. angry outbursts/unrestrained agitation crying that cannot be explained

2. euphoria

3. paranoia

4. hallucinations

iii. * behaviors that are markedly changed from that individual such as:

1. introversion

2. extroversion

3. sullen/irritable

4. giddy

5. defensiveness

c. Somatic Manifestations/Discomforts

i. * odor of alcohol on breath

ii. nausea/vomiting/thirst
iii. frequent trips to bathroom/complaint of urinary frequency or diarrhea

                                    iv.         hiccoughs
                                    v.          reddened sclera (bloodshot eyes)
                                    vi.         pupil changes/drooping eyelids
                                    vii.        complain of blurred vision or inability to focus

d. Speech/Communication Impairment

i. * slurred (thick tongue)

ii. * rapid/choppy communication pattern

iii. * incoherent speech

BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The following is a list of behavioral patterns that may surface when drugs have been abused. While these patterns have many causes, thorough assessment and detailed documentation is needed over a period of time to determine if there is any relationship to drug abuse. Patterns of behavior to observe and validate are:

· repeated tardiness

· frequent absenteeism

· numerous and chronic somatic complaints (colds/GI problems/lack of sleep/weight loss/sluggishness/low energy)

· untidy personal appearance or deterioration in quality of grooming

· lack of attention to hygiene (hair, nails, skin, oral)

· multiple crises in personal life

· avoidance/lack of eye contact

· isolation/lack of peer support

· repeated excuses for below standard performance

· forgetfulness with appointments/assignments

· slowed response time in familiar activities

· behavior shifts/mood swings

· lack of trust and suspicious of the motives of others

· needle tracks on body surface

· behaviors surrounding the administration of narcotics:

o frequent need to waste "unused" medications

o recording the administration of larger doses than ordered

o unauthorized possession of the narcotic key

o unsupervised entry into narcotic cabinet

o volunteering to be in situations to gain greater access to narcotics

o taking frequent breaks/numerous occasions when whereabouts unknown

CRITERIA FOR DRUG SCREENS

NOTICE: PROVIDE LAB WITH THIS CRITERIA

ANY DRUG SCREENS SUBMITTED TO ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY, COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS, SHALL HAVE MET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

1. Specimen collection is witnessed.

2. BASIC 10-PANEL* DRUG SCREEN INCLUDING ALCOHOL, MEPERIDINE AND DRUG OF CHOICE.

3. Laboratory must be CLIA approved.

4. Confirmation of positive results is done by GCMS. If specimen must be sent to another laboratory for confirmation, the chain of custody is maintained.

5. Report, in addition to results will include:

a. Chain of custody;

b. Drug history;

c. List of drugs screened;

d. Confirmation of method used; and

e. Specific gravity.

6. The laboratory will retain negative specimens for a minimum of two (2) weeks and positive specimens for a minimum of one (1) year.

*10-PANEL INCLUDES:

Amphetamines Benzodiazepines

Cannabinoids Cocaine

Opiates PCP

Barbiturates Methadone

Methaqualone Propoxyphene

7.The Drug Screen may also include: Phencyclidine, Alcohol, Meperidine, and/or Drug of Choice

¹Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act: SEt of Federal Regulations which clinical labs must meet for certification.

²Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Adopted from Arkansas State Board of Nursing, January 1997.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Nurse Anesthesia Substance Abuse Policies

Policy:

Nurse Anesthesia follows the CNHP Substance Abuse Policy. The Nurse Anesthesia Program will follow the procedure(s) as outlined in the Graduate Information Guide as well.

Procedure:

The Nurse Anesthesia Program may require a drug screen at any time and any place while enrolled in the program. The cost of which is the responsibility of the student. Examples of which the Nurse Anesthesia Program may require a student drug screen are (but not limited to) the following:

· Clinical entry drug screens

· Random drug screens

· Drugs screens for site specific clinical rotations

· Drug screens for suspicion of intoxication and/or under the influence of mind altering medication

****Students may not present to campus or clinical under the influence of certain medications… Regardless of whether or not the student has a prescription for the medication. See GIG & Student Handbook for further details concerning medications.

****Failure to successfully complete an assigned drug screen immediately on the day assigned will be considered a “refusal to submit” and/or “positive” drug screen- both of which will result in immediate program dismissal.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Entry Drug Screen

Chain of Custody form should be issued on campus

Per the A-State Nurse Anesthesia Policy in the A-State SRNA Handbook, students must submit a negative urine drug screen prior to entry into the clinical practice area.

Please read the following directions in order to complete an immediate urine drug screen:

-Log on to www.castlebranch.com

-In the right-hand upper corner click on “place order”.

-Enter your email, zip code that you are currently at, and other information indicated.

-Order package “RK85DT” ($58.00).

- Take the chain of custody (COC) form that you have been given to Quest Laboratory in JONESBORO, AR and present it (prior to submitting a specimen).

Quest Diagnostics

901 Osler Drive

Suite D

Jonesboro, AR 72401

(870) 932-7430

-Write down the following information (before leaving the lab) and email to Program Director. This information helps to protect you in the event that there should be any mistakes made by the laboratory.

1. Specimen ID#

2. Name of the laboratory at which you submitted a specimen (Name, city, address etc…)

3. Person’s name that took specimen

Should you have any questions or problems with these directions, you may call the student support line (888-914-7279).

************ Should you not submit a specimen by the time the laboratory closes, this will be considered a “refusal to submit” and/or a “positive” drug screen and you will be dismissed from the program.

***Refusal to submit for testing warrants immediate program dismissal.

***Failure to successfully complete this drug screen by the time the assigned lab closes today will be considered refusal and/or a positive drug screen and will result in program dismissal.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Random Drug Screen- Jonesboro

Chain of Custody form should be issued on campus

You have been randomly chosen to submit a specimen for a drug screen.

Please read the following directions in order to complete an immediate drug screen:

-Log on to www.castlebranch.com

-In the right-hand upper corner click on “place order”.

-Enter your email, zip code that you are currently at, and other information indicated.

-Order package “RT70DT” (approximately 58.00).

-After you have ordered, registered, and paid for this package, take the paperwork/form (chain of custody form) to Quest Diagnostics Lab in Jonesboro, AR.

Quest Diagnostics

901 Osler Drive

Ste. D

Jonesboro, Arkansas

(870) 932-7430

-Submit a specimen for drug screen.

1. Specimen ID#

2. Name of the laboratory at which you submitted a specimen (Name, city, address etc…)

3. Person’s name that took specimen

Should you have any questions or problems with these directions, you may call the student support line (888-914-7279). Again, this should be done immediately, please email us all of the above information when the process is complete.

***Refusal to submit for testing warrants immediate program dismissal.

***Failure to successfully complete this drug screen by the time the assigned lab closes today will be considered refusal and/or a positive drug screen and will result in program dismissal.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Random Drug Screen

You have been randomly chosen to submit a specimen for a drug screen.

This must be completed immediately.

Please read the following directions in order to complete an immediate drug screen:

-Log on to www.castlebranch.com

-In the right-hand upper corner click on “place order”.

-Enter your email, zip code that you are currently at, and other information indicated.

-Order package “RT70DT” (approximately 58.00).

-After you have ordered, registered, and paid for this package, the lab documentation needed will be sent to your Castlebranch account. Click on the icon and download the required documentation that you must present to the lab for drug screen completion. Should you have any trouble getting this document, you need to immediately call the Castlebranch student support line at 1-888-914-7279. Inform them that you are registered and have paid in full. Tell them that you need the necessary paperwork/form to take the drug screen immediately. Do not hang up the phone until you have received the form in your Castlebranch account or via email (check both).

***Should you have any trouble with any of the steps in this process, call (not email) Program Director immediately- as you will be expected to complete this process by the time the lab closes today.

-Take the paperwork/form to the lab that they have assigned you (it should be the closest and most convenient lab within the zip code you provided during the registration process).

-Submit a specimen for drug screen.

1. Specimen ID#

2. Name of the laboratory at which you submitted a specimen (Name, city, address etc…)

3. Person’s name that took specimen

Again, this should be done immediately, please email Program Director all of the above information when the process is complete.

************ Should you not submit a specimen by the time the laboratory closes, this will be considered a positive drug screen and you will be dismissed from the program.

***Refusal to submit for testing warrants immediate program dismissal.

***Failure to successfully complete this drug screen by the time the assigned lab closes today will be considered refusal and/or a positive drug screen and will result in program dismissal.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Progression Policy

I. Policy:

Students shall pass all components of each Anesthesia Clinical Course as demonstrated on Nurse Anesthesia Programs’ NURS 8507,NURS 8501 NURS 8608, NURS 8704, NURS 8714, NURS 8807,NURS 8801, and NURS 8908.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Student Progression Policy is to ensure that those students unable to achieve a passing grade during NURS 8507,NURS 8501 NURS 8608, NURS 8704, NURS 8714, NURS 8807,NURS 8801, and NURS 8908.

know the process of progression, probation, and dismissal.

III. Procedure:

Students that pass all components of the Nurse Anesthesia Program’s clinical courses shall proceed to the next nurse anesthesia clinical semester. This procedure outlines the process of progression, probation and dismissal.

A. Failure to complete any component of a clinical course/semester will result in a failure grade for that semester.

B. Enrollment and participation in any Nurse Anesthesia clinical course must begin at the beginning of semester in which the next clinical course is normally offered.

C. The following procedures shall apply to each component:

1. Clinical course: Students shall meet the stated objectives for their current clinical course rotation or affiliation.

a. Students that fail to maintain a passing grade may be placed on clinical probation, not to exceed 12 weeks.

b. Failure to resolve clinical probation by the end of 12 weeks shall result in review by the Nurse Anesthesia Faculty with recommendation for course failure.

c. Students that pass probation shall be allowed to proceed provided that the student has passed all other components of the Practicum Course.

d. Dismissal from a clinical site may result in immediate program dismissal.

e. Patient safety issues that arise during clinical experiences can result in immediate dismissal without probation from the program.

f. Students may be granted a total of 2 clinical probations during the course of the Nurse Anesthesia Program’s course of study. Probation status cannot occur in 2 consecutive semesters. Should this occur, failure of the clinical course will occur.

g. Any student who is placed on probation during a clinical practicum

will be awarded no higher than a grade of “B” for that clinical course.

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Work Outside the Program Policy

I. Policy:

Students are prohibited from administering anesthesia or representing him/herself as a nurse anesthetist. Extracurricular employment as an RN cannot interfere with the educational program, clinical or lecture schedules, or didactic or clinical performance.

II. Purpose:

The purpose of the Work outside the Program policy is to ensure that the extracurricular employment does not impede the student’s academic preparation and proper rest necessary to assume clinical responsibilities.

III. Procedure:

A. Students must be prepared to devote full time energies for the successful completion of their nurse anesthesia studies. Part-time work as an RN is extremely difficult to maintain while attempting to meet the demands of the program. Therefore, students are strongly

discouraged from seeking outside employment during the anesthesia specialty.

B. Should the student choose to work, the student may work only as long as the:

1. Student engaging in extracurricular work notifies the Program Director.

2. Student’s academic and clinical performance is satisfactory.

C. Student is not employed during the ten (10) hours prior to any class or clinical assignment.

D. When any student’s academic or clinical performance falls due to working outside the program’s committed time, the student will be asked to refrain from working and may result in disciplinary action should performance affect patient safety or the student’s ability to progress in the program.

E. A student shall not work at any time, by title or function, as a nurse anesthetist.

1. Students are prohibited from administering anesthesia in any other hospital or situation other than that which is directly related to the nurse anesthesia program.

2. Providing anesthesia, other than during clinical learning, or representation as a nurse anesthetist will result in immediate dismissal from the program.

SECTION IV

Clinical Faculty

Clinical Faculty

L. Todd Hammon, PhD, DNP, MSN, CRNA……………………..Program Administrator/Director

Cassandra K. Massey, DNAP, MSN, CRNA…… ………………Assistant Program Administrator/Director

Virginia Baltz, DNP, MSN, CRNA…………………………………Faculty

Chris Ivy, DNP, CRNA………………………………… …………..Area Clinical Coordinator

Lisa Lucas, DNP, CRNA …………………………………………..Area Clinical Coordinator

*Each Clinical site will have individual clinical preceptors (CRNAs and/or Physician Anesthesiologists).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Area Clinical Coordinator

Area Coordinator for TN, MS, and Northeast Arkansas: Lisa Lucas, DNP, CRNA

Clinical Sites:

1. Baptist Memorial Hospital East, Memphis, TN

2. Baptist Memorial – Collierville, TN

3. Baptist Memorial – Desoto, Senatobia, MS

4. Baptist Memorial Hospital, Union County, New Albany, MS

5. Regional One Medical Center, Memphis, TN

6. NEA Baptist, Jonesboro, AR

7. Outpatient Surgery Center, Jonesboro, AR

8. St. Bernard’s, Jonesboro, AR

9. St. Francis Hospital, Memphis, TN

10. St. Jude Hospital, Memphis, TN

11. VA, Memphis, TN

12. Baxter Regional Medical Center, Mt. Home, AR

13. Baptist Memorial-Paragould, Paragould, AR

14. LeBonheur, Memphis, TN

Job Description/Duties

1. Serves as a resource and representative for A-State Nurse Anesthesia students as well as individual clinical sites.

2. Create and distribute a “check off” list to students for each individual clinical site based on site requirements

3. Semester and/or annual clinical site visits

4. Continuous (monthly/semester) communication (via email/phone) with clinical sites

5. Implement and verify student credentialing at various clinical sites (prior to each student change in rotation. This may be every 6-8 weeks etc…and includes distributing, collecting and processing paper work credentialing for each student.

6. Schedule and maintain appropriate site orientations for students

7. Schedule and maintain the required site-specific EMR classes as appropriate (for students).

8. Assist with correspondence between A-State Nurse Anesthesia faculty and clinical sites

9. Verify students’ individual credentials remain current and documented in Typhon as such

10. Assist with clinical scheduling

11. Assist with clinical/student activities and/or events involving clinical placement of students

12. Assist with tracking and Typhon documentation of NA Leave (student sick/vacation time)

13. Assist with and implement post-conference hours (required by COA) for each student (this is in addition to normal clinical hours).

14. Assist with completion of COA-required student clinical evaluations

15. Assist with Typhon tracking (ensure each student keeps current and accurate per NBCRNA and COA requirements) on a weekly-monthly basis.

16. Assist with Typhon tracking of specialized cases and procedures

17. Assist with Typhon tracking to ensure NBCRNA/COA minimum requirements will be met by each individual student, and assist in making necessary schedule changes when/if appropriate.

18. Assist in collecting and reviewing typed management plans

19. Assist in providing student feedback for typed anesthesia management plans

20. Assist in completing and providing feedback for verbal anesthesia management plans

21. Participate in professional development activities particularly as they relate to Nurse Anesthesia education

22. Report to A-State Nurse Anesthesia faculty to provide appropriate feedback pertaining to clinical site state and/or issues

23. Report to A-State Nurse Anesthesia faculty to provide appropriate feedback pertaining to student clinical issues and/or advise placing in remediation and/or probation if needed

24. Be available for students when campus A-State Nurse Anesthesia Faculty is unavailable

25. When applicable, assist with transition to DNP

26. When applicable, assist with doctoral scholarly work/projects

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Site Coordinators

Policy

It is the policy of the nurse anesthesia program to appoint a Clinical Coordinator at each clinical site where students are regularly scheduled. The Clinical Coordinator must be a CRNA, doctoral degree preferred, or an anesthesiologist.

Procedure

Duties of clinical coordinators include:

1. Coordinate the anesthesia case assignments of each nurse anesthesia student (SRNA) in order to:

a. Maximize SRNA clinical experience.

b. Facilitate student learning in a progressive manner (from 1:1 to independent management).

c. Assure adequate case numbers of specific case categories for meeting accreditation and certification requirements. Utilize the abbreviated monthly clinical case record summaries generated from (Typhon website) SRNA to assist with verification.

2. Act as liaison between the Area Site Coordinator and Program Administrator (Coordinator)/Associate Administrator (Coordinator) of the Nurse Anesthesia option and clinical site with student progress and student problems.

3. Act as liaison between the clinical instructors and the SRNA.

4. Maintain student schedule and assignment records, clinical syllabi and education material for the SRNA at the site.

5. Generate an annual, updated site manual with all policies and regulation related to clinical experiences.

6. Guide and direct the SRNA and/or clinical instructor with school related problems

7. Review anesthesia management plans and write and discuss daily evaluation with assigned student. Guide other instructors in following this policy.

8. Participate in the SRNA monthly clinical and semester evaluation, discuss the evaluation with the SRNA and follow the Program’s policy on the evaluation process.

9. Maintain current Certification/Recertification as a CRNA and current RN license.

10. Provide the Nurse Anesthesia Program with a current resume and copy of licenses.

11. Oversee that students are supervised/instructed to meet the policy of the COA/anesthesia program:

a. Clinical oversight of the SRNA in the clinical area shall not exceed

one Anesthesiologist or CRNA to two students at any time. (COA requirement)

b. First semester clinical practicum students shall be supervised 1:1. First semester clinical practicum students are never to be left alone during these months.

c. Beginning year 3, students may be left alone at the discretion of the Anesthesiologist/CRNA depending on the level of the student, the complexity of the procedure and physical status of the patient.

Decision as to when students can be left alone (with the clinical instructor immediately available) is usually a group decision among the clinical preceptors, clinical coordinators and Anesthesiologist (if applicable).

d. Year 3 students should progress to minimal supervision of selected cases at the discretion of the Anesthesiologist/CRNA.

e. Third year students, focus is on independent management with Anesthesiologist/CRNA as a consultant and at the discretion of the clinical instructor.

f. Supervision of a student by another student (or medical resident) is never to occur. (COA requirement).

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

Clinical Preceptor

Description, Qualifications, Responsibilities

Description:

A clinical preceptor is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist or Physician Anesthesiologist who supervises the student nurse anesthetist during the administration of anesthesia and care of the patient in the preoperative, perioperative, and post-operative period.

Qualifications:

· DNP Degree or higher as appropriate for the healthcare discipline and level of student being precepted (CRNA).

· Current license as registered professional nurse/advanced practice or medical/osteopathic doctor in the state of practice.

· Certified/recertified by the Council on Certification/Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA).

· Demonstrate competency in their area of responsibility and be knowledgeable in the teaching/ learning process.

· Desire to serve as a clinical preceptor and approval from the clinical facility to fulfill the role.

Responsibilities of Clinical Preceptors:

· Clinical preceptors will supervise the student nurse anesthetist during the administration of anesthesia. Students must be supervised during their clinical rotation assignments by CRNAs and/or anesthesiologists. Students will be supervised in a 1:1 ratio during the first part of their clinical experience. More advanced students may be supervised on a 1:2 faculty/student ratio. At no time is the supervision ratio to exceed two students to one faculty. Supervisory ratios are decided by the clinical and program faculty in light of the patient and procedure issues and will represent a conservative approach when considering increasing the supervision ratios.

· Be a professional role model.

· Teamwork and effective interpersonal relationships are an expectation.

· Faculty should strive to create a positive learning environment where staff members model professional behavior and foster student learning.

· Faculty are encouraged to attend local, state, and national anesthesia meetings with students when possible.

· Membership and participation in the professional organization is strongly encouraged.

· Recognize pathophysiology states of the patient that are pertinent to the anesthetic.

· Discuss the patient’s status and rationale for the anesthetic management with the student and the physician anesthesiologist if applicable.

· Evaluate the student’s clinical performance and constructively discuss this performance with the student and faculty of Arkansas State University Nurse Anesthesia Program.

· Teach by discussion and demonstration.

· Challenge student knowledge.

· Guide, facilitate, supervise, and monitor students in achieving the clinical objectives and students’ performance of skills and other SRNA activities to assure safe practice.

· Provide timely feedback to the student regarding clinical performance.

· Inform the Program Director or Associate Program Director of pertinent student performances and suggestions for clinical development.

· Supervise the student anesthetist in the immediate post-operative care and evaluation of the patient.

· Encourage the student to ask questions and think critically.

· Maintain appropriate board certification, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification.

IMPORTANT FORMS

MAY BE FOUND ON THE

DNP NA STUDENT RESOURCES

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program

P.O. Box 910

State University, AR 72467

Current Medications:

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

****Students may not present to campus or clinical under the influence of certain medications…Regardless of whether or not the student has a prescription for the medication. See GIG & Student Handbook for further details concerning medications.

(See the Program Director for further information)

________________________________________________________

Student’s Name (Please print)

________________________________________________________

Student’s Signature

________________________________________

Date

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

UNPLANNED PERSONAL DAY OFF (SICK ETC…TIME) DOCUMENTATION FORM

DATE FORM SUBMITTED__________________________________________________

NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ___________________________________________

SHIFT TO BE ASSESSED (check all that apply):

ÿ 8 HOUR

ÿ 12 HOUR

ÿ 16 HOUR

ÿ 24 HOUR

ÿ OB

ÿ Trauma

ÿ CV/Vascular

ÿ Neuro

ÿ Pediatric

ÿ Specialty Rotation Other ____________________________________

DATE(S) OF ILLNESS ETC: _________________________________________________

APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION:

NAME OF PERSON NOTIFIED AT SITE: _________________________________

ÿ No other documentation needed

ÿ Documentation by approved healthcare provider

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED/APPROVED TO DATE: ________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

PLANNED PERSONAL DAY OFF DOCUMENTATION FORM

DATE FORM SUBMITTED: _________________________________________________

NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ____________________________________________

(general, CV, vascular, thoracic, neuro, peds, etc..)

DATE REQUESTED: _______________________________________________________

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED/APPROVED TO DATE: _______________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

VACATION DOCUMENTATION FORM

DATE FORM SUBMITTED: _________________________________________________

NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ____________________________________________

(general, CV, vascular, thoracic, neuro, peds, etc..)

DATES REQUESTED: ______________________________________________________

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED/APPROVED TO DATE: _______________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

REVIEW COURSE REQUEST FORM

(Required)

DATE FORM SUBMITTED: _________________________________________________

NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ____________________________________________

(general, CV, vascular, thoracic, neuro, peds, etc..)

REVIEW COURSE REQUESTED: _____________________________________________

DATES REQUESTED: ______________________________________________________

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED/APPROVED TO DATE: ________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

MEETING/EDUCATIONAL (REVIEW COURSE) TIME OFF

REQUEST FORM

NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________________________________

DATE SUBMITTED: _______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ____________________________________________

(general, CV, vascular, thoracic, neuro, peds, etc..)

MEETING REQUESTED: ____________________________________________________

DATE(S) OF MEETING: _____________________________________________________

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED TO DATE: __________________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

EDUCATIONAL TIME OFF

(COURSE) EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE CONFERENCE/

REQUEST FORM

NAME OF STUDENT: ____________________________________________________

DATE SUBMITTED: ______________________________________________________

CLINICAL SITE NAME (at time of requested leave): ______________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

ROTATION AT TIME OF LEAVE: ____________________________________________

(general, CV, vascular, thoracic, neuro, peds, etc..)

CONFERENCE/COURSE REQUESTED: _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

DATE(S) OF MEETING: _____________________________________________________

CURRENT NUMBER OF PDO DAYS USED TO DATE: __________________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

CHANGE OF CLINICAL EXPERIENCE TIME

REQUEST FORM

DATE FORM SUBMITTED: ________________________________________________

NAME OF STUDENT: _____________________________________________________

APPROVED BY: _________________________________________________________

DATE APPROVED: _______________________________________________________

REQUEST: ______________________________________________________________

RATIONALE FOR REQUEST: ______________________________________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

CLINICAL OCCURRENCE FORM

Student Name: ________________________________________________

Attending Preceptor: ___________________________________________

Incident Date: ________________________________________________

ASA I II III IV V VI E Procedure: ________________________________

Pre-Op Diagnosis: _____________________________________________

Date/Time Program Director Notified? _____________________________

Date/Time Daily Evaluation emailed to Program Director? _____________

Summary:

Attachments: Pre-anesthetic Summary: Y N Anesthetic Care Plan: Y N

Narrative: Y N

Prepared by:

__________________________________________________________________

Student Name and Date

Received by:

Nurse Anesthesia Faculty Name and Date: _____________________________________

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

STUDENT SELF EVALUATION (MONTHLY)

Name: _______________________________________________

Month/Year: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________

Three most important improvements during this past month:

Three goals for next month:

Other comments:

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

SCHOOL OF NURSING

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

CLINICAL SITE COORDINATOR

MONTHLY EVALUATION

Clinical Site Coordinator: After reviewing the student daily clinical evaluations and the Student Monthly self-evaluation with the student, please provide the following information and send to the area coordinator.

Summary of daily and student self-evaluation:

Student’s strengths

Student’s weaknesses

____________________________________________ _______________

Signature Date

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

STUDENT SELF EVALUATION (SEMESTER)

Name: _______________________________________________

Semester/Year: ________________________________________

Date: ________________________________________________

Three most important improvements during this past semester:

Three goals for next semester:

Other comments:

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DNP in NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

STUDENT EVALUATION OF CLINICAL SITES

1- almost always

2- usually

3- sometimes

4- rarely

5- almost never

Clinical site: ___________________________________

End of rotation: _________________________________

Date: _________________________________________

OVERALL EVALUATION OF CLINICAL SITE INSTUCTORS
INVOLVEMENT/RECEPTIVITY/COMPETENCE	1	2	3	4	5
1. Respects student as an important individual in the healthcare team.
2. Is available when appropriate
3. Assists students when problem arises
4. Explains new/difficult procedures, is supportive
5. Allows adequate time to accomplish a task
6. Allows student to express his/her self
7. Involves student in formulating plan and decision making
8. Remains calm, poised in clinical situation
9. Relates didactic knowledge to clinical practice
TEACHING PRACTICES	1	2	3	4	5
10. Demonstrates flexibility to improve learning
11. Assists student in identifying problems
12. Demonstrates new procedures
13. Questions students understanding of anesthetic management
14. Leads student through decision making rather than giving own impression.
15. Provides immediate and adequate feedback with questions and patient presentations.
16. Reviews evaluations with student and provides immediate and constructive feedback.
17. Encourages questions and discussions regarding alternative management.
18. Reviews all care plans and signs all evaluations.
19. Considers student’s limits according to level of experience.
20. Respects student as an individual.
21. Encourages student to assume increasing responsibility during clinical rotation.
22. Evaluations are fair and in a positive manner

Other Comments:

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DNP NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

EVALUATION OF PRECEPTOR

1- almost always

2- usually

3- sometimes

4- rarely

5- almost never

Clinical Preceptor: _________________________________

Clinical site: ______________________________________

Clinical Practicum/Internship:_________________________

Date: __________________________

Preceptor Behaviors	1	2	3	4	5
1. Respects student as an important individual in the healthcare team.
2. Is available when appropriate
3. Assists students when problem arises
4. Explains new/difficult procedures, is supportive
5. Allows adequate time to accomplish a task
6. Allows student to express his/her self
7. Involves student in formulating plan and decision making
8. Remains calm, poised in clinical situation
9. Behavior indicates clinical competence
10. Relates didactic knowledge to clinical practice
11. Respects student as an individual.
12. Encourages student to assume increasing responsibility during clinical rotation.
13. Evaluations are fair and in a constructive manner

OTHER COMMENTS:

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DNP NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM

SUMMATIVE SEMESTER EVALUATION

Name: __________________________________________ Date: ________________

Semester: ________________________

Summative evaluations of each student’s clinical and academic performance are required in Standards for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. Summative evaluations will remain in the student’s permanent file.

Anesthesia Courses Academic Evaluation:

Course	Grade

Comments:

Clinical Site: ___________________________

Clinical Evaluation: (composite of semester’s clinical evaluations based on evaluations) & care plans

Met	Unmet

a. Patient safety

b. Individualized perianesthetic management

c. Critical thinking

d. Communication skill

e. Professional role

Strengths:

Focus Areas:

____________________________________________ __________________________

Student’s Signature Date

____________________________________________ __________________________

Program Faculty Signature Date

Nurse Tag Order Form

Nursing Patch Order Form

Arkansas State Board of Nursing - Nurse Practice Act

Transfer Equivalency Tool

The Arkansas Nursing Education Progression Model

School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook 2026-2027

Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate Information Guide

MSN School of Nursing Graduate Information Guide (GIG)

School of Nursing Graduate Information Guide Appendices

School of Nursing Graduate Information Guide (GIG) - Required Signature Pages

FNP Preceptor Handbook - 7 week courses

FNP Preceptor Handbook - 14 week practicums

AGACNP Preceptor Handbook - 7 week courses

AGACNP Preceptor Handbook - 14 week courses

MSN Nurse Educator Preceptor Handbook

DNP Post Master's Student Handbook

DNP Post-Master's Degree Option Practice Partner Manual

MSN Nurse Administrator Preceptor Handbook

PMHNP Preceptor Handbook

Post Master's DNP Clinical Partners Handbook

School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook 2025 - 2026

School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Simulation Handbook 2026-2027

AASN End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

Traditional AASN Admission Information

Traditional AASN (On-campus) Degree Plan

LPN to AASN Online Option Admission Information

LPN-AASN Online Option Degree Plan

Paramedic to AASN Admission Information

Paramedic - AASN Program Option Degree Plan

AASN Program Statistics

AASN Frequently Asked Questions

Work Verification Form - Paramedic - AASN Option

Work Verification Form - LPN-AASN Program Option

Technical Abilities and Skills

BSN End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

BSN Admission Information

Traditional BSN Plan of Study

BSN Program Statistics

Traditional BSN Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional BSN Plan of Study

MSN End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

Past DNP Projects

Graduate Program Statistics

A-State Nursing Programs in Texas

FNP Speciality Scholarships

Accreditation Information

Nurse Anesthesia - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program Inforamtion

DNP CRNA Student Handbook

CRNA - DNP Coursework Overview

CRNA - DNP Program Outcomes

CRNA - DNP Program Statistics

Important Files

DNP End of Program Student Learning Outcomes

DNP CRNA Student Handbook

SECTION II

Social Media Policy

NURSE ANESTHESIA PROGRAM POLICIES

ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Policy

Procedure