Fairfield University and the Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program have entered a partnership to offer a Master of Science Degree in Nursing and Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia starting in January 2007. The 29-month full-time program will be the only nurse anesthesia program in Connecticut to offer the Master of Science in Nursing to its anesthesia students.
The Fairfield University-Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program is a 50-credit program that provides all clinical opportunities at one site to meet the standards set by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) Educational Programs. Students who complete the program will earn a Master of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University and a Certificate in Nurse Anesthesia from the Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program.
"The field of nurse anesthesia is one of the pillars of advanced practice nursing and we expect this program to be very successful," said Jeanne Novotny, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing at Fairfield University. "We are thrilled to be working with the Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program, a leading provider of these services in our state, to offer students state-of-the-art instruction in this area."
The nurse anesthesia program will start in January of each year. After a spring and summer of academics, students will begin their clinical practicum and continue to take required academic courses until the May graduation date. Upon graduation, students will be eligible to sit for the certification examination administered by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. Successful completion of this exam will allow the new graduate to practice as a nurse anesthetist.
"Nurse Anesthesia is a dynamic profession, offering the advanced practice registered nurse a multitude of practice opportunities and avenues for continued education," said Nancy A. Moriber, CRNA, MSN, APRN, program director for the Bridgeport Hospital Nurse Anesthesia Program. "The affiliation with Fairfield University will provide graduates with the solid nursing foundation required to succeed in their roles as expert clinicians and patient advocates."
Currently, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists deliver approximately 65 percent of the anesthesia in the country depending upon the region and are among the highest paid nurse professionals. After several years of experience, some CRNAs choose to establish their own anesthesia groups and contract their services out to surgeons and office-based practice situations. CRNAs can also become involved in education and research at all levels.
The new program prepares students as expert clinicians for every stage and every setting in which anesthesia is delivered to a patient. Because nurse anesthetists are responsible for direct patient care, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of regional and general anesthesia techniques under the supervision of CRNA and MD faculty. In addition to "routine" surgical cases, nurse anesthesia students enhance their preparation by participating in trauma, major burn, and high-risk obstetrical cases.
The combined MSN and strong clinical track allows students the benefit of interacting with other advanced practice nursing students in an atmosphere which exemplifies the ideals of the Jesuit mission of Fairfield University.
The anesthesia services offered by Bridgeport Hospital Anesthesia Associates are progressive and dynamic. Much effort has been made to provide the patient community with the most current anesthesia practices and services. This department ideal is accomplished by utilizing an ongoing quality Management System (QMS).
The QMS identifies patient care and practice issues requiring future education and/or skill development and generates staff, faculty and student participation. This promotes continuous improvement in patient care and a stimulating educational environment.
The Fairfield University School of Nursing curriculum prepares future nurses at the baccalaureate and master's level in an exciting environment that not only includes classroom and clinical laboratory learning experiences on campus, but also opportunities to care for patients at numerous clinical sites. These sites are located in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and community agencies. Additionally, students are prepared for leadership roles in all health care settings.
Posted On: 03-16-2006 10:03 AM
Volume: 38 Number: 204