Program Objectives

After a Master of Science in Biology at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, certificate of completion at the Mayo Clinic Health System — Franciscan Healthcare School of Anesthesia, and Doctor of Nursing Practice at Viterbo University, along with completing other obligations of the program, students will meet eligibility requirements to apply for the National Board Certification examination for nurse anesthetists.

Through the course curriculum and clinical preparation, students will meet these program obligations:

• Perform a pre-anesthetic interview and physical assessment, and generate a plan of care demonstrating advanced levels of critical thinking and judgement.
• Evaluate patient history, physical, and appropriate laboratory and radiologic data.
• Design an anesthesia plan of care and integrate the physiological, psychological and emotional needs of patients across the life span, respecting diversity, preserving safety and ensuring accountability.
• Adapt local monitored care, regional and general anesthesia for all ages and all categories of patients, utilizing a broad variety of techniques and agents.
• Adhere to an evidence-based practice anesthesia model of care.
• Integrate a variety of monitoring modalities during patient care and evaluate impact on clinical decision-making.
• Anticipate complications during anesthesia care and adapt interventions within organizational and professional standards of anesthesia care.
• Appraise standards of care that can protect patients from iatrogenic complications.
• Lead effective teams to resuscitate patients during emergency situations.
• Perform arterial punctures, interpret and take appropriate actions with reference to screening pulmonary function and blood/ gas tests.
• Supervise and/ or provide ventilator care consultations.
• Mentor members of the health care team and participate in community health care education.
• Analyze interventions and outcomes to advance health care policy initiatives to improve quality patient care.
• Appraise and integrate research in anesthesia practice to improve health care.
• Function within the legal requirements as a licensed professional and commit to the standards of professional nurse anesthesia practice.
• Influence health care initiatives at the state and national level.
• Assess professional strengths and limitations:
  • Accept constructive criticism.
  • Utilize effective communication skills to exchange information and collaborate with other members of the health care team.
  • Promote and maintain effective professional relationships.
  • Maintain a productive and positive work ethic.
  • Exhibit understanding, compassion, and empathy.
  • Respect the rights of others.
  • Adapt to work effectively in emergency situations.