Program mission

The nurse anesthesia program is the result of a collaborative effort between Grant Medical Center and Otterbein College.

The missions of Otterbein College and Grant Medical Center provide a framework that enables the development of knowledgeable, caring and compassionate nurse anesthetists who are committed to excellence in health care, preserving the dignity and rights of patients, and advancing the profession. 

The Otterbein College/Grant Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program is undergoing review by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (222 South Prospect, Park Ridge, IL 60068; 847-692-7050).  An accreditation decision is expected in May 2010.

Program objectives

The overall objectives of the nurse anesthesia major are to prepare graduates with the knowledge, skills, and competencies in basic science, perianesthetic management, patient safety, critical thinking, and communication to fulfill their professional responsibilities as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.

In addition to meeting the objectives of the Master of Science in Nursing graduate program, graduates of the nurse anesthesia program will be able to:

1. Integrate patient safety principles into all phases of anesthesia management.

2. Design, administer, and manage patient-specific anesthesia care for individuals of all ages and physical conditions under going a variety of elective and non-elective surgical and diagnostic procedures.

3. Demonstrate competency in utilizing a variety of anesthesia techniques, agents, adjunctive drugs, and equipment while providing anesthesia services.

4. Use critical thinking to anticipate and solve problems, make decisions and apply knowledge from the arts and sciences to nurse anesthesia practice.

5. Use effective written, verbal, and nonverbal skills to communicate with patients, families and other healthcare providers in the delivery of anesthesia services.

6. Assume responsibility and accountability for professional actions and interact with integrity in the delivery of patient care.

7. Analyze information from a variety of sources and apply evidence to nurse anesthesia practice based on sound principles.

Curriculum

Admission criteria

Faculty

Curriculum 

The nurse anesthesia curriculum is a 27 month, 7 semester (or the quarter hour equivalent) program, and is "front-loaded."  The first two semesters are entirely didactic, providing a theoretical foundation that prepares students to enter clinical practice in the third semester.  Six graduate nursing core courses are interspersed throughout the curriculum so that nurse anesthesia students can interact with students from other MSN majors. After the fourth semester, didactic course work decreases and students' clinical time commitment increases, allowing students to concentrate on applying theory to practice.

Students will participate in clinical experiences at Grant Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Students will administer anesthesia for patients of all ages with a variety of pre-existing conditions undergoing a full spectrum of surgical and diagnostic procedures. Clinical experiences include elective and emergent procedures, a call experience, OB, cardiac, ICU, regional and pediatric rotations.  The program anticipates adding additional clinical sites in the future.

The nurse anesthesia major is organized within the context of the Graduate Nursing Program, and builds on the generalist preparation of the baccalaureate-prepared nurse.  Graduates of the program are awarded a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree and are eligible to take the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) National Certification Examination for initial recognition as a CRNA.  The program meets or exceeds the COA's minimum academic requirements. 

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Admission criteria 

1.  Baccalaureate degree from an institution of higher education that is fully
     accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting agency and college of nursing
     holding  NLNAC and/or CCNE accreditation.  Registered nurses who will earn a BSN              
     before admission and meet the minimum experience requirement are eligible to apply.

2.  Current unencumbered licensure as a registered nurse.

3.  Capacity for graduate study as demonstrated by:

a. A blended cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.

b. A blended undergraduate science course GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred.

c.  A grade of C or higher in an undergraduate statistics course.

4.  Currently hold certification in ACLS & BLS.  CCRN is preferred (not required).    

5.  Minimum of 1 year full time experience as a registered nurse in a critical care
     unit within the last 5 years.* 

6.  Ability to articulate one's professional goals and express one's self clearly as 
     evidenced by the admission essay and interview.**           

7.  Ability to articulate a clear understanding of the practicing Nurse Anesthetist's  
      role and daily routine.

*Critical care experience provides applicants with experience in interpretation of invasive monitors, titration of vasoactive infusions, management of ventilated patients, and care of acutely ill patients.  OR and telemetry unit experience are not accepted as critical care experience. The one year minimum experience requirement must be met prior to the start of program.

**The nurse anesthesia program receives many more applications from qualified individuals that can be accepted.  After reviewing completed packets, the Nurse Anesthesia Admissions Committee invites approximately 2-3 applicants to interview for each available position.

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Faculty and inquiries

Program Director
Elizabeth Seibert, PHD, CRNA   

Assistant Program Director
Brian Garrett, MSN, CRNA

Inquiries
For additional information, please contact:

Tina Hugley
Program Administrator
Grant Medical Center
285 E. State Street, Suite 670
Columbus, OH 43215
Office:  614-566-8879
Fax:  614-566-8073
Email:  thugley@ohiohealth.com

For applications and an information packet, please contact:

Dorothy Crider, MS, RN
Nursing Advisor
One Otterbein College
Westerville, OH 43081-9980
Office: 614-823-3272  Fax:  614-823-3131
Email:  dcrider@otterbein.com

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