Since the inaugural year in 2004 of the Midwestern University Nurse Anesthesia Program the state of Arizona has seen some positive changes for CRNAs. The presence of the program has certainly pushed the topic of CRNA utilization into the thoughts of health care administrators across the state. Several facilities have made the move from a physician-only model to either a CRNA-only model or an anesthesia care team model. These include Del Webb, Boswell, Phoenix Saint Luke’s, Tempe Saint Luke’s, Mountain Vista, Mesa General (until it closed), Banner Gateway, Banner Ironwood, Flagstaff Medical Center, and University of Arizona Medical Center. Although there are many contributers to this move in the direction of CRNAs, having SRNAs in the state has certainly created a postitive influence on these facilities.
Expansion of the use of CRNA’s across the state would not be possible without an inflow of practitioners. The program has maintained a respectable retention rate of graduates after graduation. In 2006, 6 of the 15 graduates remained in the state; in 2007, 5 of 15 graduates remained; in 2008, 4 of 12 graduates remained; and in 2009, 6 of 15 graduates remained.
Several of the remaining graduates have gone on to become actively involved in the AzANA and the AANA. Several of these students were introduced to the value of professional involvement as a direct result of the AzANA. They either served as student representative to the AzANA Board, served as a student representative to an AANA Committee or they were fortunate enough to receive financial assistance from the state to attend one of the AANA meetings or participate in an AANA Student Mentoring Program.
The program faculty have also become actively involved in the state association as well as the AANA. All of their efforts aimed at the expanded use of CRNA’s throughout Arizona as well as maintenance of scope of practice.
Thanks to Midwestern Nurse Anesthesia Program for all they have done for our profession in Arizona. Keep up the great work!
|
|