Program Objectives

• Be accountable for all patients’ assignments in order to obtain a thorough history and physical, to correctly evaluate and interpret all patients’ data prior to developing a comprehensive anesthesia care plan.
• Develop a logical, comprehensive anesthesia care plan and communicate rationale for the plan, the method of implementation, maintenance, and termination of the anesthetic.
• Administer safe regional and general anesthetics to patients of all ages requiring surgery or other procedures. Must be able to thoroughly describe the anatomy, complications, and treatment when performing regional techniques.
• Monitor patients continuously during the peri-operative phase. The pre-cordial stethoscope is the minimum monitor expected to be in use consistently at the beginning of the anesthetic, during the implementation, during transport, and /or during any other anesthetic interventions.
• Demonstrate sound understanding and use of anesthesia equipment and use appropriate guidelines to select routine and/or specialized equipment for the individualized patient and type of surgery.
• Identify, assess, and interpret intra-operative complications and take appropriate actions that will result in safe patient care outcomes. Recognize limitations and seek appropriate help as needed.
• Must be conversant on any anatomical structures, physiological changes and co-morbidities that may influence the anesthetic choice or have an impact on the desired patient outcomes.
• Actively participate in state and national professional meetings and local conferences. Use the state and national association websites for announcements on student related activities and requests for students to apply or compete to serve on committees at the national or local levels.
• Develop the ability to critically reflect, analyze, and evaluate one’s own performance with emphasis on continued professional growth. Use the clinical evaluation tool as a guide to help in daily assessment of progress.
• Develop the skill to explore and perform basic clinical research and follow necessary guidelines for timely completion of assignments for presentation and publication.
• Act within the legal requirements of a professional Registered Nurse, promoting ethical conduct, professionalism, respect, and integrity.
• Assume accountability and responsibility for one’s action and practice.
• Be aware of the program’s policy and guidelines on chemical dependency, and students’ accountability for a healthy lifestyle free from chemical use in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all patients, students and other health care professionals.