In collaboration with the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC), Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia faculty, staff, alumni and clinical residents directed 32 hours of simulated learning experiences to didactic nurse anesthesia students. The 4-day event brought 109 first-year students to Fort Worth from 9 different states before beginning their 16-month clinical residency.

The meticulously planned symposium augmented classroom learning and enhanced student performance of critical skills before delivering anesthesia care to patients. Students completed over 40 hours of classroom and pre-simulation instruction before inserting spinals and epidurals, central venous and arterial catheters in designated task trainers. Students expertly used ultrasound technology to visualize anatomical variations and perform peripheral nerve blocks on pulsatile cadavers made possible by Maverick Anesthesia Education. An airway management station offered the students the opportunity to hone their skills approximately one month before beginning their clinical residency. Standardized patients served as models for the ultrasound-guided airway assessment and gastric volume determination station. The new case presentation station was lauded by students saying “I think this was a great way to prepare us for the clinical setting, and to show us what will be expected of us as new CRNAs.”

The symposium is supported through the generosity of sponsors including, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Baylor, Scott & White – Temple, Envision Physician Services, Oklahoma University of the Health Sciences, Northstar Anesthesia, University of Arkansas Medical Services and US Anesthesia Partners. Additional corporate sponsors included Dilon Technologies, Inc., Sonosite, Supplies Overseas and Teleflex. These sponsors are dedicated to share employment opportunities or provide technology for our students and we are grateful!

With a record number of alumni and clinical residents providing instruction, the 2019 Simulation Symposium was an overwhelming success! Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia students are well prepared to continue on their journey towards becoming Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). 

Brian Koonce DNAP, CRNA