Date of this Version
2023
Document Type
DNP Project
Abstract
Student registered nurse anesthetists experience high stress levels as they transition from experts in the Intensive Care Unit to novice anesthesia providers in nurse anesthesia school. With the high-stress levels experienced by Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNA) due to the high demands of clinical performance and academic rigor, success is often impeded. A literature review was conducted to investigate stressors nurse anesthesia students perceive, formal mentorship programs for anesthesia residencies, and how their implementations enhance success in both didactic and clinical education.An alumni list from a public research University in South Florida that has a nurse anesthesia program that educated critical care nurses in nurse anesthesiology. Anesthesia providers were educated on the benefits of mentorship to help reduce stress and enhance success in nurse anesthesiology programs. A pretest was disseminated to participants to assess anesthesia provider knowledge and beliefs regarding the importance of mentorship programs in nurse anesthesia programs. An educational module was provided to educate on the stressors SRNAs experience as they progress thru the program in both clinical and didactic, the coping mechanisms employed to mitigate the stress, and the literature finding relevant to this educational module. After the presentation, a post test survey was given to the participants to assess the knowledge gained. After implementing the educational module, there was an increase in knowledge and attitudes regarding mentorship in nurse anesthesia programs. Participants concur with the data from the literature, that mentorship programs in nurse anesthesia education reduce stress and enhance success. Findings show that establishing formal mentorship programs enhanced success and reduced stress compared with anesthesia providers without access to mentorship. Formal mentorship training increases satisfaction and comfort for the stakeholders involved. It was found that providers mentored developed features such as active decision-making skills and independence. Additionally, life-changing stressors could affect clinical and academic performance. Behaviors of mistreatment experienced by SRNAs, learning styles, and values deemed necessary by providers in training. Barriers and challenges in mentoring and the need to establish clear objectives, preparation, and training for mentorship to be logistically implemented. Transitioning from SRNA to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) can be challenging. SRNAs experience fluctuating levels of stress during the completion of their training. Pursuing graduate-level anesthesia education requires a support system, life adjustments, and full-time commitment. The novice anesthesia student experiences high levels of vulnerability, and a third party, such as a support group or mentor, often reinforces self-confidence. Mentorship is a process through which an individual guides another in developing the professional skills and knowledge necessary for professional development. Future research to formally incorporate a professional development mentorship course into nurse anesthesia curriculums to standardize a peer to peer mentoring program, using a committee that includes key stakeholders such as CRNAs, SRNAs, faculty, and program directors to establish standard operating procedures and bylaws to enhance its implementation in nurse anesthesia programs.
Recommended Citation
Ratto, Gianfranco; Diaz, Valerie J.; and Chan, Carmen, "An Educational Module: Enhancing Provider Awareness of a Mentorship Program for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist to Enhance Success and Reduce Stress" (2023). Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing Student Projects. 218.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/cnhs-studentprojects/218