Student Rep Report

The University of Iowa Nurse Anesthesia class of 2012 did not have to go far to begin their anesthesia journey. They are all from Iowa and Illinois, but together the 8 of them have come so far and accomplish a great deal in the last two years. As of August 2011, the 2012 class has performed over 7,500 anesthetic cases.

(The Class of 2012 pictured with Mindy Miller at the 2011 Annual AANA Conference in Boston)

They each have traveled to Omaha and spent 6-7 weeks studying, learning, and administering Obstetrics (OB) anesthesia at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, a teaching facility similar to the UIHC. They were expected and capable of dosing and administering spinal anesthesia blocks, epidurals for labor and urgent cesarean sections, and providing anesthesia for the pregnant patient, including crash cesarean sections. Not only were technical skills built, the OB clinical rotation tested and improved interpersonal skills with patients and families.

The students spent another 6-7 weeks in Des Moines, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital to gain clinical cardiac anesthesia experience. While working with the private practice anesthesia group the students were able to gain knowledge and skills in anesthesia for CABG both off pump (OPCAB) and on pump, arterial line insertion and analysis, central line insertion and analysis, Swan-Ganz insertion waveforms and continuous cardiac outputs (CCO) monitoring, pharmacology of vasoactive drugs, cardiac waveforms related to ischemia and reperfusion arrhythmias, cardioplegia physiology and complications, and TEE analysis for valve replacement.

In Bloomfield, Manchester, and Spencer, Iowa, the class spends 14-15 weeks with CRNA anesthesia groups practicing rural anesthesia. During that time they get opportunity to build their regional anesthesia skills, practice chronic pain management, and learn business aspects of owning and operating an independent CRNA practice.

At the Veterans Affairs Medical Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, the students get exposure to similar cases at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), they typically encountered primarily class ASA III patients with focus in major vascular, thoracic, orthopedics, and general surgery, but are able to work with more autonomy.

To round out the class’s clinical rotations they spend a few weeks with Des Moines Metro Anesthesia group in an ambulatory surgery setting, providing anesthesia for ENT, eye,orthopedic, gynecological, general surgery, podiatry, dental and cosmetic procedures. During this rotation, in combination with their time spent at the ambulatory surgery center at UIHC, the students focus on being an efficient provider without compromising patient safety or quality of care.

Meet the Class of 2012:

Ben Armstrong:Spencer, IA. Ben currently lives in Spencer with his wife and 2 children. Ben has no finalized plans for employment or DNP completion.

"The rotations have been very beneficial for providing exposure to various patient populations and anesthetic techniques. They have allowed me to improve my skills and develop confidence in providing anesthesia for each surgical service. I have no specific interest in anesthesia and enjoy the variety of cases we have available to us."

Kate Clymer:Cedar Rapids, IA. Kate has no finalized plans for employment. She plans to continue her education and complete the DNP.

"I have learned such a great deal since the beginning of the program. The University of Iowa Nurse Anesthesia program is top 10% in the nation for a reason and I have been very proud to be a part of it. I believe it has provided all of us with the right tools to become excellent nurse anesthetists and graduate with confidence and excitement to start our careers."

Mitch Dotson:Coralville, IA. After graduation Mitch plans on working at the Veteran Affairs Medical Hospital in Iowa City, IA. He also plans on pursuing his DNP through the University of Iowa. Mitch lives in Coralville with his wife and four kids.

"This program gives us the exposure and empowerment through clinical rotations that are CRNA only. We are also benefited because of how committed the program is in getting us involved with IANA and other state activities that affect CRNA practice."

Jill Grund:Laurens, IA. Jill plans on eventually completing the DNP. She has no finalized employment, but plans on staying in the Des Moines area, where she and her husband currently live.

"I think we have clinical experience that is unmatched. We are educated and trained to be independent practitioners."

Andrea Lillie:Burlington, IA. Andrea has no finalized employment plans. She too plans on eventually completing her DNP.

"The University of Iowa grants its students a great opportunity to develop excellent skills, collaborative working relationships, and interpersonal skills. The program has granted me practical anesthesia experience that cannot be replaced."

Amanda McCurdy:Galva, IL. Amanda has no finalized employment, but plans to stay in the Iowa City area with her husband and step daughter. She also plans on eventually completing her DNP.

"Our program allows us to go to a variety of locations and learn different anesthetic techniques and do all types of anesthesia. I feel like the program prepares us to be able to work in any type of setting."

Missy Snyder:Waukee, IA. Missy has no finalized employment but plans to work in or around the Des Moines area, where she currently lives with her husband and daughter. Missy plans on pursuing her DNP but unsure if she will right away.

"I love learning about pain management. I have always been interested in it. Working with a CRNA as skilled as Keith Barnhill, during our Manchester rotation, helping patients with chronic pain was very rewarding and a great testament to this profession we are about to enter. The program does an incredible job of allowing us every opportunity to become our own practitioner."

Ivy Wendle: Maquoketa, IA. Ivy’s plans after graduation are undecided; however she plans on staying in Iowa to be near family.

"I feel very fortunate to be able to have attended The University of Iowa for the amount of cases and the variety of experiences available to us as students. I am very interested in regional anesthesia and the program does an excellent job giving us the opportunity to gain experience and build our skills and confidence in practicing regional anesthesia."

(Class of 2012 pictured with Program Director Cormac O'Sullivan)

The class of 2012 was very fortunate and appreciative of their experience at the AANA Annual Conference in Boston. They got the opportunity to meet other SRNA’s and CRNA’s, including those active at a national level. They were excited and proud to support Mary O’Brien as she received the Ira P. Gund award for Outstanding Professional Advocacy, as well as cheer on Mitch and Amanda in the annual College Bowl. Overall, it was an educational experience for everyone and it also advocated for the class to get excited for their future involvement in their association as they become CRNA’s.