Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia, the graduate should be able to:

• Perform a pre-anesthetic interview and physical assessment including psychological preparation of the patient for anesthesia and surgery.
• Obtain an accurate health history from the patient or family.
• Evaluate the patient's physical and psychological status identifying abnormalities that will have implications on the anesthesia care plan, including evaluation of all laboratory, radiographic, and other diagnostic test data.
• Integrate and apply the knowledge learned in didactic studies to insure greater clinical competence in providing safe and effective patient care.
• Formulate an appropriate anesthesia care plan commensurate with the patient's needs.
• Administer a physiologically sound anesthetic using general and/or regional techniques and procedures that are compatible with the physiological condition of the patient.
• Interpret and integrate information from a variety of monitoring modalities including electrocardiography, pulse oximetry, capnography, noninvasive and invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring, central venous pressure monitoring, pulmonary artery pressure monitoring, etc.
• Identify the need for and insert a variety of invasive monitoring devices including arterial, central venous, and pulmonary artery catheters.
• Develop and execute an effective plan for fluid and blood component administration.
• Execute and maintain effective mechanical ventilation integrating available information.
• Implement and supervise appropriate physical positioning of the patient to ensure safety for the patient and optimum working conditions for the surgical team.
• Recognize indications of physiological stress demonstrated by patients and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Implement indicated crisis interventions for the patient undergoing anesthesia and surgery to facilitate safe and effective patient care as well as efficient and harmonious function of the health care team.
• Function as a team member and resource person in cardiopulmonary resuscitations.
• Function as a resource person in the respiratory care of patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
• Serve as a resource person in the training of paramedical personnel.
• Function as a consultant in acute and critical care areas as requested.
• Function within appropriate medicolegal parameters.
• Demonstrate understanding of the administrative responsibilities in managing an anesthesia department.
• Demonstrate professional presentation and clinical teaching skills necessary to effectively promote the education of nurse anesthetists and others involved in health care.
• Critically evaluate and apply research in preparation of an independent study or educational project.
• Demonstrate the ability to write a scientific paper for publication.
• Function as a positive member of the health care team and a role model for future health care providers.
• Assume total responsibility for one's own actions through continuing professional growth.