First MSU Nurse Anesthesia Students Set to Graduate

Nursing students from Michigan State University prepare to graduate from the College of Nursing as the first cohort of students with a master's degree from the Nurse Anesthesia Program.

The Nurse Anesthesia concentration is a full-time, 28-month course that integrates didactic classroom, laboratory and clinical experiences. There are currently 29 students enrolled in the program.

"Responding to a shortage of nurse anesthetists in the community, the College of Nursing designed our master's degree program in collaboration with valued clinical partners,” said Dean Mary Mundt. "The strengths of our program are enhanced by community partnerships with Ingham Regional Medical Center, Sparrow Health System, St. John Macomb-Oakland, and St. John Hospital and Medical Center.”

"MSU is providing solutions to today's healthcare problems by educating a nursing workforce with graduate degrees,” said Dr. Henry Talley, Director of the Nurse Anesthesia Program. "By preparing high caliber students for leadership roles, the College is advancing the profession with Spartan nurses that provide quality care in the community for patients and their families.”

CRNAs administer approximately 32 million anesthetics to patients each year in the United States, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. There are currently 44,000 CRNAs practicing in various healthcare settings throughout the United States.

The College of Nursing congratulates: Amanda Ahrens, Elizabeth Buiocchi, Krystle Hiteshew, Lindsay Mason, Danielle Powers, Jennifer Simons, Kristin Twiss, Sarah Wilkinson.

"I wanted to become a nurse anesthetist because it is a profession that allows me to give back to others. In this career you provide safe patient care, comfort and reassurance during times of emotional stress,” said Kristin Twiss.

"Being able to succeed during my most difficult academic endeavor is rewarding,” said Twiss, noting the lifelong friendships and understanding the value of an unconditional support system that she has gained over the past two years.

The educational journey of these students began January 2008 and ends with the Advanced Degree Ceremony on Friday, May 7, 2010 at the Breslin Center.

Upon graduation they are eligible to take the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist licensure examination.