Supporting Student Success

A key component of increasing the diversity of our program is through the student support activities designed to foster success in pursuit of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia credential. In addition to the rich student support resources available within Rosalind Franklin University, this area of our website highlights some of the many activities focused on supporting the success of our students.

Airway Workshop 

Every year, the RFU Nurse Anesthesia department hosts an advanced airway workshop for our residents and clinical partners. This workshop allows senior residents to try their hands at cricothyrotomies using cadaveric porcine tracheas, the latest technology in video laryngoscopy and fiberoptic scopes, advanced techniques with lightwands, Fastrach and other modalities Visit the Events & Continuing Education Page for more information.

Faculty and Peer Mentoring 

Upon matriculation to our program, students are assigned a CRNA faculty mentor, as well as a student mentor from the class ahead of them. Training is offered to strengthen mentorship skills of the mentors.  New members to the program are invited to develop these relationships early and navigate the process with support and insight.

HRSA Award Funding 

In 2020, the Department of Nurse Anesthesia was successful in it’s application for funding under a three-year HRSA Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship Grant. This grant will provide funds to support the graduation of underrepresented minority students, and students with an interest in practicing in underserved areas.

2020 HRSA Grant Recipients

Collaborative Learning 

When we are not remote learning, students review materials and pre-recorded lectures at home prior to attending class to work on case studies and collaborative problem solving. Here you see a group of students working at white boards to prepare a brief presentation of their plan for anesthesia care. 

Additionally, Teaching Assistants are utilized in the simulated training area to work with residents prior to their start in the clinical setting.  TAs provide an innovative approach to facilitate learning that allows for more relaxed discussion and clarification of topics.

Foundations for Interprofessional Practice (HNAX-529)

Interprofessional education is a hallmark of RFU, all students participate in this course, where they interact with students from all colleges and programs within the university.