Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Integrate the chemistry and pharmacology of anesthesia and adjunct drugs and discuss pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the drugs. 
  • Recognize chemical structures of anesthesia and adjunct drugs and make lateral applications based upon drug profiles and kinetics.
  • Discuss the normal physiology and anatomy of the central nervous system, respiratory system, cardiac/circulatory system, renal system, endocrine system, and digestive system.
  • Identify and explain the pathophysiologic conditions that occur in systems and make application in the administration of anesthesia.
  • Discuss the special considerations, anatomical and physiologic difference in neonates, infants, and children and apply the information in the administration of anesthesia to infants and children.
  • Discuss the normal physiologic changes of pregnancy, the physiologic changes in disease/high risk states in pregnancy and apply the information in the administration of anesthesia to the parturient for delivery and surgical conditions not resulting in delivery.
  • Explain the pathophysiology of common congenital heart diseases, coronary artery disease, and adult valvular heart disease.
  • Develop anesthesia care plans and administer anesthesia for open heart procedures, closed heart procedures, and anesthesia for the cardiac patient having noncardiac surgery, applying physiological and pharmacological principles.
  • Identify the special considerations, physiologic and pharmacologic profile changes of the geriatric (chronologic or physiologic) patient.
  • Identify the anatomy necessary to safely administer regional anesthesia (lumbar epidural, subarachnoid, IV regional and limited peripheral nerve blocks).
  • Develop care plans for regional anesthesia and combined general and regional anesthesia applying physiological and pharmacological principles.
  • Design and conduct a research project and implement Capstone projects.
  • Analyze and discuss the various components of organizational leadership including leadership styles, communication, planning, staffing, budgeting and evaluation. 
  • Analyze and critique a variety of ethical issues related to anesthesia and the medical setting.

Program Objectives

  • To seek out and select those persons who have demonstrated professional excellence as critical care nurses and who wish to extend their professional roles by becoming highly skilled nurse anesthetists trained to provide leadership within the profession.
  • To provide a faculty that supports and models the goals of the program.
  • To provide a curriculum that integrates the knowledge and skills of anesthesia practice with the knowledge and skills necessary for developing leadership within the profession. 
  • To foster a dynamic educational environment through consistent and continuous evaluation of students, faculty, and program.
  • To provide a program that surpasses the requirements for accreditation. 
  • To foster a commitment to continuing professional education.
  • To provide the knowledge and skills necessary for independent, life-long learning. 
  • To encourage all students and staff to continue in their development as people of integrity, dedicated to the service of humankind.

Program Questions

DNAP Administrative Assistant
Sacred Heart Medical Center
(509) 474-4971
Email: DNAP@providence.org

Application Questions

Ethan Lewan
Call or Text: (509) 313-6243 or (866) 380-5323
Email: lewan@gonzaga.edu