MS(N) Nurse Anesthesia Program Homepage
Nurse Anesthesia Program Overview
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Nurse Anesthesia Program Faculty and Staff
Contact the Nurse Anesthesia Program
28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 309
Biltmore Park
Asheville, NC 28803
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828.654.6499 tel
828.654.6507 fax
jshirley@wcu.edu
WCU Nurse Anesthesia Program MS(N) Course of Study
Nurse Anesthesia Specialty Course Descriptions and Course Objectives
NSG 629 Foundational Science for Nurse Anesthesia, 2 credits
Applied sciences course that introduces the basic principles of chemistry, physics
and neuroscience and the integration of these principles into the practice of nurse
anesthesia.
A.Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Synthesize physical principles and their relationship to the practice of anesthesia
2.Differentiate neurologic anatomy and physiology and describe the effects of anesthetic medications on neurological systems.
3.Analyze and integrate select principles of organic and inorganic chemistry to the practice of anesthesia.
Major Topics:
Math Review, Pressure, Tension, Flow, Solubility
Gas Laws
Solubility
Diffusion and Osmosis
Vaporization
Electricity
Chemistry Anesthetic Agents
Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology
Mechanisms of General Anesthesia
Physiology of Pain
Schedule: On campus – Semester I
NSG 618 Survey of Pharmacotherapeutics, 3 credits
Pharmacologic basis of drug management as it relates to the use of drugs, both prescriptive and non-prescriptive for patients throughout the life span. Includes pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drug groups, dosage calculations, drug interactions and patient education.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1.Understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of broad categories of drugs.
2.Describe the pharmacotherapeutics of broad categories of drugs including prescription drugs, complementary therapies, and over the counter medications.
3.Understand the relationship among pharmacologic agents, pathophysiology and physiologic response.
4.Describe adverse reactions, monitoring parameters, and drug interaction considerations for broad categories of drugs.
Major Topics:
Basics of Pharmacotherapy & Dosage Calculations
Receptors, Peripheral & Autonomic Nervous System Drugs
Central Nervous System Drugs & Psychiatric Drugs
Gastrointestinal, Hematologic & Dyslipidemia Drugs
Smooth Muscle & Pulmonary Drugs
Cardiovascular-Renal System Drugs
Endocrine System Drugs
Anti-Infective Agents & Drugs
Analgesics, Pain Management, Drugs of Abuse, Arthritis, Gout
Schedule: On-line, Semester I
NSG 661: Advanced Anesthesia Pharmacology I, 3 credits
Drug mechanisms, pharmacologic effects, drug-receptor site interactions, structure activity relationships, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of agents used in the perioperative period.
Course objectives: Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1.Analyze the appropriateness of specific general and local anesthetic agents considering patient-specific body habitus, age, physiology, concurrent medications,pathophysiology, and thesurgical procedure.
2.Discuss the uses, limitations and contraindications of depolarizing and non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, local anesthetics, cardiovascular and asthmamedications recognizing differences in onset,duration of action, clearance, and side effects.
3.Synthesize appropriate and safe anesthesia management protocols utilizing the anesthetic agents discussed.
Major Topics
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Herbal products
Induction drugs
Inhalational anesthetics
Benzodiazepines and anxiolytics
Intravenous analgesic agents
Neuromuscular blocking agents and reversals
Schedule: On-campus/videoconference, Semester I
NSG 662 Advanced Anesthesia Pharmacology II, 3 credits
Pharmacologic effects, drug-receptor site interactions, structure activity relationships, therapeutic uses and adverse effects of agents used in the perioperative period.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Explain the major principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as they relate to inhalational and intravenously administered drugs.
2.Analyze the mechanism of action and the pharmacologic effects of specific anesthetic agents including inhalational agents, benzodiazepines, and opioids.
3.Analyze the mechanism of action and the pharmacologic effects of adjunctive agents used in the perioperative period including anticoagulants, gastroprokinetic agents, diuretics, and antiemetics.
4.Integrate information regarding herbal products and their effects in theperioperative period.
Major Topics:
Antacids, Histamine antagonists and Gastrointestinal Prokinetics
Anticoagulants, Anti-platelet agents, Thrombolytics
Local anesthetics
Autonomic pharmacology
Cardiovascular pharmacology
Antiemetics
NSAIDS
Schedule: On-campus, Semester II
NSG 630 Advanced Physiology for Nurse Anesthetists, 3 credits
Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, hematological, and cellular physiology, with particular emphasis on how these systems relate to anesthesia management.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Describe the important anatomical structures for each of the body systems presented.
2.Discuss the major functions and processes of each of the majorbody systems discussed.
3.Synthesize the complex regulatory processes that produce homeostasis for each of the body systems discussed.
4.Analyze the effects of anesthesia on select physiologic systems.
Schedule: On-campus, Semester I
NSG 631 Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthetists I, 3 credits
Pathophysiologic disorders with emphasis on the surgical patient and implications for safe anesthesia management.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Analyze the pathophysiologic basis, manifestations, and treatment options for the disorders discussed.
2.Integrate information regarding the presented pathophysiology with perioperative and anesthesia management.
Major topics:
Endocrine disorders
Neurological diseases
Respiratory diseases
Schedule: on-campus, 3 hours/week Semester II
NSG 632 Pathophysiology for Nurse Anesthetists II, 3 credits
Pathophysiologic disorders with emphasis on the surgical patient and implications for safe anesthesia management.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Analyze the pathophysiologic basis, manifestations, and treatment options for the disorders discussed.
2.Integrate information regarding the presented pathophysiology with perioperative and anesthesia management.
Major topics:
Pediatric disorders
Hematological diseases
Cardiovascular disorders
Renal disease
Neuromuscular and musculoskeletal disorders
Pain
Psychiatric disorders
Liver disease
Schedule: on-campus, 3 hours/week Semester III
NSG 640 Basic Principles of Anesthesia, 3 credits
Basic principles of preoperative patient assessment, anesthesia planning, operating room preparation, interpretation of pertinent patient findings, and required documentation for safe anesthesia management.
Course objectives: At the completion of this course the student will be able to:
1.Outline the components, describe the operation, perform equipment checks and demonstrate procedures for safe use of the anesthesia machine and adjunctive equipment.
2.Synthesize information obtained in a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and formulate a basic anesthesia plan of care, including positioning, fluid administration, basic monitoring, and airway management.
3.Communicate perioperative assessment findings, derived from the synthesis of data, in appropriately documented form.
Major topics:
Non-invasive monitoring
Airway anatomy, assessment, management
Preoperative assessment
Fluid and blood component therapy
Positioning
Anesthesia machine functions
Documentation
Universal precautions and infection control
Schedule: On- campus, Semester I B.
NSG 641, Advanced Principles of Anesthesia I, 2 credits
Anesthetic principles associated with specific specialty procedures; management of identified patient groups and patients with special problems.
Course objectives:
1.Synthesize appropriate and safe anesthetic management plans based on the patient's age, pathophysiology, and surgical procedure.
2.Differentiate anatomical and physiological features, equipment issues, and pharmacological considerations unique to pediatric patients.
3.Differentiate anatomical and physiological features and pharmacological considerations associated with geriatric patients.
Major topics:
Gynecologic procedures
Orthopedic procedures
General surgery
Otolaryngolic procedures
Pediatric patients
Geriatric patients
Schedule: On-campus, Semester II C.
NSG 642, Advanced Principles of Anesthesia II, 2 credits
Anesthetic principles associated with specific specialty procedures; management of identified patient groups and patients with special problems.
Course objectives:
1.Synthesize appropriate and safe anesthetic management plans based on the patient's age, pathophysiology, and surgical procedure.
2.Differentiate anatomical and physiological features, equipment issues, and pharmacological considerations unique to pediatric patients.
3.Differentiate anatomical and physiological features and pharmacological considerations associated with geriatric patients.
Major topics:
Cardiovascular procedures
Thoracic procedures
Plastic surgery
Ophthalmic procedures
Neurological procedures
Fiberoptic intubation
CVP insertion
Trauma
Genitourinary procedures
Schedule: On-campus, Semester III D.
NSG 511 Research for Advanced Practice Nursing, 3 credits
Research design and methods and critique of research for application to practice.
Schedule: Online, Semester IV
NSG 643, Advanced Principles of Anesthesia III, 2 credits
Anesthetic principles associated with specific specialty procedures and management of identified patient groups and patients with special problems.
Course objectives:
1.Synthesize appropriate and safe anesthetic management plans based on the patient's age, pathophysiology, and surgical procedure.
2.Differentiate surgical and equipment issues, monitoring, and pharmacological considerations unique to the procedures presented.
3.Differentiate anatomical and physiological features and positioning considerations associated with procedures presented.
Major topics:
Ambulatory and off-site anesthesia
Regional anesthesia
Obstetrical anesthesia
Obesity/bariatric procedures
The patient with burn injury
Critical care
Schedule: On-campus, Semester IV
NSG 679 Research Project, 1-2 credits
Development, implementation, and evaluation of a clinical research project. Emphasis on the new application of ideas rather than original research. S/U grading.
Schedule: On-campus, Semesters V-VI
NSG 688, NSG 689 Clinical Anesthesia Practicum I, II, III, IV, V, VI, and VII, variable credits
Practicum in simulation laboratory, hospital, or outpatient surgical sites with graduated, guided instruction in the clinical management of patients receiving various types of anesthesia. Each practicum builds on previously developed skills progressing from basic operating room orientation to the administration of anesthesia for patients exhibiting complicated pathophysiology. Focus is on preparation, planning, and implementation of a safe anesthetic, and application of prior classroom learning. Specialty areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiac, thoracic, trauma, urologic, vascular, orthopedic, neurologic, geriatrics and regional anesthesia are incorporated. Human Patient Simulation modules will be used to reinforce clinical concepts. Health care team communication, collaboration, and education are stressed. A clinical coordinator at each clinical site will coordinate and monitor the student's progress. It is expected that students will continue clinical rotations through university designated break periods. Selected topics, journal articles and case reports are presented, critically analyzed and discussed by presenters and participants once a week at a clinical and literature review conference. Prerequisite: Each practicum must be taken in sequential order; permission of instructor.
Course objectives:
1.Be vigilant in the delivery of patient care.
2.Protect patients from iatrogenic complications.
3.Participate in the positioning of patients to prevent injury.
4.Conduct a comprehensive and appropriate equipment check.
5.Utilize standard precautions and appropriate infection control measures.
6.Provide care throughout the perianesthetic continuum.
7.Use a variety of current anesthesia techniques, agents, adjunctive drugs, and equipment while providing anesthesia
8.Administer general anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically related procedures.
9.Provide anesthesia services to all patients, including trauma and emergency cases.
10.Administer and manage a variety of regional anesthetics.
11.Function as a resource person for airway and ventilatory management of patients.
12.Deliver culturally competent perianesthetic care throughout the anesthesia experience.
13.Apply theory to practice in decision-making and problem solving.
14.Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence.
15.Perform a preanesthetic assessment and formulate an anesthesia care plan for patients to whom they are assigned to administer anesthesia.
16.Identify and take appropriate action when confronted with anesthetic equipment-related malfunctions.
17.Interpret and utilize data obtained from noninvasive and invasive monitoring modalities.
18.Calculate, initiate, and manage fluid and blood component therapy.
19.Recognize and appropriately respond to anesthetic complications that occur during the perianesthetic period.
20.Effectively communicate with all individuals influencing patient care.
21.Utilize appropriate verbal, nonverbal, and written communication in the delivery of perianesthetic care.
22.Participate in activities that improve anesthesia care.
23.Function within appropriate legal requirements as a registered professional nurse, accepting responsibility and accountability for his or her practice.
24.Interact on a professional level with integrity.
25.Teach others.
26.Participate in continuing education activities to acquire new knowledge and improve his or her practice.
27.Understands sound principles of anesthesia risk management to include preventive and procedural strategies.
28.Present organized and clear evaluations and critiques of research, journal articles, and case presentations.
Schedule:Clinical practicum 1-4 days/week, 7 semesters
Clinical and journal review, 1 hour/week, 6 semesters
Evaluation: Evaluation tools are formulated to reflect the increased complexity of cases as the student progresses through the program. The clinical instructor completes an evaluation tool after each clinical day (formative evaluation) and the total grade is calculated and conferred by the course instructor from the semester total evaluations (summative evaluation). At least 4 comprehensive and acceptable care plans must be submitted each semester. Clinical practicum is graded as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U).
NSG 501 Roles and Issues, 2 credits
This course provides an analysis of nurse anesthesia professional associations and councils, legal aspects governing nurse anesthesia practice, hospital and governmental regulatory agencies, nurse anesthesia scope of practice, informed consent, the impaired practitioner, cultural competency, and ethical and professional considerations relating to the nurse anesthesia profession. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor.
Course objectives:
1.Describe the historical development of an advanced practice nursing specialty.
2.Analyze major legal and ethical issues related to an advanced practice nursing specialty.
3.Differentiate advanced practice roles of nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, and nurse mid-wife.
4.Describe the significance of scope of practice issues in an advanced practice nursing specialty.
5.Analyze role stress and role strain experienced by students in advanced practice nursing programs.
6.Critique own skill development in communication, negotiation, conflict negotiation, and self-care.
Schedule: 2 hours/week, Semester VII, lecture/discussion/audiovisuals/presentation
NSG 510 Theory for Advanced Practice Nursing, 2 credits
Critique and evaluation of nursing and other relevant theories from the social, organizational, and biological sciences.
Schedule: Online, Semester VII
NSG 672 Nurse Anesthesia Review, 3 credits
Review of the chemistry & physics, pathophysiology, pharmacology, physiology, and management principles associated with anesthesia care.
Course objectives
1.Contribute to class review of anesthesia management principles.
2.Demonstrate integration of anesthesia management concepts in all areas covered by the CCNA certification examination by passing a comprehensive examination.
Activities:
Each student will develop, organize and present a cogent analysis of assigned topics
on anesthesia management. The final Satisfactory (S) / Unsatisfactory (U) grade will
be based on successful completion (minimum 70% score) on a multiple choice comprehensive
examination.
Satisfactory = 70% - 100%
Unsatisfactory = less than 70%
Schedule: On-campus, Semester VII
NSG 516 Economics and Organization of Healthcare, 2 credits
Students are presented content drawn from several disciplines in order to advance their knowledge of the evolution, organization, development of health policy, and the economics and financing of the contemporary American health care system.
Course objectives:
1. Analyze the organization, interrelationships among components, and function of the U.S. health care system.
2. Analyze contemporary health care issues related to cost control, distribution of services, health policy development, and access to care in the American health care system.
3. Evaluate governmental and managed care influences on reimbursement for advanced practice nurses.
4. Evaluate concepts and skills necessary to marketing advanced practice nursing.
Schedule: Online, semester VI