Student nurse anesthetist organizations: needs assessment study

Area of Science:

• Nurse Anesthesia Education
• Student Organizations
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Education Committee investigated the need for regional student nurse anesthetist organizations.
• Understanding program director and student perspectives is crucial for assessing the feasibility and perceived need for such organizations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nurse anesthesia program director and student interest in establishing regional student nurse anesthetist organizations.
• To inform nurse anesthesia educators about the perceived need and potential for developing student-led organizations.

Main Methods:

• A mail response survey was distributed to 77 program directors and 154 students.
• Response rates were 70% for program directors (n=54) and 41% for students (n=63).

Main Results:

• A significant majority of students (85%) and program directors (80%) believe a student organization would improve nurse anesthesia education.
• Students expressed strong interest in participating in an established organization and serving as program representatives, though less enthusiasm for initiating a new one.
• Program directors overwhelmingly supported student involvement (94%) and a majority (69%) offered to serve as faculty advisors.

Conclusions:

• Regional student nurse anesthetist organizations are perceived as beneficial for enhancing nurse anesthesia education.
• Program directors are highly supportive of student organizations and willing to provide faculty guidance, indicating feasibility for development.
• Student interest is high for participation, suggesting a positive reception if organizations are established.