University of New England

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Degree: Master of Science (M.S.), Nurse Anesthesia

College: Health Professions

Department: Nursing Anesthesia

Contact:  Contact:  Office of Graduate Admissions, gradadmissions@une.edu or 1-800-477-4863 for more program information or details about the application process for the University of New England’s integrated M.S.-Nurse Anesthesia Program or UNE’s Hospital-Collaboration MSNA/CRNA Program with St. Joseph's Hospital.

For additional curriculum and program information, contact Elizabeth Bennett in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, ebennett4@une.edu or at 207-221-4516.

For additional curriculum and program information for the St. Joseph's Hospital Program, contact Jonathan Cornwell, Program Director, saintjoes@aol.com or at 401-456-3639.

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Overview
It may come as a surprise that as advanced practice nurses, nurse anesthetists have been providing anesthesia care in this country for over 125 years. In fact, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) currently administer over 65 percent of all anesthetics given to patients in the United States!

Since 1984 the School of Nurse Anesthesia at the University of New England has been an integral force in perpetuating this proud legacy by dedicating itself to nurse anesthesia education.  Specifically, the University has been involved in nurse anesthesia education since 1984, serving as an academic affiliate for hospital-based certificate nurse anesthesia programs. In 1987, we initiated a program leading to the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia. In 1993, a fully-accredited School of Nurse Anesthesia was opened at the University.

Two-Phase Program
At UNE we offer a 27-month two-phase program. The first phase is conducted on our historic Westbrook College Campus, situated in the picturesque coastal city of Portland.

This didactic portion involves eight months of study and consists primarily of science and anesthesia courses taught by CRNA faculty and physiologists and pharmacologists, whom share a joint appointment with the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine.

The second phase is the 19-month hospital-based clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical anesthesia training as well as lectures and seminars taught by CRNA's and anesthesiologists. The School has contractual relationships with over 18 hospitals throughout the New England area, which offer varied and diverse experiences.

With successful completion of the 27 month program, students are awarded a Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia. The graduate is then eligible to take the National Certifying Examination.  Upon successful completion of the exam, the graduate becomes a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist capable of practicing in all 50 states. To date, 100 percent of our students have passed the certifying examination in their first year post-graduation and 100 percent have successfully obtained employment.

In addition to our own integrated M.S.-Nurse Anesthesia Program, the University also serves as the academic center for St. Joseph's School of Anesthesia for Nurses, which is a hospital-based program. Under this arrangement, the University provides only the academic component and awards the academic Master of Science degree in Nurse Anesthesia, while the hospital-based program provides the clinical training leading to the Certificate of Clinical Anesthesia Education (which they award independently).
 

Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide an academic environment, which allows candidates to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. It does this by providing a select group of experienced, graduate level nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab and clinical site experiences. Our graduates develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered anesthesia providers in solo practice or within anesthesia care teams.

Behavioral Outcome
Upon completion of this educational program, the student shall demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the faculty, specific competencies expected of graduates.  These competencies identify knowledge and skills necessary for competent entry-level practice of nurse anesthesia.  Upon completion of the program, the graduate will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
2. Interpret and apply laboratory and diagnostic tests to preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care.
3. Make sound clinical decisions in the choice of anesthetic techniques and approaches to patient care based on the surgical procedure and individual patient pathology.
4. Critically analyze published data in the field of anesthesia, and to apply new
   technology, pharmacology, and techniques to patient care.
5. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of all the indications, contraindications, pharmacokinetics and
   pharmacodynamics of currently available anesthetic agents and drugs.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanisms of pain and pain management interventions for acute and
   chronic pain.
7. Identify the AANA and its functions and roles in the practice of nurse anesthesia. 
8. Explain the anesthetic related indications in the care of specialties such as pediatrics, obstetrics, and cardiac anesthesia.
9. Demonstrate a foundation of information and knowledge which serves as a basis for consultation and
   sound recommendations for patient care to other members of the health care team.
10. Explain the legal implications governing medical practice and patient care.
11. Perform an anesthetic related history and physical exam and formulate a comprehensive anesthetic care plan for a given patient based on the pre-anesthetic assessment.
12. Demonstrate proficiency in manual skills necessary to deliver anesthesia care including airway
    management, administration of regional anesthesia, and insertion of intravenous and invasive monitoring lines.
13. Communicate and interact with other members of the health care team.
14. Recognize and treat untoward responses to anesthetic care.
15. Recognize and initiate treatment of critical life threatening events such as cardiopulmonary arrest, trauma and malignant hyperthermia.
16. Analyze monitoring data and perform accurate interventions such as fluid management blood component therapy and drug therapy, adjusting anesthetic management accordingly.
17. Position and/or supervise the positioning of patients to assure physiological functioning, safety and the
     prevention of injury.
18. Administer general, regional and local anesthesia in a safe and conscientious manner to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically related procedures.
19. Utilize universal safety precautions and appropriate infection control measures to ensure the
    safety of the patient, staff and CRNA.
20. Perform safety related checks on anesthesia equipment.
21. Identify malfunctioning anesthesia equipment and take appropriate action when confronted with anesthetic equipment-related malfunctions.
22. Apply appropriate safety principles and precautions in caring for patients to prevent or
    minimize any potential risks.
23. Serve as a leader or member of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation team and possess
    advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric cardiac life support (PALS) recognition.
24. Function as a resource person for airway and ventilatory management of patients.
25. Participate in quality improvement activities.
26. Display compassion and respectful treatment of patients.
27. Demonstrate honesty and professional integrity.

 

Accreditation
The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Post-secondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The School of Nurse Anesthesia is accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs through fall of 2010.

In order to fully appreciate the role of CRNA and validate one's desire to become a nurse anesthetist, faculty highly recommend that applicants "shadow" a nurse anesthesia provider for a day in the operating room prior to application. In addition, to fully grasp the commitment involved in studying to be a nurse anesthetist, it is especially valuable to "shadow" a student registered nurse anesthetist for a day. Neither of these experiences are requirements for application.

Requirements

1. Graduation from an accredited baccalaureate or higher degree generic program in nursing or from an accredited associate degree/diploma program in nursing with an additional bachelor of science degree. 
2. Proof of current licensure as a registered nurse in your own state is required at the time of application. Upon acceptance into the program, licensure in the state where clinical experience is obtained will be required.  
3. Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better preferred, especially in the sciences and professional courses. 
4. Applicants are required to have a minimum of one year's experience as a registered nurse in a critical care area (specifically ICU, CCU, SICU, MICU, NICU) prior to applying to the program. The Perianesthetic Care Unit (PACU) and the Emergency (ER) will be considered on a case by case basis.  
5. Successful completion of an organic chemistry or biochemistry course within the last five years.
6. Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
7. Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification.
8. Successful completion of the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). 

 

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to make exceptions to the above when it deems such a decision is appropriate.

Policies and Procedures

Applications are accepted as early as September. The application deadline each year is February 1st. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a case by case basis, pending availability of "seats" in the upcoming academic year (i.e 2007-2008). The earlier complete application files are available for review, the earlier one is able to be considered for an interview. This may also result in early admission to the program. Why? The school has a "rolling admissions" policy, which means several interview sessions are conducted by the program's Admission Committee, which is comprised of the program's administrative faculty as well as academic and clinical faculty. Interviews begin in November and usually end mid-February. During this process, several candidates are selected at each interview session and offered a seat in the upcoming class. Specific interview dates will be posted on the website. Final selection does not occur until late February.

Candidates must submit an application containing the following information directly to the Graduate Admissions Office:

1. Completed application form (can be sent via electronic mail)
2. Application processing fee ($40.00 which is non-refundable)
3. Personal statement, summarizing your career and reasons for wanting to enter into UNE’s nurse anesthesia program
4. A recent professional resume or vita
5. Proof of current nursing licensure in the United States (photocopy)
6. Proof of current ACLS and PALS certification (photocopy)

The following information must be submitted by those individuals/institutions completing the information, directly to the admissions office:

1. Official college/university transcripts
2. Official GRE results
3. Letters of reference (3), from applicant's supervisor and two (2) other professionals who have observed applicant's work. If an anesthesia provider is familiar with one's clinical skills and abilities, faculty suggest obtaining a recommendation from this individual.

Before any action can be taken on an application, all credentials and supporting documents required by the school’s Admission Committee must be on file in the Graduate Admissions Office and must be judged complete and satisfactory.  On-campus interviews are granted to qualified applicants upon invitation by the Admissions Committee. 

The school has a rolling admissions policy. Interviews are conducted individually by the program's administration and academic and clinical faculty. They begin in November and end mid-February. Along that time continuum, candidates are selected at various points and offered a seat in the next class. Final selection does not occur until mid-February.

Immunizations
All students are required to have the following immunizations:

1. (2) MMRs within one’s lifetime.  Students with laboratory evidence of disease immunity (i.e., serologic test results indicating immunity) are counted as appropriately vaccinated. 
2. Tetanus/Diphtheria vaccine within the last 10 years.
3. Hepatitis B-series of three injections; titer required 6-8 weeks after third shot given.  If the student has a negative titer then repeat series of three shots or give a booster and check immunity.  If the student has a second negative titer then the patient is a non-responder.  The titer will only be checked if within one year of full series of three shots.
4. Varicella- titer required.  If has a negative titer, then have series of two doses, four to eight weeks apart.  No additional titer is required.
5. PPD-required annually and has to be read within 48-72 hours.  Chest X-ray required if has positive PPD.
6. Polio-Primary series as a child.  If no primary series: two doses IPV four to eight weeks apart, third dose is six to twelve months after the second dose.  Routine polio vaccine is not recommended for persons 18 years of age and older.

Students will be required to maintain current immunizations throughout the program.

Essential Technical Standards of the University of New England's School of Nurse Anesthesia
Principles:

Nurse anesthesia education requires that the accumulation of scientific knowledge be accompanied by the simultaneous acquisition of specific skills and professional attitudes and behavior. Nurse Anesthesia school faculties have a responsibility to society to matriculate and graduate the best possible nurse anesthetists, and thus admission to this program has been offered to those who present the highest qualifications. The essential technical standards presented in this document are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England, School of Nurse Anesthesia. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent nurse anesthetist.

The faculty is committed to fostering relationships with its candidates that encourage human and professional growth. Its policies and procedures attempt to reflect this commitment to proactive and supportive communication.

Nonetheless, it is imperative that all candidates recognize that the primary responsibility for a successful nurse anesthesia education, both in and outside the classroom, rests with the individual. Candidates, including candidates with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. The School has incomplete influence in helping students achieve these personal adaptations. Situations can arise in which a candidate’s behavior and attitudes resulting from a disability or other personal circumstances represent a secondary problem which impairs the candidate’s ability to meet the School’s standards, even after implementation of all reasonable accommodations have been made by the School.

The School’s obligation and mission is to provide an academic environment, which allows candidates to master the intellectual and technical skills necessary to become competent in the safe conduct of anesthesia. It does this by providing a select group of experienced, graduate level nurses with the highest level of didactic, simulation lab and clinical site experiences. Our graduates develop life-long scholarship, critical thinking skills and professionalism needed to become compassionate, patient-centered anesthesia providers in solo practice or within anesthesia care teams. Therefore, all applicants, regardless of disability, will be held to the same admission standards, with accommodation if needed.

Recommendations:

1. No otherwise, qualified individual will be denied admission to the School of Nurse Anesthesia based solely upon a disabling condition.
2. Candidates with disabilities applying to the School of Nurse Anesthesia will be expected to have achieved the same requirements as their non-disabled peers.
3. Matriculation into the School of Nurse Anesthesia assumes certain levels of cognitive, emotional, and technical skills. Nurse anesthetist candidates with disabilities will be held to the same fundamental standards as their non-disabled peers. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to assist the candidates in learning, performing and satisfying the fundamental standards, so long as the candidate provides timely, comprehensive documentation establishing the candidate’s disability status and need for reasonable accommodation.
4. Reasonable accommodations that facilitate candidate progress will be provided but only to the extent that such accommodation does not significantly interfere with the essential functions of the School of Nurse Anesthesia, fundamentally alter the program or significantly affect the rights of other candidates.  
5. The School, under the law, is obligated to provide all reasonable accommodations that will eliminate or minimize the barriers disabled candidates may face in the process of successfully completing the requirements for graduation from the University of New England, School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Abilities and Skills:

A candidate for this program must have abilities and skills of five varieties including observation skills; communication skills; fine and gross motor skills; conceptual, integrative and quantitative abilities; and behavioral and social/emotional skills.

I. Observation

The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstration and experiences in the basic sciences and anesthesia courses including, but not limited to, information conveyed through gross anatomy labs and simulated anesthesia patient exercises. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, acquire information from written documents and visualize information as presented in radiographic images and patient monitors. The candidate must have visual and hearing acuity, including use of depth perception and peripheral vision; hearing normal and faint body sounds (blood pressure and heart sounds) and hearing auditory alarms on monitors and anesthesia delivery systems.  Such observation and information acquisition necessitates the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities.

In any case where a candidate’s ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information without reliance upon another person’s interpretation of the information. The university will provide appropriate reasonable accommodations to foster the student’s ability to meet these standards, so long as the student registers with UNE Disability Services.  

II. Communication

The candidate must be able to effectively and efficiently communicate using verbal, written, and reading skills, in a manner that demonstrates sensitivity to patients, their families and all members of the health care team.

A candidate must be able to accurately elicit information, describe a patient’s change in mood, thought, activity and status. He or she must also demonstrate established communication skills using traditional or alternative reasonable means that do not substantially modify the standard.

III. Motor

The candidate must be able to, with or without the use of assistive devices, but without reliance on another person, to interpret x-ray and other graphic images and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs).

The ability to participate in basic diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers and procedures (e.g. palpation, auscultation) is required. It is also essential for a candidate to possess the gross motor skills sufficient to provide a full range of safe and effective care to patients. These include the ability to move within confined spaces, reach above shoulders, bend, stoop, squat, stretch and to reach below the waist. Fine motor skills are necessary to perform psychomotor skills such as picking up objects, grasping, pinching with fingers (intubations, manipulating a syringe, starting IVs), twisting and squeezing.

Physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study is required.  In addition, physical endurance and strength is a requirement in order to tolerate working an entire shift (including overtime or call), standing for long periods of time and sustaining repetitive movements (performing CPR, positive pressure ventilation, etc). Candidates must be able to provide hands-on patient care such as lifting, pushing and pulling excessive weight to position patients, pick up and carry children, ambulate patients and transfer anesthetized patients from stretchers and beds. When transporting patients to patient recovery areas, the candidate is required to move not only the patient's weight but also the heavy bed.

The candidate is required to carry heavy equipment and supplies, sit for long periods of time on stools with and without any back support, twist and turn to visualize monitors and the surgical field and possess the strength and flexibility to assist in the restraint of combative patients. In addition, the candidate must be able to move quickly to respond to emergencies. At all times the ability to administer care to patients in a safe manner is paramount 

IV. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities

The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information in a timely fashion. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structure. Problem-solving, the critical skill demanded of nurse anesthetists, requires all of these intellectual abilities. These problem-solving skills must be able to be performed in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting. In addition, the candidate must be able to adapt readily to changing environments and deal with unexpected activities. 

V. Behavioral and Social/Emotional Attributes

Candidates must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.

Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. They must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize information effectively in a precisely limited time demanded by a given clinical setting, while under stress, and in an environment in which other distractions may be present.

Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes.                                                 

Transfer Students
The school does not accept transfer students from other programs or students who have previously attended a nurse anesthesia program.

Transfer Credits
Because our curriculum is uniquely designed, students  may only request transfer credits to be applied to  ANE 609-Research Methods Seminar.  To qualify, transfer credit must be academic credit representing a grade of A or B awarded by a regionally accredited U.S. college or university or by a non—U.S. institution of higher education.  Credit applied to meet the requirements of a previously earned degree or certificate of any type at another institution is ineligible for use as transfer.  In addition, the research course  taken must be at the  graduate level. To obtain credit,  the student must request approval from the Program Director.   An official copy of his/her transcript must be submitted  along with the course description from the other institution’s catalog.  The decision to approve a request is based on the fact that the substitute course is equivalent to the course offered by the Program. 

The MSNA curriculum is designed so that students are based on UNE's Westbrook college campus for the first eight months (two semesters) of the program. The majority of the basic science didactic courses are offered during this period. The remaining 19 months of the program are hospital-based, with an emphasis on advanced coursework, clinical training, human patient simulator lab experiences, and completion of a capstone project. All students are required to complete the entire curriculum with passing grades.

Course Requirements

	FIRST YEAR	Hours	Credits
	Term 1-Fall (September-December)
	ANE 504 - Pharmacology I	45	3
	ANE 507 - Chemistry/Physics	45	3
	ANE 505 - Anatomy for Nurse Anesthetists	45	3
	ANE 601 - Professional Aspects I	30	2
	ANE 603 - Physiology I	75	5
	ANE 609 - Research Methods Seminar	45	3
	Subtotal	285	19
	Term 2 - Spring (January-April)
	ANE 604 - Physiology II	75	5
	ANE 606 - Pharmacology II	60	4
	ANE 602 - Anesthesia Principles I	60	4
	ANE 510 - Airway Management: Principles and Practices	45	3
	Subtotal	240	16
	SECOND YEAR
	Term 1 - Summer (May-August)
	ANE 623 - Anesthesia Principles II	45	3
	ANE 650 - Clinical Practicum I	15	1
	Subtotal	60	4
	Term 2- Fall (September - December)
	ANE 652 - Clinical Practicum II	15	1
	Subtotal	15	1
	Term 3 - Spring (January - April)
	ANE 624 - Anesthesia Principles III	45	3
	ANE 654 - Clinical Practicum III	15	1
	Subtotal	60	4
	THIRD YEAR
	Term 1 - Summer (May-August)
	ANE 625 - Anesthesia Principles IV	60	4
	ANE 656 - Clinical Practicum IV	15	1
	Subtotal	75	5
	Term II - Fall (September-November)
	ANE 613 - Research Practicum	30	2
	ANE 619 - Special Topics in Anesthesia	30	2
	ANE 658 - Clinical Practicum V	15	1
	Subtotal	75	5
	Program Total	810	54

 

Clinical Training
Upon completion of the didactic portion of the program in April, the students move on to the 19-month hospital-based clinical portion of the curriculum. The primary focus is clinical anesthesia training. The clinical experience obtained will be of the width and breadth necessary for the student to achieve clinical competency in anesthesia. This is accomplished through affiliations at clinical sites throughout the New England area.

Each student will participate in at least 550 anesthesia cases. All of the surgical specialties are available, including hands-on training in regional anesthesia techniques. Specialty experiences (i.e. neuro-surgery, open-heart surgery, high-risk obstetrics) when not available at primary hospital affiliation sites will be obtained from short-term rotations at other medical facilities in the region.

All types of anesthesia techniques and the latest agents are available for student participation. Students are able to obtain experience in general anesthetics, intravenous agents, and regional anesthesia to include: spinal, epidural, axillary block, and Bier blocks.

The Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs has set minimum standards for clinical experience that each student must achieve prior to graduation from the program in order to qualify for the National Certifying Examination.

Clinical Affiliates
Go to the department website for a list of clinical sites currently utilized by the School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
The School of Nurse Anesthesia is designed to integrate didactic and clinical learning experiences to optimize competency as an anesthesia provider.  Therefore successful completion of every course is necessary to progress through the Program.

In order to meet the Council on Accreditation guidelines and to maintain our high standards, the School has established the following policy:  Anyone who receives an examination grade of 80% or below must make an appointment to meet with their academic advisor.  This is done to determine if there are any issues/problems with the student or course work, to provide appropriate counseling to the student, and to promote successful advancement through the program.

Students must successfully pass each clinical practicum course in order to advance to the next level.  Student success will be measured against the clinical objectives designed for each clinical practicum experience.  Grades will take into account clinical performance, clinical preceptor feedback, student self-evaluations and faculty insights.

Program Completion Timeline
Students are expected to complete 27 actual months in the program, exclusive of allotted earned time.

Probation/Dismissal
Successful completion of all courses will allow the student to continue in the Program.  However, any student receiving a grade less than 80% on any examination will meet with his/her advisor within two weeks of receipt of the grade to discuss the student’s academic performance.  The Student Affairs Committee (SAC) will immediately review the academic performance of any student who fails two (2) exams in one semester.  The student will be asked to appear before the SAC at this time and will be placed on Probation Status until the end of the semester.  The student may have an advisor with him/her at the meeting but may not have an attorney present.   Saint Joseph’s students will be evaluated by this committee while they are at this university for their first two semesters.  After that, they will be evaluated by the Saint Joseph Hospital School of Anesthesia for Nurse’s processes.  

Students who pass all courses will advance to the next phase of the program.  A student who fails to meet the minimum requirement of a B- (80%) in any class will be dismissed from the program.  The Student Affairs Committee or Program Director may make modifications to the process described above because of extenuating circumstances. A comprehensive discussion of the process is outlined in the student didactic handbook for the class of 2009

Appeals:
Decisions made by the Program Director, which a student believes to be unfair, may be appealed to the Dean of the College of Health Professions.  To do so, the student should follow the review process set forth in the UNE Student Handbook.

Ethical and Behavioral Standards
Failure to adhere to the Student Code of Conduct section of the University of New England Handbook or the Rules of Conduct while on Affiliation at Clinical Sites (see below) may result in a disciplinary sanction. Under these circumstances, the student will go before the SAC.  The SAC may do any or all of the following:
           1. recommend issuing a letter of concern or reprimand
           2. recommend disciplinary probation, which could result in a clinical probation as well 
           3. recommend dismissal from the Program

The SAC may consider any other behaviors in reaching a decision to make a recommendation to the Program Director for adverse actions. This includes actions outside the classroom or in the clinical rotation, which do not reflect well on the Program, profession or individuals.

Rules of Conduct while on Affiliation at Clinical Sites
Success in the Nurse Anesthesia Profession requires certain behavioral attributes including but not limited to personal commitment and hardiness, empathy, discipline, honesty, integrity, personal regard for others, the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment, and the ability to address a crisis or emergency situation in a composed manner.   Adherence to these attributes requires a high level of maturity and self-control, even in highly stressful situations.  During the clinical phase, students must conduct themselves in a highly professional manner consistent with the patient care responsibilities with which they will be entrusted.  Failure to adhere to these standards (noted below) or comply with the Clinical Rotation Policies will result in a disciplinary action ranging from a written warning to discharge from the program (depending upon the violation and the circumstances surrounding the offense).

1. Creating or contributing to situations that jeopardize patient safety. 
2. Students are expected to follow all policies in the Student Code of Conduct section of the University of New England Handbook.  Unethical behavior such as academic dishonesty, falsifying logs or medical records is considered a violation of the Program’s standards of conduct. 
3. Respect the confidentiality of patients and fellow students.  One is not permitted to discuss any patients by name outside the clinical encounter situation.  Students should not discuss other students with preceptors.  For academic presentations, all identifying data , including name, initials, date of birth and facility where seen will be omitted
4. Unauthorized possession, use, copying, or distribution of hospital records or disclosure of information contained in such records to unauthorized persons.
5. Use, distribution, or unauthorized possession of intoxicating beverages or drugs on hospital premises or reporting to work under the influence of intoxicants.
6. Unauthorized absence from the Anesthesia Department during regularly scheduled clinical hours.
7. Failure or refusal to follow instructions of a duly assigned preceptor including refusal to accept clinical assignment.
8. Use of vile, intemperate or abusive language, or acting in a disrespectful manner to any employee, supervisor, patient, or visitor.
9.  Any disorderly conduct on hospital premises.
10. Creating or contributing to unsanitary conditions.
11. Theft, fraud, or unauthorized use of property belonging to the hospital, patient, or visitor.

 

Clinical Practicum Course Expectations
To successfully complete each clinical practicum course, students must achieve a grade of “pass.”     Details regarding clinical practicum expectations will be detailed in the Student Clinical Practicum Handbook and/or course syllabus.  Briefly speaking, clinical progression will be monitored during each clinical practicum If students are not meeting clinical objectives, they will be placed on Probation.   
 
The student is placed on a 30- day Probationary Status.  During this time the student will continue with the clinical objectives scheduled for that level.   Students will communicate with program faculty and clinical faculty to develop a remediation plan based on their clinical evaluations, clinical faculty feedback and/or program faculty findings.  The plan will include strategies for improvement of clinical performance. 

At the end of the 30-day Probation Status the student’s performance will be re-evaluated by the program faculty. If they are successful, they will resume their clinical practicum at the same level their peers are at. If progress continues to be unsatisfactory, the student will receive an “F” for the course and be dismissed from the program.    

Students may be placed on a second 30-day probation period for additional (newly identified) performance issues.  The process described above would apply for this as well.  Students are granted two (2) probationary periods not to exceed 60 days total.  If additional (newly identified) performance issues continue to occur after a student has been granted (2) probationary periods, the student would be immediately dismissed.

Grading

The following grading system is in effect:

  PERCENTAGE    GRADE    QUALITY POINTS
         93-100         A                  4.00
         90-92           A -                3.75
         87-89           B +                3.50
         83-86           B                   3.00
         80-82           B -                 2.75
          < 80             F                   0

OTHER GRADE DESIGNATIONS:
  P         “Pass-Fail” Courses
  NP       “Pass-Fail” Courses
  PASC  “Pass-Advanced Standing Credit”
  W         Withdrawn Early in Course
  WP       Withdrawn Late, Passing
  WF       Withdrawn Late, Failing
  I          “Incomplete” Excused Absence (Time Limit One Semester)

An incomplete (I) grade is given to a student who is doing passing work in a course, but who makes arrangements with the instructor if, for reasons beyond his/her control, he/she is not able to complete the work on time.  The (I) incomplete grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the instructor and can never extend beyond the end of the following semester.  Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the instructor, results in the assignment of an administrative F (fail) grade for the course.

 

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

Equipment
Ear mold for precordial stethoscope (approximately)                                          $75.00

Books
Required Texts (approximately)                                                                       $1400.00

Other Expenses
Malpractice Insurance (annual) – St. Joseph’s students exempt                       $500.00
Junior AANA membership fee                                                                              $20.00
National Certification Exam fee (subject to change)                                           $700.00

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office at the University Campus. Call 207-283-0170, extension 2342 or by visiting the Financial Aid website.

In order for a student to graduate, the following criteria must be met:

1. Satisfactory completion of all didactic material.
2. Satisfactory completion of clinical experience as required by the school and the Council on Accreditation
   of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.
3. Satisfactory completion of stated UNE School of Nurse Anesthesia behavioral objectives.
4. Completion of twenty-seven actual months in program, exclusive of earned time.
5. All time commitments in the didactic and clinical areas must be satisfied.
6. Evaluations must be completed and signed.
7. All clinical records must be completed and submitted to the Anesthesia School Administrative staff.
8. Completion of the capstone project.
9. All fees must be paid in full.
10. All library books must be returned.
11. A current RN license and ACLS and PALS Certifications must be on file.

Students with Disabilities

The UNE School of Nurse Anesthesia does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment of employment or employment in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status or disabling conditions in violation of federal or state civil rights laws or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2007-2008 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2007.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.