Texas Wesleyan University

The applicant must be a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who holds current Certification/Re-certification recognition from the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists.

Applicants meeting the following criteria will be evaluated for admission to the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia.

1. A baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited college or university
2. Official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities
3. To be considered for acceptance, an applicant must meet two of the following four criteria:
   1. Combined total GRE score in verbal and quantitative sections of 1000 or greater. Applicants are required to complete the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. Minimum scores are subject to change upon revision to graduate admissions tests
   2. A overall GPA of 3.0 or greater (all college/university coursework)
   3. A GPA of 3.0 or greater for the last 60 hours of university/college coursework
   4. A GPA of 3.0 or greater for all science coursework (a minimum science GPA of 2.5 is required for consideration regardless of the other GPAs or GRE scores)
4. Licensure as a registered professional nurse (R.N.) in one of the fifty states; License must be unrestricted, free from probation, suspension, or stipulations
5. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who holds current Certification/Recertification recognition from the Council on Certification/Recertification.

Applicants meeting the following criteria will be evaluated for admission to Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia.

1. A baccalaureate degree from a fully accredited college or university
2. An official copy of the GRE (the University's institution code is 6828) and official copies of all university/college transcripts.
3. Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse (R.N.) in one of the fifty states. Appropriate state licensure is also required for Phase II clinical site assignments. Applicants that are in drug rehabilitation program, have an R.N. license that is restricted, probated, or encumbered in any way will not be considered for admission unitl all programs/issues have been completed or totally resolved.
4. A minimum of one calendar year of full-time current experience as an R.N. in an intensive care patient setting (within 3 years of admission). The minimum one-year experience must be complete by February 1st of the year the student wishes to enter the program.
   1. Preferably adult ICU
   2. Pediatric ICU also meets requirements
   3. Master's Program in Nurse Anesthesia 1 53
   4. Two or more years is strongly recommended.
   5. Emergency Room and PACU experience do not meet the work experience requirement.
   6. Documentation of experience may be required.
5. Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
6. Current Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification
7. To be considered consideration for acceptance, an applicant must meet two of the following four criteria:
   1. Combined total GRE score in verbal and quantitative sections of 1000 or greater. Applicants are required to complete the Analytical Writing section of the GRE. Minimum scores are subject to change upon revision to graduate admissions tests
   2. A overall GPA of 3.0 or greater (all college/university coursework)
   3. A GPA of 3.0 or greater for the last 60 hours of university/college coursework.
   4. A GPA of 3.0 or greater for all science coursework (a minimum science GPA of 2.5 is required for consideration regardless of the other GPAs or GRE scores).
8. CCRN recognition is encouraged for first time applicants and required for reapplication.
9. All applicants who have previously attended and did not complete another nurse anesthesia program must submit a letter of reference from their prior program director on program/university letterhead.
10. College level Chemistry course within 3 years of admission.
11. A background check will be required before beginning the program. GRE testing is scheduled to change effective August 2011 after the publication of this graduate catalog. Therefore, GRE requirements are subject to change after that date. Please check the GPNA web page at www.txwes.edu/nurseanesthesia for changes in the GRE requirements. Applicants that have taken the GRE prior to the implementation date of the new GRE testing AND who apply for the classes starting August 2011, 2012, and 2013 will be able to use their GRE scores under the current system. Applicants that take the GRE after the implementation of the new system will be evaluated using the new scoring system. All applicants applying for the starting class in 2014 will be evaluated on the new GRE testing system. This change will be in place for the MSNA and MHS applicants.

1. Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia application checklist with a $50 non-refundable application fee payable to Texas Wesleyan University.
2. Official copy of the GRE. The University's institution code is 6828. Combined total GRE score in verbal and quantitative sections of 1000 or greater. All sections of the GRE must be completed and submitted to the GPNA as part of the application
3. An official transcript from each college/university attended. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia from the college/university to be considered official.
4. References: one each from a physician, supervisor, and academic instructor. Reference Form (pdf)
5. Verification of a current RN license
6. A copy of the ACLS, PALS and, if applicable, CCRN certifications.

Texas Wesleyan 154 University

Applicants are encouraged to submit their application materials beginning June 1st of the year preceding admission. Complete applications must be received in the GPNA office no later than November 15th of the year prior to planned enrollment to be eligible for consideration for fall admission.

Texas Wesleyan University
Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536

International applicants should refer to the section titled "Admission of International Students" in this catalog and contact the Office of International Programs for an International Student Application Packet.

Office of International Programs
Texas Wesleyan University
1201 Wesleyan Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76105-1536, USA

Telephone 817-531-5858
E-mail: 1world@txwes.edu

It is the individual applicant's responsibility to insure that his/her application, including all required documentation, has been received by the Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia prior to the application deadline. No application will be processed without valid nursing licensure.

Applications that are incomplete at the application deadline date will not be considered.

Interviews are conducted either on campus in Fort Worth or at select primary clinical training sites. Some of the primary clinical sites wish to participate in the interviews of the students who will train at their facility. Therefore, the applicant may need to participate in more than one interview during the selection process. Clinical sites that wish to interview their own applicants are identified on the program application form.

Total enrollment in the nurse anesthesia programs is limited. Therefore, all applicants who meet minimum requirements for admission may not be selected for an interview or to the program for the particular year in which the applicant wishes to enter. The admission of each class will be based upon the "best qualified" as determined by the Admissions Committee. Selection will be based upon the following criteria:

1. Personal interview* in which the applicant demonstrates critical care knowledge, skills, and abilities
2. Work experience
3. Grade point average
4. GRE score
5. References that rate professional performance as excellent or above average
6. Medical questionnaire/certification form demonstrating applicant's good mental and physical health.
7. Completed application form
8. ACLS and PALS
9. CCRN certification (if not previously submitted)

* All positions are filled on a competitive basis. Therefore, all applicants that meet minimum admission requirements may not be granted an interview.

Master's Program in Nurse Anesthesia

Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant as determined by the Admissions Committee. All decisions by this committee are final and not subject to appeal.

Outstanding candidates may qualify for early acceptance.

The Graduate Program does not work on a "waiting list" system. If you are not selected for the year that you originally applied, you must submit the following to reapply for the next year:

1. Letter of intent and summary of your experiences
2. Reference from a supervisor (on our reference form)
3. Official transcripts from colleges/universities that you may have attended since applying to our program
4. CCRN certification (if applicable).

You do not have to complete a new application or submit an additional application fee.

After acceptance into the M.S.N.A. program, all students will be given instructions on how to complete a required background check. The background check must be completed using the system put in place by the program between the date of the acceptance letter and July 1st of the year the student is scheduled to start the program. All students may be required to complete and pass a background check at the completion of Phase I to meet the requirements of clinical training facilities. The cost of the background checks is the students' responsibility. Students who do not pass a background check may be denied entry into the program or entry into Phase II of the program which will result in dismissal from the program.

Candidates for the Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia (M.S.N.A.) must complete all Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia courses. No courses may be transferred into the University. Candidates for the Master of Health Science may transfer 15 credit hours with approval of the Director, Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia.

Rights of Applicants

1. The applicant has the right to expect honesty from the program and the program's publications.
2. The applicant has the right to expect fair and equal evaluation and consideration when applying for a position in the program.

Environmental Exposure

The evidence that trace anesthetic gases are harmful is at present suggestive rather than conclusive. A cause and effect relationship between occupational exposure and the adverse reproductive outcomes, such as spontaneous abortions, has not been firmly established.
Source: Understanding Anesthesia Equipment, Dorsch and Dorsch,2008.

Upon entering Phase I and immediately prior to Phase II, a physical examination is required to include a TB test or chest x-ray. Additional documentation of various immunizations or titers prior to starting clinical training will required prior to starting Phase II including:

1. Tetanus/Diphtheria (one dose within 10 years of starting the program)
2. TB test or Chest X-ray (within one year of starting the program and during the summer immediately prior to starting Phase II)
3. MMR (x2) – Mumps/Measles/Rubella
4. Varicella Titer
5. Poliomyelitis
6. Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B (A complete series or proof of immunity is encouraged prior to beginning direct patient care)
7. TDaP – Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis inoculations are required for all students training at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California.
8. Bacterial Meningitis – students who plan on living in the dormitory on campus must obtain this vaccination a least 10 days prior to moving on campus. This applies to distance education students planning on staying on campus during their two-week stay.

For more information, see the amended Sections 2.09 and 2.09a of the Texas Education code and the Texas Board of Health rules including the revisions adopted July 20, 1991, or call the Texas Department of Health. Immunization Division, 800/252-9152.

Texas Wesleyan University and Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or registrant in the course of study because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. Students will be assessed on an individual basis in relation to their ability to meet the didactic and clinical requirements of the curriculum.

Texas Wesleyan University and the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding its students with disabilities. It is the policy of Texas Wesleyan University that no student shall be denied access to or participation in the services, programs, and activities of the University solely on the basis of his or her disability. However, all students must be able to perform all of the didactic and clinical requirements of the curriculum as well as the physical competency standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

The tuition and fees for a full-time graduate student are set by Texas Wesleyan University and can be found in the Expenses section of this catalog.

A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required 21 days from receipt of the official acceptance letter for admission. This deposit will be used to cover the cost of background checks and drug screening; the remainder will be applied to the first semester tuition.

The following approximate amounts are in addition to Texas Wesleyan University's tuition/fees:

Most costs are estimates and are subject to change without written notice.

The student is responsible for all blocks, supplies, and equipment as required by instructors.

Beginning with the class starting August 2009, each student will be required to purchase, as part of his/her school supplies, a laptop computer. The computer will be used for all didactic and some clinical aspects of the program including on-line testing. This computer must be brought to class on test dates and at other times required by the instructor. The student must have access to a computer (the one mentioned above should meet this requirement) that will provide e-mail, Internet access and a printer. Class syllabi, notes and testing will be provided/conducted on-line. Accessing and printing class material is the students' responsibility. Phase II class material will include on-line testing and communication with the University. The student will be required to check their course web site at least weekly. Lecture back-up streaming video is available only with highspeed Internet access.

If another computer is used for home purposes, the computer should be less than three years old, use Windows XP or newer operating system and run newer versions of Microsoft Office. All material is posted in Windows compatible format; MAC users are responsible for their own compatibility issues. The University's resources are limited and should not be viewed as a mechanism to resolve MAC compatibility issues.

The RRNA is provided with operating room attire during clinical instruction in both Phase I and Phase II. RRNAs must provide a white lab coat.

Most students will be required to rotate to enrichment health care facilities to meet all clinical requirements for graduation. Rotations may be local to or distant from the student's primary site. If a student rotates to a distant site, all costs including transportation, licensure, and housing may be the student's responsibility. Rotations to enrichment sites may be up to four months in length (total time) during Phase II and the student is encouraged to budget accordingly.

The term "RRNA" (Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetist) refers to a student enrolled in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia. RRNA appears to be a more acceptable term than "student" when in a patient care setting. The term "student" may be substituted at clinical training sites where a conflict over terms exists.

Associate membership in the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists is required. Attendance at locally held meetings is STRONGLY recommended and may be required.

The student has the right to:

1. Expect quality, appropriate education
2. Be represented in the educational process
3. Be regarded as a professional member of the health care community
4. Receive fair, objective, confidential evaluations
5. Exercise due process of appeal

In addition, the RRNA has the responsibility to:

1. Demonstrate a professional manner at all times
2. Adhere to regulations and policies as set forth in the policy manuals and student handbook of Texas Wesleyan University and affiliating clinical settings.

Professionalism includes, but is not necessarily limited to the following. The RRNA demonstrates:

1. Courtesy
2. Honesty
3. Punctuality
4. Enthusiasm
5. Appropriate Language/Communication skills
6. Positive Attitude
7. Personal Cleanliness/Grooming
8. Analytical/Evaluation Skills
9. Willingness to Follow Instructions
10. Willingness to Learn/Work Hard
11. Proper Wearing of Operating Room Attire
12. Vigilance/Awareness
13. Organization/Neatness of Anesthesia Area

Failure to meet professionalism objectives may result in termination from the program.

The student's time commitment is approximately 64 hours during a seven-day week. This may vary from week-to-week and clinical site-to-clinical site. This time commitment includes study time. One hour of classroom time generates two hours or more of study time. The clinical day, on average, involves 10 to 12 hours in the hospital.

Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia exceeds the general requirements as set forth by the Council on Accreditation as stated in the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs/Schools. Each RRNA is required to complete a minimum of 650 cases and 16 months of clinical training. The RRNAs level of preparation is a factor in determining case assignments.

The graduate program at Texas Wesleyan University requires a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for graduation.

A course grade of "B" is required in the following courses:

A course grade of less than "B" in the above courses will result in dismissal from the program.

A course grade of less than "C" in any course will result in dismissal from the program.

No more than a total of two course grades of "C" will be acceptable.

A grade of no less than "B" will be accepted in a course that is repeated.

A grade is assigned for each Phase II Clinical Practicum.

Readmitted Students

It is the intent and hope of the administration of the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia that all students are successful in their attempt to complete the program. However, history tells us that this is not the case and that we have, on average, an approximate 12% - 15% attrition rate during Phase I of the program. Students who are unsuccessful on their first attempt at completing Phase I are eligible to request readmission to the program. Those selected for readmission are given the opportunity to repeat the entire first year. To start the process, the unsuccessful student must submit a written request for readmission to and receive approval to reinterview from the Program Director. If the student's failure to complete Phase I is due to academic performance, the student must also obtain approval from the instructor(s) in which grades less than "B" were made. Once approval for the reinterview has been granted, the student will be assigned a date and time to reinterview with the program's Admissions Committee. The decision to readmit a student is that of the Admissions Committee. All committee decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

Once a student has been readmitted, he/she will take all of the Phase I courses with the exception of the fall semester Professional Aspects course, and, the spring semester Research course – providing that the student had previously passed these courses, the student must attend all program courses. For all courses that the student received the grade of "B" or higher, the student must agree to maintain the same course average or better. For all courses in which the student did not receive the grade of "B" or higher, the student must obtain a course grade of at least a "B". The readmitted student agreeing to the grade statements will sign a contract. The student will be assessed the current tuition and fees for each course that is being repeated if the student failed to achieve a grade of "B" or higher during the first attempt. The student will be assessed the current audit fees for each repeated course in which the student achieved a grade of "B" or higher during the first attempt. The success rate for repeating students is high.

Readmitted students are not guaranteed a specific clinical training location. Clinical assignments will be made based upon clinical site availability and will be made no earlier than the end of the spring semester.

All students readmitted into Phase I must agree to the terms and conditions identified in the Readmitted Students Policy stated above.

Students dismissed from the program during Phase II will not be considered for readmission.

Graduate Student of Nurse Anesthesia Code of Conduct

Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia at Texas Wesleyan University is a community of faculty, clinical instructors, support staff, and students involved in teaching, clinical training, and learning. Students are members of this community for the period of their registration in the program and as such assume the responsibilities that such registration entails. This program is dedicated to providing a quality comprehensive academic and technical education and considers the students as colleagues in the learning process. Nurse Anesthesia students are adults who are responsible for their own actions and who should be free to pursue their educational objectives in an environment that promotes learning and protects the integrity of academic process. The standards are designed to foster that environment.

The Code of Conduct defines standards of student behavior during their enrollment in Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia and should be seen as a supplement to the Academic Integrity Policy in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Catalog and the Code of Student Conduct in the Texas Wesleyan University Student Handbook. Disciplinary procedures are detailed in the Student Handbook. Clinical students will also be held to the standards of professional conduct defined by their licensure and clinical facility.

Graduate students are responsible for becoming familiar with the information included in the Texas Wesleyan Graduate Catalog, the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia Handbook of Didactic and Clinical Practice and Procedures, and the Texas Wesleyan University Student Handbook. These references will be issued during orientation with the Student Code of Conduct and receipt will be verified by student signature. Should conflict arise from the reference material, The Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia Handbook of Didactic and Clinical Practice and Procedures shall take precedence.

The Program Director may place a student in Phase I on probation for failure to comply with any Professionalism Objectives. The terms and length of the probation is at the discretion of the Program Director.

An RRNA may be placed on probation during Phase II if the student's performance is judged by the hospital Anesthesia clinical faculty to be unsatisfactory. Probationary status is the decision of the Clinical Evaluation Committee (CEC), which will determine the specific objectives a student must meet in order to successfully complete the probationary period. The length of the probationary period is at the discretion of the CEC. Students who are unable to achieve probation objectives within the time allowed by the CEC are subject to dismissal from the program.

AN RRNA IS SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY PROBATION IF AT ANY TIME THE STUDENT'S CONDUCT IS DOCUMENTED AS "UNBECOMING TO A PROFESSIONAL." However, a student is not entitled to a probationary period prior to dismissal if the University's program director determines that immediate dismissal is warranted based on the nature of the student's conduct. The Professionalism Objectives are outlined in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia Handbook of Didactic and Clinical Practice and Procedures.

An RRNA is subject to immediate dismissal from Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia if at any time the student's conduct is documented as "unbecoming to a professional."

An RRNA may be dismissed from Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia for failure to:

1. Satisfactorily complete Phase I within the allotted time frame as outlined in the program's curriculum
2. Meet minimum grade requirements
3. Meet any Phase I or Phase II probation objectives
4. Meet professionalism objectives
5. Comply with hospital policies and procedures
6. Fulfill clinical expectations
7. Provide for patient safety

Patient safety is a primary consideration for continuation in the program. Therefore, an RRNA may be dismissed from the program following a single documented incident where patient safety is severely compromised. Based on the circumstances of the incident, the hospital Anesthesia clinical faculty may bypass the probationary process. When such an event occurs, dismissal from the clinical training site is at the discretion of the hospital Anesthesia Director of the Anesthesia Department or designee. Dismissal from the program is at the discretion of the University's program director or designee.

RRNAs shall adhere to affiliated hospital or clinic rules, regulations, policies, and procedures at all times during the period of instruction. The hospital or clinic may terminate an RRNA for flagrant or repeated violations of rules, regulations, policies, or procedures. The hospital reserves the right to take immediate action to remove an RRNA from the clinical setting when necessary to maintain the operation of its facilities free from interruption and/or to insure patient safety. The hospital and/or the hospital Anesthesia Department reserves the right to refuse to provide training to any RRNA.

If an RRNA is terminated from a hospital or clinical site for any reason, the student is subject to dismissal from the program. Texas Wesleyan University is not responsible for placing the student at an alternative clinical site once dismissed from the program.

Students dismissed from the program will be informed in writing.

Additional grounds for probation or dismissal from the program may be included in the Texas Wesleyan University Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia Handbook of Didactic and Clinical Practice and Procedures.

Texas Wesleyan University contracts with each clinical facility to provide clinical training to the students. Additional avenues for student dismissal may be included in the individual contracts. Where discrepancies exist between this manual and the contract, the contract has precedence.

Appeal of academic or performance probation or dismissal will be managed according to the program's policies and guidelines. All other student related matters are governed by the University's Student Handbook and the Graduate Catalog in effect at the time the student entered the program. Any student wishing to use the appeals process regarding an academic or performance issue, including hospital or clinical probation or other CEC sanctions, must notify the University's Director of the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia in writing within 30 days of official notification of the action in question. All decisions of the program director related to clinical probation, CEC determinations, or a student's dismissal from the program are final and may not be appealed.

Students retain the right to file a written student complaint with the Provost Office according to the procedure provided in this Graduate Catalog. However, the Provost Office cannot make any determination regarding competency or clinical performance.

Students must notify the Director of the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia in writing if a leave of absence becomes necessary. Documentation for the need of the leave of absence may be required for approval. Granting of the leave of absence is at the discretion of the Director. Regardless of the length of the leave of absence, the student must submit a written request for reinstatement to the Director. Documentation supporting the student's request for reinstatement may be required for approval. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the Director.

During Phase I, the student must conform to policies set by Texas Wesleyan University (see Class Attendance in this catalog). During Phase II, a request for leave of absence is subject to approval by the Director. If the student is on probation or otherwise not in good standing in the program at the time the leave of absence is requested, the leave of absence may be denied. The Director will set the conditions required for reinstatement into training. At the discretions of the Director, these conditions may include requiring the reinstated student to review, retake, or audit selected didactic courses.

Return to Phase II clinical training is contingent upon willingness of a clinical site to accept the reinstated student. A leave of absence in excess of the student's allowed vacation time may result in an extension of clinical training for the student to meet program completion requirements. Reinstatement into the program following a leave of absence in excess of six months may require the student to repeat all of Phase II training. Reinstatement into the program following a leave of absence in excess of one year may require the student to repeat some or all of Phase I coursework. All students required to repeat Phase I of the program upon reinstatement do so as a readmitted student and are subject to the Readmitted Student policy as published in this catalog. Regardless of the length of absence, the student must demonstrate the clinical and academic proficiency expected of a graduate nurse anesthesia student, as determined by the program and clinical staff, before the student will be allowed to officially complete the program and become eligible to take the National Board on Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists' National Certification Examination to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Students will have their leave of absence revoked and will be terminated from the program when their leave of absence extends to 18 months.

Texas Wesleyan class attendance policy states that regular and punctual attendance at all scheduled classes is expected of all students.

University regulations authorize necessary absences with the instructor's prior approval. Unauthorized absences may be excused when caused by illness or other emergencies and should be reported as soon as possible to the instructor and school office. At the discretion of the Director or Assistant Director, any student taking an unauthorized sick day may be required to provide a physician's excuse. The student is responsible for all class assignments missed because of absences.

During Phase I, when a student has a number of unauthorized absences equal to the number of hours the class meets per week, the instructor of the class may drop the student from the class roll. A student dropped by the instructor for excessive unauthorized absences will receive the grade of "DP" (dropped).

A student may be reinstated in the class with the consent of the instructor and the Director of the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia. A student who has been absent from any regular examination and has satisfied the instructor that the absence was due to serious illness or other unavoidable cause may take a special examination at the discretion of the instructor concerned.

Each RRNA is allowed 16 "absent days" during Phase II. From this 16-day allotment the RRNA subtracts her/his sick and vacation days. Absence from a clinical class will be counted as a sick/vacation day. If 16 days is exceeded, then the RRNA may be held past graduation on a day-for-day payback basis. Individual cases involving unusual circumstances may be taken under consideration by the Program Director.

During Phase I, there are appropriate semester/summer session breaks, and these are recognized as vacation time. For Phase II, please refer to the section concerning "Sick Leave."

Transportation to and from the hospital/university is to be provided at the student's own expense.

Each student must be in good physical and mental health, may not have any communicable disease when involved in patient care, and must have a medical questionnaire and physician's certificate on file at the University with proof of tuberculin testing and immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and rubella and all items listed in the Medical Requirement section of the Graduate Catalog.

If any student contracts a communicable disease, the student shall notify the Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director of the program as soon as possible after learning of same and shall be suspended immediately and indefinitely from the program until such time as the student is no longer infected with any communicable disease.

During Phase I, students are advised to purchase their own health insurance as the University provides only minimal health care. During Phase II, students must provide their own health insurance. Proof of coverage will be required. Failure to provide proof of health insurance will result in the removal of the student from the clinical area until proof is provided.

The student is not an employee of the University or the hospital where the clinical training is provided. The student is not covered by Workman's Compensation insurance and must use her/his individual health insurance to cover training related injuries (e.g. needle sticks, lifting injuries, etc.).

Although it is not recommended, students may be employed during their enrollment with the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia as long as there is no conflict in time between employment and program responsibilities. RRNAs may not work the shift prior to anesthesia-committed time during Phase II. Under no circumstance may an RRNA be employed to practice anesthesia in either title or function.

Phase I begins each fall at Texas Wesleyan University and is completed the following August. During this period, students earn 40 graduate credit hours. In order to begin Phase II of the program, students must complete Phase I within 12 months of the beginning of their course work. A student must have completed a minimum of 40 semester hours of work (Phase I) with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) overall grade point average.

The Graduate Program of Nurse Anesthesia offers two different, COA approved, long distance education options.

Option 1:

Students assigned to Primary Clinical Sites outside of the Fort Worth-Dallas metropolitan area may have the option to take Phase I Spring and Summer courses at some assigned Primary Clinical Sites. This option requires permission of the Program Director and the Primary Clinical Site. Classes that are held at Texas Wesleyan are broadcast over video teleconferencing equipment. The broadcast is interactive (2-way audio and video). Arrangements are made to proctor tests at the distant site. A minimum number of 2-3 students per site must choose this option in order for it to be implemented at a particular clinical site. A Long Distance Fee of $80 per credit hour is charged (subject to change without notice). All students that choose this option are required to take Fall Semester courses on the Wesleyan campus in Fort Worth. If you are interested in this option, contact the Program Director or Admissions Coordinator.

Option 2:

As of June 15, 2004, the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia was approved by the COA to offer the entire didactic curriculum via the interactive video system to select primary training facilities at sites distant to the Fort Worth area. To participate in this option, the site chosen must be on the list of sites selected by the Program Director to offer this option. A minimum number of 2-3 students per site must choose this option in order for it to be implemented at a particular clinical site. A Long Distance Fee of $80 per credit hour is charged (subject to change without notice). Students selected to participate in this option must attend classes on campus in Fort Worth for the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters. If you are interested in this option, contact the Program Director or Admissions Coordinator.

Upon completion of Phase I, students must immediately enter Phase II. This phase of the program lasts approximately 16 months. During this time, the student's learning is built upon the material covered during the first phase of the program and is primarily a clinical practicum. The student also returns to the classroom on a weekly basis for clinically related study. Phase II consists of the actual administration of general and regional anesthesia with qualified clinical instructors (anesthesiologists and/or CRNAs). Clinical Didactic courses are taught every clinical semester and cover topics related to advanced anesthesia practice. A grade of "B" must be achieved in each Clinical Didactic class. Hospital specific classroom sessions are provided to the student at their clinical site and consist of clinical conferences; journal club; and seminars dealing with current topics including, but not necessarily limited to, respiratory, cardiovascular, thoracic, neuro, regional, obstetrical, pediatric, and special areas of anesthesia. Various special projects and competency examinations are administered throughout this phase.

At the end of Phase II, the graduate receives a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia, a certificate in anesthesia, and becomes eligible to take the National Certifying Examination for Nurse Anesthetists given by the Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists. A graduate successfully completing this exam is awarded the title of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (C.R.N.A.).

Requirements for graduation with a Master of Science in Nurse Anesthesia and an anesthesia certificate from Phase II include satisfactory completion of:

1. All case and course requirements
2. A professional paper
3. All written and oral examinations
4. All financial obligations to the program
5. All published program requirements

The responsibility of the Graduate Programs of Nurse Anesthesia is to provide for each resident those learning opportunities that stimulate critical thinking, communication, valuing, aesthetics, professional development, independent judgment, and clinical skills.

Each RRNA will complete anesthesia care plans for her/his patients. Forms are provided.

Each patient assigned to an RRNA will be visited pre-operatively by the RRNA. A reasonable attempt should be made to see the patient the day prior to scheduled surgery.

Each patient anesthetized by an RRNA will be visited postoperatively by the RRNA. A reasonable attempt should be made to see the patient the day after the surgery. If approved by the clinical site, telephone calls are an acceptable alternative for outpatients.