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KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter Fall 2015

Greetings from the KU Nurse Anesthesia Program!

Congratulations to our 2015 graduates as they begin

their CRNA careers! About two weeks after gradua-

tion, the Class of 2018 began their nurse anesthesia

curriculum and has completed summer semester cours-

es in anatomy and chemistry/physics. The first year

SRNAs will begin simulation training and shadowing

in the OR during fall semester while the second year

SRNAs will complete the advanced beginner phase of

clinical training at the end of fall semester. The senior

class began affiliate rotations in April and is now work-

ing on Capstone projects: it is difficult to believe they

just have two semesters remaining in the program!

A number of changes have occurred in the University

of Kansas School of Health Professions (SHP) administrative personnel. Dr. Karen Miller,

Dean of SHP and Dean of the School of Nursing (SON), retired July 1st. A national search is

underway for two separate Deans, one for SHP and one for SON. Dr. Miller served as Dean of

SON for over two decades and was also Dean of SHP for 17 years. Dr. John Ferraro, Chair of

the Department of Hearing and Speech, has been named interim Dean. Dr. Marge Bott has

been named interim Dean for the School of Nursing. Lou Loescher-Jung, Associate Dean of

SHP, also retired in June. Since SHP will have its own Dean in the future, the Associate Dean

position will no longer exist.

KU Medical Center is quite a construction zone at the present time. A simulation center is be-

ing built in Sudler and the KU Nurse Anesthesia Department hopes to utilize the new space.

The department currently utilizes a state of the art simulation center at Metropolitan Community College in Kansas

City, Mo. In addition, construction has begun on the new Health Education Building on the corner of 39th and Rainbow.

This building will be 100% classroom and simulation space and will include a very wide walkway from Orr Major over

39th. The walkway will be wide enough for restaurants and study areas. The first of four new hospital towers is well

under way on the corner of State Line and 39th. The first tower will house neurosurgery and ENT, including new oper-

ating rooms. The growth at KU Hospital and the Medical Center is phenomenal: it is probably difficult for any gradu-

ates prior to 2000 to envision, but there are now about 60 staff CRNAs at KU Hospital!

Please make plans to attend the second annual fundraiser on October 10th in Kansas City and the tailgate in Lawrence

prior to the September 12th football game. We hope to see you at an alumni event soon!

Donna Nyght, CRNA, DNP

Department Chair

Inside this issue:

Director’s Message 1

Class of 2015 2

Scholarships 2

Mission trip 3

Faculty Spotlight 3

AANA Mid-Year Assembly 4

Welcome Picnic 4

Fundraiser 5

Upcoming Events 6

Contact Information 6

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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Congratulations Norton-Ringle

Scholarship Winners

Fall 2015 KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter

Melissa Albers, Ruth Petros, and Komla Badjalimbe are this years winners of the Norton-Ringle Scholarship. These stu-

dents wish to express gratitude to the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Education Department for selecting them to

receive this award.

Melissa Albers is from Manhattan, Kansas. She and her husband Dave have three beautiful children: Riley, Dillon, and

Reagan. Melissa earned her BS from Kansas State University and then earned her ADN from Hutchinson Community Col-

lege in 2009. She worked in the ICU in both Manhattan and Topeka, KS. Upon graduation, she would like to relocate to a

smaller town or rural location in the Pacific Northwest.

Ruth Petros was born in Eritrea and raised in Ethiopia. She earned her BSN from Union University in Germantown, TN in

2008. She worked in the DC metro area prior to being accepted to the KU Nurse Anesthesia

Program.

Komla Badjalimbe is originally from Togo, a small West African country. He has lived in the United States for almost 14

years. He and his wife have a beautiful daughter named Madelyn. He earned his BSN from Mid-America Nazarene Uni-

versity in 2010. He worked at SMMC and OPRMC prior to being accepted into the KU Nurse Anesthesia Program. He

hopes to become a faculty member so he can educate and mentor students.

The class of 2015 participated in commencement exercises and celebrated with graduation ceremonies in May. This was the first

KU class to earn the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Festivities included the Hooding Ceremony, the School of Health Profes-

sions Recognition Ceremony, and the “walk down the hill” in Lawrence. The 21 graduates have obtained jobs in the states of

Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Washington.

Front Row: (Left to Right) Jenny Hermes, Nicole Hofmann, Crystal Craig, Meagan Aurandt, Paige Pasternak, Ja-

mie Seller Middle Row: Steven Freier, Bryce Uhl, Kayla Larsen, Kerri Helm, Maria Oles, Ariana King, Vanessa

Jackson Back Row: Stacy Hackler, Benjamin Baker, Marissa Fahrbach, Nicholas Linderer, Reed Tenney, Isaac

Russell, Emily Covington, Sigismund Njogopa

Melissa Albers and Family Ruth Petros and Family Komla Badjalimbe and Family

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Dr. Paul Bennetts, CRNA, PhD, has been named one of

the Top 20 Outstanding Professors of Nurse Anesthesia by

Nurse Practitioner Schools. Dr. Bennetts is currently an

instructor of didactic courses in advanced physiology, the-

ory and research, regional anesthesia and pain manage-

ment, evidence-based practice and senior-level nurse an-

esthesia theory. His primary clinical responsibility is in

teaching cardiothoracic anesthesia in the Center for Ad-

vanced Heart Care at The University of Kansas Hospital.

Paul Bennetts named one of Top 20 Outstanding Professors

Fall 2015 KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter

Mission Trip to Guatemala

June 20-28, 2015, marked the 6th annual medical mission trip to Antigua, Guatemala, for the University of Kansas Nurse Anesthesia Educa-

tion Program. The medical mission trip was in collaboration with the Medical Missions Foundation and participants from KU included

Donna Nyght, CRNA, Alissa Blau, CRNA, Dr. Terry Chaffee, Komla Badjalimbe, SRNA and Zack Waldron, SRNA. The eight-day trip was

an invaluable and rewarding experience.

The first day was spent performing preoperative anesthetic evaluations on all of the patients for the week. Some patients walked for miles in

the hope of being seen and having surgery. The next five days were spent in the operating rooms at Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro

where anesthesia providers worked as part of a team with surgeons (ENT, urology, & general) and registered nurses to complete 108 surger-

ies! Other volunteers of the team included: medical students, college students interested in health care careers, an IT team from Cerner, phar-

macists, an art team, interpreters, and an audiology team who saw 154 patients in clinic and were able to provide 134 hearing aids.

This year’s trip was an overwhelming success. The first surgical day involved 37 cases; a new record for the trip! The students, under super-

vision of volunteer certified nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists, were allowed to perform general and regional anesthesia techniques for

individuals of all ages. With language barriers, supply shortages, and older and unfamiliar anesthesia equipment, the SRNAs faced signifi-

cant obstacles during the trip. They learned to adapt to the environment while providing the safest care possible; acquiring priceless experi-

ence to be used throughout their careers. The SRNAs also enjoyed working with the nursing staff from Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro,

who were great resources and assisted the MMF team in handling any issues that arose. After a day of recovering from surgery, patients had

to find their own means of transportation back to their homes For some individuals that meant walking for miles, but they were still grateful

and appreciative of the care. It was amazing to witness the entire MMF team collaborate to provide great care for many Guatemalans. Komla

and Zack are extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the 2015 Antigua, Guatemala, trip! More information, including

a blog and video, can be found at www.mmfworld.org.

Dr. Chaffey, Alissa, Zack, Komla, and Donna Zack providing anesthesia Komla showing off his spinal skills

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Fall 2015 KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter

AANA Mid-Year Assembly This year’s AANA Mid-Year Assembly was held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in

Arlington, VA on April 18-22, 2015. CRNAs and SRNAs from across the United

States congregated in the nation’s capital in record breaking numbers. The event con-

sisted of current legislative affairs relevant to CRNAs, supporting the CRNA Political

Action Committee (PAC), and rallying at Capitol Hill.

KANA supported four students to attend this conference including Angelique Davis,

Maegan Kinkelaar, and Alex Doyle, senior students at the University of Kansas, and

Shannon Vance, a senior student at Newman University.

The first day of the AANA Mid-Year Assembly educated attendees on current legis-

lative topics relevant to CRNA future practice. On Sunday April 19th, the day began

with the AANA President’s Report where President Sharon Pearce gave a motivating

speech about the importance of involvement in advocacy for CRNAs and their prac-

tice. Sharon Pearce encouraged students to continue their participation in professional

organizations and quoted former AANA President Linda Williams, “SRNAs may be

10% of our membership, but 100% of our future.” Bruce Weiner then presented the

AANA Treasurer’s Report. Katherine Baicker addressed issues that impact CRNA

practice and Amy Showalter provided education on the rules of persuasive advocacy.

Frank Purcell led multiple sessions on understanding CRNA policy issues and com-

municating CRNA issues on the Hill. The evening concluded with a silent auction

social event while spending time networking with CRNAs and SRNAs at the PAC event.

On Monday, April 20th, attendees had the honor of meeting with candidates running for the AANA board after hearing their

speeches regarding their platform for candidacy. The afternoon session consisted of regional breakouts where legislative updates

were presented by each state. Hearing the updates from our neighboring states was enlightening as some states have different

issues regarding CRNAs and their practice.

On Tuesday, April 21st 2015 approximately 1,000 CRNAs and SRNAs marched to Capitol Hill to rally for the profession of

nurse anesthesia. As the crowd gathered on the west lawn, AANA President Sharon Pearce made an inspiring speech. All in

attendance felt her passion for the issues that face nurse anesthesia today. Rallying on Capitol Hill gave each CRNA and SRNA

motivation to meet with their State Representatives and Senators. The goal in each meeting was to strengthen relationships and

provide education on current and ever evolving practice. During these meetings each person expressed their gratitude for the

ending of HR 2 and the continued support of Title VIII funding. Title VIII funding helps support nurse anesthesia workforce

development due to the rising demand for healthcare services. Also discussed was the growing elderly population and the im-

portance of APRNs’ and CRNAs’ ability to respond to the demands of rural Kansas. There was a strong voice of advocacy to

make the language of the VHA handbook concurrent with every day practice. Each Senator and Representative was asked to

consider the growing demands of veteran care and the importance of delivering safe, high quality, and cost effective care. The

advocacy for CRNAs was prevalent throughout Mid-Year Assembly and will forever be ingrained into our hearts and minds.

Every person the SRNAs met throughout this experience were great role models and mentors to students across the nation. The

students will forever be indebted to the KANA board for their generosity and unwavering support. The KANA board members

took all involved under their wings to show how to be successful in advocating for this profession at the state and national level.

The student’s look forward to continuing their involvement in organizations and someday becoming leaders to future students.

Annual Picnic to Welcome Class of 2018

Each year the KU Nurse Anesthesia Department

hosts a picnic for all of the nurse anesthesia stu-

dents and nurse anesthesia faculty members. This

year, the picnic took place at Shawnee Mission

Park. The picnic allows the incoming class the

opportunity to socialize with faculty and meet

students from the various classes.

Left to right: Angelique Davis, Mae-

gan Kinkelaar, Alex Doyle, & AANA

President Sharon Pearce

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KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter Fall 2015

Club 1000

1000 Broadway, Kansas City, MO

Time: 7:00-11:00 pm

Tickets: $65.00/person

Faculty and students will host the second annual fundraiser to benefit students in the KUMC Nurse Anesthesia Program. All proceeds

will go directly to students and will help to support mission trips, educational travel expenses, scholarships, and more.

The event will feature unlimited food, beverages (non-alcoholic & alcoholic), parking, games, and an incredible silent auction. To pur-

chase tickets, register online and pay by credit card online or pay at the door. Please note the number of tickets and names of people

attending.

To buy tickets online:

http://bit.ly/SRNAevent

Cash, Check, or Credit Cards accepted at the door. Please go through the above website to register your attendance and select

“Pay at Door” option

To make a tax deductible donation to the Nurse Anesthesia Department please visit:

www.na.kumc.edu

Click on alumni info & events

Click on KU endowment

If you cannot attend but would like to donate or give an item to the silent auction, please contact the Nurse Anesthesia Education office

at 913-588-6612.

Thanks for your continued support of our program and we hope to see you there! Rock Chalk!

Second Annual Nurse Anesthesia Fundraiser

Saturday, October 10, 2015

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Alumni Tailgate KU vs. Memphis

September 12th, 2015, on the hill in Lawrence, Kansas

Tailgate 3:00 PM/game 6:00 PM

66th Annual KU Postgraduate Symposium on

Anesthesiology

KU Nurse Anesthesia department sponsors a lunch at the Symposium each year for Program alumni

April 1-3, 2016, at the Westin Crown Center Hotel in Kansas City

http://www.westincrowncenterkansascity.com/

UPCOMING EVENTS

KU Nurse Anesthesia Education

Mail Stop 2020

3901 Rainbow Boulevard

Kansas City, KS 66160

KU Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Newsletter Fall 2015

Visit us at

www.na.kumc.edu

OR

Find us on Facebook

on the KU Nurse Anesthesia page

Alumni Scholarship

Thank you for all of your support to establish the Endowed Alumni Scholarship. The required endowment

of $30,000 was achieved in 2014 A scholarship committee will determine the recipient of the award. Your

continued donations are crucial to student and program success, so please donate to the endowed scholar-

ship fund or the general program endowment fund to support student travel and other expenses. You can

donate on our alumni page, www.na.kumc.edu/alumni.html. Click on Make a Gift and indicate that the do-

nation is for the scholarship fund or the general fund. Or you can contact Peggy Person with KU Endow-

ment at 913-588-5441 or pperson@KUEndowment.org. Thank you for your donations!