Wilmington University, in partnership with ChristianaCare and with the support of Anesthesia Services, P.A. (ASPA), is proud to announce the establishment of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University. This groundbreaking initiative marks Delaware’s first and only nurse anesthesiology program, set to deliver an innovative, full-time, 36-month curriculum. Upon completion, graduates will earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, positioning them to take the National Certification Exam and become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
Nurse Anesthetists, also known as CRNAs, are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who play a vital role in healthcare. They are responsible for administering anesthesia and providing comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after a variety of medical procedures, including surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, and obstetrical interventions.
Comprehensive DNP Program for Aspiring CRNAs
This rigorous 36-month program is meticulously designed to culminate in a DNP degree, ensuring graduates are exceptionally well-prepared to successfully undertake the National Certification Exam and embark on their careers as CRNAs. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical training, providing students with over 2,000 hours of practical experience in high-acuity settings across a broad spectrum of surgical specialties. This invaluable experience is facilitated through strategic partnerships with ChristianaCare, ASPA – the largest anesthesia group in Delaware – and other leading healthcare organizations in the region.
Students will have access to state-of-the-art simulation labs to hone their clinical skills and refine their decision-making abilities. The program’s diverse clinical settings, coupled with a curriculum led by seasoned practitioners and educators, seamlessly integrates anesthesiology-specific coursework with advanced nursing practice. This comprehensive approach guarantees that graduates are not only clinically proficient but also adept at addressing the evolving challenges within clinical practice and the wider healthcare system.
ChristianaCare and Wilmington University: Leading the Way in Healthcare Education
“We are helping to develop the next generation of health care experts who will serve our community with high-quality, safe care,” states Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, CEO of ChristianaCare, emphasizing the program’s crucial role in community health.
“Wilmington University is thrilled to collaborate with ChristianaCare and ASPA in launching this transformative program,” remarks Wilmington University President LaVerne Harmon, Ed.D. “Our commitment to a caring, student-centered environment is at the heart of this initiative, prioritizing both academic excellence and the personal growth of our students.”
President Harmon further emphasizes, “While this program directly addresses the critical demand for anesthesiology professionals in Delaware, our equal focus is on nurturing an environment where each student can thrive and evolve into a compassionate and highly skilled leader within the dynamic healthcare landscape.”
Addressing the Growing Demand for Nurse Anesthetists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an impressive 38% growth in nurse anesthetist employment by 2032, underscoring the escalating need for these specialized healthcare professionals.
“ChristianaCare is proud to join forces with Wilmington University and ASPA in this essential program, directly responding to Delaware’s increasing need for highly qualified CRNAs,” affirms Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare, highlighting the program’s timeliness and relevance. “By delivering advanced training and education in anesthesiology services under the umbrella of the Christiana Care Health Services Program initiatives, we are actively shaping the future of healthcare by empowering experts dedicated to delivering exceptional and safe patient care within our community.”
The Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University is currently undergoing Capability Review and is actively pursuing initial accreditation from the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). It is important to note that student enrollment will commence only after initial accreditation has been officially granted. For further information regarding accreditation, please contact the COA directly:
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906
Rosemont, IL 60018
Phone: 224-275-9130
Email: [email protected]
www.coacrna.org
Bridging the Healthcare Gap in Delaware and Beyond
The projected 38% growth in nurse anesthetist employment, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2022 to 2032, is fueled by the rising demand for healthcare services, particularly elective surgeries. Delaware’s healthcare system is facing similar pressures, compounded by a shortage of both anesthesiologists and CRNAs, with a significant portion of the existing workforce nearing retirement age.
Neighboring Pennsylvania, despite having 15 nurse anesthesiology programs, is unable to accommodate all qualified applicants, further exacerbating the regional shortage. The Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University is strategically designed to directly address this gap, providing crucial local training to meet the escalating workforce demands within Delaware and the surrounding areas.
“With a strong emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, our graduates will be exceptionally prepared to deliver outstanding anesthesiology services across diverse healthcare environments,” emphasizes Wilmington University Vice President of Academic Affairs Denise Wells, Ed.D., MSN, RN, articulating the program’s commitment to quality and patient care. “This collaborative effort is focused on developing a robust local pipeline of highly skilled registered nurses who are ready to advance their careers as CRNAs, significantly contributing to Delaware’s healthcare workforce and the broader region.”
“Wilmington University and christiana care health services program partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to community health,” adds President Harmon. “We are proud to partner with ChristianaCare and ASPA to launch this transformative program.”
ASPA’s Commitment to Advancing Anesthesia Care
“Anesthesia Services, P.A. has been at the forefront of anesthesia care delivery innovation in Delaware for the past 37 years,” states ASPA Board Chair Li Maceda, M.D., MBA. “This collaborative partnership with ChristianaCare and Wilmington University allows us to synergize our collective expertise and resources to educate the next generation of anesthesia providers for the communities we serve. It underscores our deep commitment to investing in the future advancement of perioperative care.”
Dr. Jacqueline Mainwaring, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, has been appointed as the inaugural director of the Delaware Nurse Anesthesiology Program at ChristianaCare and Wilmington University.
“I am excited to lead this groundbreaking initiative, offering critical care nurses in our state a unique opportunity to advance their careers and become leaders in anesthesiology care,” shares Mainwaring, who also holds the position of associate professor. “Our unwavering commitment is to cultivate a high-quality program that ensures our graduates are thoroughly prepared to excel in today’s complex healthcare arena.”
“This program is not only a direct response to the shortage of anesthesiology professionals in Delaware and the region but also a commitment to fostering a learning environment that prioritizes student well-being, clinical excellence, and seamless interprofessional collaboration.”
