Beyond Nursing

Idaho State University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program has completed its first step in training the next generation of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologists (CRNAs), or nurse anesthetists, with the completion of its inaugural year. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses who administer anesthesia and other medications, providing crucial medical care for more than 58 million patients annually. 

For more than 150 years, CRNAs have been serving U.S. patients and providing critical care in areas that may otherwise lack medical access. Nurse anesthetists provide more than 80% of anesthesia care in the U.S., and in some states, they are the only anesthesia professionals in nearly all rural hospitals. Idaho is no different, with over three-quarters of its counties being served solely by CRNAs or receiving no anesthesia care. Housed on its Meridian Health Science Center campus, ISU launched Idaho’s first CRNA training program to address this shortage of anesthesia providers. The program currently accepts about 25 applicants per year, but that number is likely to increase with continued program success. Graduates take the National Certification Exam, with those who pass receiving their CRNA license.

“This three-year, full-time program prepares competent, compassionate CRNAs to serve rural and diverse populations through intensive didactic education, advanced simulation, and extensive clinical training,” said Maria Konen, president of the Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. “By educating future providers locally, ISU helps address Idaho’s anesthesia workforce needs and strengthens long-term access to exceptional care for all Idahoans.”

“We have over 30 clinical sites that these students rotate through throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and even a site in Arizona,” said Shad Westover, program director.

Ranging from rural clinics to metropolitan hospitals, ISU DNAP students can find the critical care niche that suits them. Program faculty facilitate opportunities for their students to learn anesthesia practices for pediatrics, obstetrics, neurology, cardiology, and other specialties. This depth of preparation enables CRNAs to manage patients across the lifespan and efficiently respond to rapidly changing clinical situations, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.

“It’s fun that we get to go to so many clinical sites that are so distant,” said Samantha “Sam” LaFargue, DNAP class president. “A lot of programs have very central sites, and they don’t get a lot of exposure to different ways of doing things.”

Even with the vast career opportunities available to CRNAs across the country, most of the current DNAP students plan to stay within the state after licensure. LaFargue and Elizabeth Wittig, DNAP student and student representative for the Idaho Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, are both East Coast natives who moved to Idaho exclusively to join the DNAP program. Both plan to practice in Idaho after their graduation. 

“Idaho has definitely invested in me by giving me the opportunity to be here, especially as a non-resident,” said Wittig. “It is important to me to give that back.”

With a successful first year under their belt, ISU’s DNAP program is excited to continue growing its staff and facilities. New additions include cutting-edge simulation tools, such as a needle that “punctures” skin using light instead of metal and a lifelike patient-simulation mannequin that responds to student decision making, along with the hiring of two new faculty members. 

“The future of nurse anesthesia practice in Idaho is bright, and we look forward to making a significant positive impact on the health of the region,” said Westover.