| Program directors in nurse anesthesia educational programs were surveyed to determine their perceptions regarding the initiative to transition the degree level of nurse anesthesia education from master's to a clinical doctorate. Proponents indicated a desire to move forward with the initiative. Program directors were aware that approximately 50% of schools of anesthesia exist within the university in disciplines other than nursing, and that the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) had no control over these programs. Concerns ranged from fear of programs closing due to inability to offer the degree, lack of qualified CRNA faculty, the impact on the future applicant pool, and concern that the AACN would supersede the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists/Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs as the accrediting body for nurse anesthesia education. Concerns included resistance and presumed reaction of other healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, toward the initiative. |
