In-person DNP Clinical Skills Intensives Resume at ASTEC
Chris Herring, DNP, CRNA, demonstrates lumbar puncture techniques to Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) students at ASTEC. The ACAGNP clinicians use this technique to collect samples of cerebral spinal fluid to assist in the diagnosis of diseases of the neurological system.
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) students recently attended the first in-person Clinical Skills Intensive (CSI) for their specialty since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The training, which was held at the Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center (ASTEC), is an essential part of their training to manage patients with acute illnesses. The training is a requirement to apply for credentials post-graduation.
According to Shu Fen Wung, PhD, MS, RN, ACNP-BC, FAAN, interim coordinator for the AGACNP specialty at the University of Arizona College of Nursing, the three-day CSI included instruction in suturing, knot tying, lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion, thoracentesis/paracentesis, cardiac ultrasound, basic airway management and intubation. “The students enjoyed being on campus to connect with faculty and their peers,” said Dr. Wung. "The staff at ASTEC have been wonderful in facilitating all our learning and teaching needs in a safe environment.”
Prior to the pandemic, DNP students from all specialties would attend CSI training in-person; after COVID-19 restrictions, all such sessions have been virtual. “Our faculty and the ASTEC staff planned these activities in a way to promote best learning, while keeping all faculty, students and staff safe,” said Dr. Wung.
Jaron Allen Hubele, left, and Katie Pon Rambo practice thoracentesis – a procedure where a needle is inserted through the chest wall to remove fluid or air from around the lungs.
AGACNP student Chelsea Jo Cannon practices suturing during the intensive clinical skills training at ASTEC.
Students practice chest tube insertion during intensive clinical skills training at ASTEC.
Courtney Bartlett, DNP, AGACNP, instructs students on thoracentesis/paracentesis.
AGACNP student Katie Pon Rambo, in gray scrubs, watches as another student practices inserting a chest tube. This training is required for graduates to apply for credentials post-graduation.
Chris Herring, DNP, CRNA, demonstrates techniques used for a lumbar puncture... “While CRNA's do not routinely perform this technique for diagnostic reasons, the approach is very similar to the placement of neuraxial blocks which we use for analgesia,” said Dr. Herring.
Joe DeBoe, DNP, ACMPC-AG, CCRN, right, talks with Dean Ida Moore, PhD, RN, FAAN, and David Trinidad, DNP, during the first in-person AGACNP clinical skills intensive to be held at ASTEC since the pandemic.
AGACNP students and faculty were together for the first time in-person since the pandemic began for the AGACNP clinical skills intensive, held at ASTEC.