In partnership with the Department of Nurse Anesthesia in the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, we proudly hosted the annual Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist (SRNA) Mentorship Workshop for the incoming class of 2026. The event, held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the UPMC Shadyside Herberman Auditorium, drew a strong attendance, with over 90 participants gathering to foster mentorship, professional growth, and academic readiness.
The day began with a warm welcome from Marc Wicker, MSN, CRNA, University of Pittsburgh Physicians System Education Coordinator and UPMC Presbyterian CRNA Education Coordinator, and Lane Sasala, DNP, CRNA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia and a nurse anesthetist at UPMC Presbyterian. Marc and Lane encouraged students to leverage the support network available to them as they embark on their nurse anesthesia journeys and emphasized the program's dedication to mentorship. This opening set a collaborative tone that continued throughout the workshop.
Following the welcome, students and mentors engaged in a series of introductions, providing a foundation for future connections and individualized support. After breakfast, attendees participated in an update session with Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA, Senior CRNA Director, who shared insights into the current state of nurse anesthesia recent developments in the field, and evolving opportunities for CRNAs, as well as the importance of mentorship. This was followed by an impactful session from Lou Rauso, DNAP, CRNA, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, titled "Maximizing the Impact and Value of the Clinical Teaching and Learning Environment." Lou’s session provided strategies for enhancing clinical education and emphasized the importance of creating a supportive learning atmosphere.
An additional highlight of the workshop was the introduction of a new Preceptor Manual by Laura Daley, an SRNA from the program. Designed to support mentors and mentees alike, the manual outlines best practices for clinical teaching and aims to enhance the overall preceptorship experience. A program update was then led by John M. O’Donnell, DrPH, CRNA, Chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, who offered a vision for the future of the program and discussed upcoming advancements and opportunities.
The successful turnout and engaged participation reinforced the value of the mentorship workshop in supporting the next generation of nurse anesthetists.