As part of National Mentoring Month, we are proud to highlight our nurse anesthesia mentorship programs, which have significantly contributed to the professional development and success of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). These programs reflect our department’s strong commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and excellence in nurse anesthesia education and practice.
We have long fostered close mentorship relationships with SRNA education and training programs, including the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing’s program. In recent years, our academic affiliations have expanded to include local SRNA programs at La Roche University, Gannon University, and Excela Health Anesthesia School. All CRNAs in our department serve as clinical preceptors, guiding SRNAs as they enter the clinical phase of their training in the second year of their education.
Recognizing the value of mentorship beyond clinical training, in the Spring of 2024 we expanded our efforts by incorporating a department-wide mentorship platform, MentorcliQ, to further support professional growth and collaboration. This initiative includes two distinct programs.
Our CRNA-to-CRNA Peer Mentorship Program pairs experienced CRNAs with their less-experienced peers to foster professional growth and personal development. By sharing clinical knowledge, career insights, and practical guidance, mentors help their mentees navigate the complexities of their roles. The program strengthens clinical competencies, boosts confidence, and promotes a culture of continuous learning and excellence within the CRNA community.
Our CRNA-to-SRNA Mentorship Program provides a structured framework for CRNAs to mentor SRNAs, guiding them through their education and career paths. The program helps SRNAs from the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing to integrate into the nurse anesthesia profession and the UPMC culture, while offering valuable guidance in clinical practice, career development, personal growth, wellness, and interpersonal skills.
"The CRNA-to-CRNA and CRNA-to-SRNA mentorship programs are essential for fostering growth and development within our profession,” says Toni Orsino, CRNA, MBA, our department’s Senior CRNA Director. “These programs create a supportive environment where experienced CRNAs can share their knowledge, insights, and experiences, helping to guide and shape the next generation. By fostering strong mentorship relationships, we not only enhance clinical skills but also promote professional confidence, critical thinking, and collaboration, ensuring that our field continues to thrive and evolve."
Since the program's launch, 82 participants have enrolled, 56 active mentor-mentee pairs successfully formed from the CRNA-SRNA cohort, and mentors have logged a total of 80 hours in the MentorcliQ platform. The MentorcliQ platform features a comprehensive resource library, offering participants access to materials that support effective mentorship and professional development. Popular discussion topics include individual development, wellness, career planning, and interprofessional collaboration.
CRNA-to-SRNA Program Highlights
As part of the CRNA-to-SRNA mentorship program, our department supports personal and professional growth at every stage. Our SRNA Mentorship Workshop for the incoming class of 2026, held in November, is just one example of the many ways we invest in SRNAs. This interactive event introduced students to the mentorship program and provided resources to support their journey. Topics included goal setting, professional relationship-building, and strategies for academic and clinical success.
Building on the significance of mentorship, Tammy L. Nuzzo, MS, CRNA, a mentor and nurse anesthetist at UPMC Shadyside, reflects on her nearly three decades of experience: “The CRNA-to-SRNA mentorship experience is invaluable. Having mentored students for the past 28 years, I can confidently say that this program provides the most collaborative and supportive environment for both CRNAs and SRNAs. The CRNA's expertise helps guide the novice SRNA, offering insights to overcome challenges and avoid potential pitfalls, which boosts confidence and fosters positive relationships with surgical staff. Mentors not only provide professional guidance but also support the mentee in managing personal and professional challenges, nurturing the whole individual. In turn, the SRNA mentee offers the CRNA the opportunity to give back to the profession, strengthening the bond between the school and clinical communities. Through teaching, the CRNA also gains valuable knowledge, creating a continuous learning cycle. We are fortunate to have leadership that fully supports this program.”
The CRNA-to-SRNA mentorship program has also started incorporating subspecialty training opportunities. For example, a new pediatric anesthesiology observership at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh allows SRNAs to gain valuable insights into the role of pediatric CRNAs. This unique program empowers SRNAs to develop critical skills and experience to become leaders in the field and build high-impact careers.
Echoing these sentiments, Julia Dixon-Ernst, CRNA, MS, mentorship program Clinical Coordinator for UPMC Presbyterian, shares how her own journey with the program has come full circle. “Being both a mentee and mentor in the CRNA-to-SRNA mentorship program has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The program creates a collaborative environment where CRNAs can guide and support SRNAs, helping them refine clinical skills and navigate their professional journey. A decade ago, my own mentor played a crucial role in my success, and now, as a mentor, I have the privilege of guiding SRNAs through their clinical training and beyond. Seeing them grow into confident nurse anesthetists is deeply fulfilling, and the program is key to developing the next generation of leaders who will continue to elevate our profession.”
We are excited by the success of these programs and look forward to their continued impact on advancing nurse anesthesia education, collaboration, and excellence. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or mentee, please sign up online for our MentorcliQ Nurse Anesthesia Programs.