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Student Mentorship Workshop Welcomes Future SRNAs Into the Clinical Arena

"Department members sit at crowded tables having conversations"
The workshop drew an enthusiastic and diverse audience of SRNAs and CRNAs.
"Dr. Laurel Miner and Valerie Sabo from the Pitt Nurse Anesthesia Program welcomed attendees at the check-in table."
Dr. Laurel Miner and Valerie Sabo from the Pitt Nurse Anesthesia Program welcomed attendees at the check-in table.

In collaboration with John M. O'Donnell, DrPH, CRNA, and faculty in the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program, we cohosted a Student Mentorship Workshop on November 4, 2023 at UPMC Shadyside. This gathering marked the commencement of the student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) class of 2025's journey into the clinical arena, fostering a spirit of mentorship, teamwork, and knowledge sharing.

At the heart of the event was the unique pairing of each student with a mentor, enabling them to engage in collaborative exercises designed to promote growth and mutual support. The day was further enriched by participation from prominent figures in the field of nurse anesthesia. Marc A. Wicker, MSN, CRNA, nurse anesthetist at UPMC Presbyterian and UPP System Education Coordinator, served as the workshop host. Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA, Senior CRNA Director in our department, delivered her invaluable insights. John M. O'Donnell, DrPH, CRNA, Chair of the Department of Nurse Anesthesia and Director of the Pitt Nurse Anesthesia Program, delivered program updates. The event also featured a presentation by Laurel Anderson Miner, PhD, CRNA, who serves as the Assistant Program Director and Vice Chair of Administration in the Pitt Department of Nurse Anesthesia.

"Department members pose for a group photo"
L to R: Derek Reckard, MSN, CRNA (Assistant Director, UPMC Presbyterian); Melissa Dupilka, MSN, CRNA (Assistant Director, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh); Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA (Senior CRNA Director, UPMC Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine); Kirsten Radaker, MSN, CRNA (Assistant Director, UPMC Mercy); Danielle Meholic, DNAP, CRNA (Director, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital); Terri Sluganski, CRNA (Director, UPMC Mercy); Dale Fleck, MSN, CRNA (Director, UPMC Presbyterian); Rachel Cellurale, MSN, CRNA (Assistant Director, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital); Bob Lorah, MSN, CRNA (Director, UPMC Shadyside).

The Student Mentorship Workshop exceeded all expectations, drawing an enthusiastic and diverse crowd of SRNAs and CRNAs, including the wholehearted participation of many of our CRNA Site Clinical Directors. Thank you to Heather Blake and Marc Wicker for their invaluable contributions to the planning and execution of this program as well as Drs. John O’ Donnell, Laurel Miner, and Bettina Dixon. We also express our heartfelt thanks to all the faculty of the Pitt Nurse Anesthesia Program for their unwavering commitment to the next generation of CRNAs.

"Department members pose in a group for a photo with purple and silver balloons in the background"
L to R: John M. O'Donnell, DrPH, CRNA; Laurel Anderson Miner, PhD, CRNA; Toni Orsino, MBA, CRNA; Dale Fleck, MSN, CRNA

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