Upon completion of the DNP degree, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate readiness to enter clinical practice via specialty competencies with the appropriate scientific knowledge, and considerations for its application to practice.
• Apply ethical principles along with the standards of professional conduct to clinical care, research, and education.
• Evaluate emerging healthcare systems and policies that influence the delivery of cost-effective patient care.
• Generate entry-level practice scholarship by completing a clinical practice improvement project based on the principles of improvement science.
• Model interprofessional communication and collaboration to improve individual and/or population health outcomes.
• Identify and address gaps in professional knowledge through ongoing reflection to support the principle of life-long learning.

The 36-month program of study is rigorous and highly clinically focused. In the first year, students receive a firm foundation in basic anesthesia science and weekly laboratory sessions in our state-of-the-art clinical simulation center. The second year incorporates clinical rotations designed to expose the student to various anesthesia experiences. Students will also complete a scholarly project during this time. The third year is designed to be a clinical immersion with experiences that include a broad range of practice settings and specialty practice.

Upon completion of the OHSU Nurse Anesthesia Program, the graduate will also be able to:

• Deliver safe and culturally competent anesthesia care to patients of all ages and physical conditions.
• Develop and implement anesthesia management throughout the peri-anesthetic continuum using various current anesthesia techniques, agents and equipment.
• Apply knowledge to practice in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence.
•  Interact professionally with integrity using appropriate verbal, nonverbal and written communication in the delivery of perianesthetic care.

DNP student learning outcomes (applies to all Post-Master’s DNP and all APRN specialties)

1. Demonstrate readiness to enter clinical practice via specialty competencies with the appropriate scientific knowledge, and considerations for its application to practice.
2. Apply ethical principles and professional conduct standards to clinical care, research, and education.
3. Evaluate emerging healthcare system policies policy that influences the delivery of cost-effective patient care.
4. Generate entry-level practice scholarly completion of a clinical practice improvement project based on the principles of improvement science.
5. Model interprofessional communication and collaboration to improve individual population health outcomes.
6. Identify and address gaps in professional knowledge through ongoing reflection to support the principle of life-long learning.

Nurse Anesthesia Program student learning outcomes

1. Exhibit and appraise safe, vigilant care to patients across the lifespan, emphasizing continual quality improvement throughout the peri-anesthetic period.
2. Provide patient-centered, culturally sensitive peri-anesthetic care based upon the performance of a systematic assessment of the patient’s condition and formulation of a comprehensive anesthesia plan.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking throughout the peri-anesthetic period, emphasizing the anticipation of and response to varying clinical conditions.
4. Facilitate collaborative relationships with patients, families, healthcare partners, and the community to promote effective communication of information and enhance patient safety.    
5. Conduct a systematic evaluation of evidence from current scientific literature as a basis for informed nurse anesthesia practice.
6. Display a commitment to professionalism by exemplifying personal integrity, adherence to ethical standards, humility, accountability and compassion in all professional activities.