Student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) are required by the Council on Accreditation to provide anesthetics to a minimum of 30 patients ages 2-12 years and 10 patients younger than 2 years. Pediatric anesthesia can prove to be stressful because children are at higher risk for morbidity and mortality during the perioperative period compared with adults. Simulation allows SRNAs the opportunity to review and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment. The purpose of this project was to provide a high-fidelity pediatric simulation for SRNAs prior to their pediatric rotation to improve skills, knowledge, and self-confidence in the recognition and management/treatment of common pediatric anesthesia complications (airway obstruction, laryngospasm, bronchospasm, and bradycardia). Twenty SRNAs enrolled in a nurse anesthesia program participated in the pediatric anesthesia simulation prior to the start of their pediatric anesthesia rotation. Participants completed surveys at three intervals; presimulation, postsimulation, and at the end of their pediatric rotation that addressed the trainee's perceived self-confidence level and ability to identify and manage/treat common pediatric anesthesia complications. Statistical significance (P < .05) was achieved in the participants overall self-confidence levels in their ability to recognize, treat, and manage common pediatric complications (P = .00) after completion of simulation experience.
Keywords: Confidence; pediatric anesthesia; pediatric complications; simulation; student registered nurse anesthetist.
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