The APN-A profession and interprofessional collaboration

Purpose of Project: In dental offices, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) also known as advanced practice nurses in anesthesia (APN-A) in New Jersey are permitted to work under the supervision of a physician. By fostering a healthy interprofessional relationship with a New Jersey dental school, when policies are adapted in favor of independent APN-A practice in the state of New Jersey, the participating dental students may be more likely to employ APN-As in their professional practice after graduation. Methodology: This prospective study used quantitative, correlation data to determine if an educational exposition presented to dental students in the form of a PowerPoint presentation, as well as training and education on advanced airway skills and assessments, increase acceptance and confidence in the APN-A. Pre-intervention and post-intervention surveys were completed. Results: A total of 88 dental school students completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. A paired-samples t-test was conducted to compare summary total score at pre- and post-intervention. There was a significant difference on survey questions pre-intervention (M = 3.41, SD = 0.51) and post-intervention (M = 4.33, SD = 0.47). Implications for Practice: In the state of New Jersey, regulations limiting the types of anesthesia APN-As can administer in a physician-supervised office setting continue to be upheld. With the current scope of practice of APN-As in dental offices in New Jersey, it is not economically beneficial for dental offices to employ APN-As, as they would need to employ physician anesthesiologist as well. By fostering healthy interdisciplinary relationships with a New Jersey dental school, when policies are amended in favor of independent APN-A practice in the state of New Jersey, the participating dental students will utilize APN-As in their professional practice after graduation with alacrity. Thus, APN-As will be able to provide more cost-effective anesthesia care to the patient in dental offices.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference