Nine student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) from the Clarkson College nurse anesthesia program completed their clinical training in December, marking an important milestone as they transition into their roles as certified registered nurse anesthetists.
“UNMC and Nebraska Medicine provide a strong clinical experience due to the skilled leadership of our anesthesia providers, wide variety of cases and diverse spectrum of patient medical complexity,” said Nicholas Denich, CRNA, director of clinical education. “Our anesthesia students are well prepared to take on whatever they encounter as they begin their careers.”
Five of the nine students who completed their program’s clinical requirements at Nebraska Medicine will soon join the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology as CRNAs.
Graduating students said their experiences with CRNAs and anesthesiologists across the system played a significant role in building their confidence and clinical readiness.
“Training at Nebraska Medicine provided access to a wide variety of surgical cases and exceptional anesthesia providers,” said graduate Stacey Freitas, who will begin her career with Panhandle Anesthesia Associates in Moscow, Idaho. “I feel truly privileged to have completed my clinical training here.”
Several students highlighted the program’s emphasis on autonomy, mentorship and preparation for independent practice.
“UNMC and Nebraska Medicine has been an incredible clinical site,” said Darian Hill, who is joining Anesthesia Associates of Boise. “The CRNAs are dedicated teachers who facilitate your growth throughout the program. The experience here has been invaluable.”
For Grace Mainelli, who will continue at UNMC and Nebraska Medicine, the collaborative environment stood out. “Everyone was patient, supportive and willing to teach,” she said. “I always felt encouraged to ask questions and grow.”
Other graduates reflected on how the clinical site helped them care for medically complex patients. “The CRNAs helped me grow my confidence in caring for complex patients,” said Karly Skipton, who will also join UNMC and Nebraska Medicine.
The December graduates and their future plans include:
- Nicole Allison – Nebraska Medicine, Omaha
- Stacey Freitas – Panhandle Anesthesia Associates, Moscow, Idaho
- Darian Hill – Anesthesia Associates of Boise, Boise, Idaho
- Jerome Nguyen – Phoenix, Arizona
- Grace Mainelli – Nebraska Medicine, Omaha
- Nicole Godwin – Nebraska Medicine, Omaha
- Eric Langan – Nebraska Medicine, Omaha
- Angela Benson – Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Council Bluffs, Iowa
- Karly Skipton – Nebraska Medicine, Omaha
Denich extends his appreciation to the CRNAs and faculty who supported their training and invites the UNMC community to join him in congratulating each graduate.