Date of Award
Spring 5-5-2026
Document Type
Graduate Capstone
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Kerry Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, CFMNP
Abstract
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAS) in the clinical setting are the primary providers of clinical education for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs). CRNAs receive minimal education in adult learning theory, and excellent clinical practice does not necessarily translate to excellent precepting. Preceptors who have received education in the clinical educator role can improve the clinical experience and student learning for SRNAs. This scholarly project utilized an existing clinical educator curriculum and evaluated its effect on CRNA precepting practices. The literature review yielded three examples of preceptor workshops for CRNAs: two in-person and one online. This project utilized an online clinical educator curriculum, “Becoming a Clinical Educator,” designed by the UltraCare Institute for Higher Learning. Pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by CRNAs and evaluated to assess the impact of this program. The surveys addressed aspects of confidence with precepting techniques and knowledge-based questions. Additionally, SRNAs were surveyed to ensure the education did not detrimentally impact their clinical experience. After the education, CRNAs exhibited greater confidence as preceptors. Seven of the fourteen confidence measures demonstrated significant improvement at an enhanced confidence level of 99.64%. Four additional measures suggested improved confidence at a 95% confidence level. The measures with the greatest improvement were related to establishing a safe and conducive clinical learning environment, evaluating SRNA progress, distinguishing between formative and summative evaluations, and providing constructive feedback. There was a 2% change in scores for the knowledge-related questions, which did not reach the level of significance. Lastly, there was no significant change to the SRNA experience. Completing the Becoming a Clinical Educator curriculum had a positive impact on CRNA preceptor confidence. Encouraging the completion of curriculum for CRNA preceptors can increase confidence and comfort level with precepting, leading to a more positive clinical experience for SRNAs.
Recommended Citation
Goodell, Caitlyn, "Teach the Teacher: Implementing a Preceptor Development Program for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists" (2026). Theses & Dissertations. 1.
https://metroworks.metrostate.edu/etds/1