Experts in their fields, Cedar Crest College’s DNP graduates are entering the health care world at a time when knowledgeable nursing leaders are needed more than ever before. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. DNP-prepared clinicians can critically appraise and integrate research findings into clinical practice, health policy development and patient care protocols.
The BSN-DNP is offered for Cedar Crest students in the Nurse Anesthesia, Family Nurse Practitioner and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks. The Adult-Gerontology and Family Nurse specializations both launched in Fall 2017, while the Nurse Anesthesia specialization launched in Fall 2018. All the members of the DNP Class of 2021 were enrolled in the Nurse Anesthesia Program.
“As we build on the strong tradition of nursing excellence in the Lehigh Valley with almost five decades of baccalaureate nursing education, it is fitting that the first doctoral degree conferred at Cedar Crest College will be from the School of Nursing,” says School of Nursing Dean Wendy Robb, Ph.D. “The Nurse Anesthesia Program is the only doctoral program specializing in the preparation of nurse anesthetists in the Lehigh Valley. The School of Nursing remains committed to meeting the health care needs of the community and beyond through the preparation of advanced practitioners at the highest level.”
Each of the graduates completed scholarly DNP projects, focusing on best practices for patient safety, communication and collaboration in the nurse anesthesia field. The DNP students shared their projects with the Cedar Crest community on Thursday, April 15.
On Friday, May 14, the inaugural class of nine Doctor of Nursing Practice students walked at the College’s 151st Commencement exercises. The College celebrated Commencement at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown in two ceremonies held over two days. Friday’s ceremony honored all School of Nursing graduates and students from all other graduate programs. Up to five guests per graduate were invited to celebrate the Class of 2021 and their achievements in person. The ceremonies were also livestreamed for those not in attendance. The DNP students will officially graduate on August 16 —receiving the first-ever doctoral degrees conferred by the College.
Graduates and their DNP Scholarly Projects
Implementation of a Simulation Based Educational Module to Reduce Perioperative Complications in Obese Patients
Joel Butala, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Drums, PA
Andrew Hornick, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Allentown, PA
Efficacy of a Multimedia Educational Module on Best Practices of Anesthesia Patient Safety for Neuromuscular Blockade
Daniel Byorick, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Naticoke, PA
Anthony Hernandez, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Allentown, PA
John Matthew Lohman, MBA, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Robesonia, PA
Hakeem Sanou, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Upper Darby, PA
Interprofessional Collaboration and Communication: A Module on Effective Communication Between a Preceptor and Student
Jeremiah Davidson, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Telford, PA
Christopher Elion, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, of Doylestown, PA
Kelley Flanley, BSN, RN, PHRN, SRNA, of Allentown, PA
To learn more about graduate nursing programs at Cedar Crest College, visit www.cedarcrest.edu/sage/msn/