Date of Award
12-2025
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Committee Chair
Dr. Michong Rayborn
Committee Chair School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Committee Member 2
Dr. Nina McLain
Committee Member 2 School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Abstract
Spinal anesthesia, a critical regional anesthetic technique, is frequently administered by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) for a variety of surgical procedures, especially those involving areas below the umbilicus. However, CRNAs' experience with spinal blocks may vary when transitioning to new hospital environments, necessitating continued education and skill assessment. This doctoral project aims to address the knowledge gaps through the development of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) specifically designed for CRNAs.
The OSCE incorporates current best practices and research on spinal anesthesia, offering CRNAs an instructional framework for administering spinal blocks using both traditional landmark techniques and ultrasound guidance. The OSCE provides a platform for potential skill enhancement, allowing CRNAs to refine their knowledge, proficiency, and confidence, ultimately leading to improved patient care and outcomes. This doctoral project highlights the importance of standardized competencies and ongoing education for CRNAs in spinal anesthesia administration. These efforts can benefit patients by reducing postoperative complications and improving recovery outcomes.
An email was sent to local CRNAs requesting participation in reviewing and evaluating the Spinal Anesthesia OSCE utilizing both landmark and ultrasound techniques. The email included informed consent, the OSCE template, and a Qualtrics©survey link. After reviewing the OSCE, participants completed the anonymous survey rating their knowledge and confidence in administering spinal anesthesia using a Five-Point Likert Scale. The survey results indicated that 100% of participants agreed that incorporating this OSCE into continuing education could benefit CRNAs in reviewing spinal anesthesia.
Copyright
Ashley Craven and Marli Gray, December 2025
Recommended Citation
Craven, Ashley and Gray, Marli, "An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for Spinal Anesthesia Utilizing Landmarks and Ultrasound Guidance" (2025). Doctoral Projects. 277.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dnp_capstone/277