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. Douglas Lovern
Committee Chair School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Committee Member 2
Dr. Michong Rayborn
Committee Member 2 School
Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice
Abstract
The fascia iliaca block (FIB) is an effective regional anesthesia technique used in various clinical settings, including operating rooms, emergency departments, and pain management clinics. Despite its advantages in reducing postoperative complications and minimizing opioid use, FIB remains underutilized among Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), primarily due to limited exposure and training. This doctoral project examines the implementation of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as an educational intervention to enhance CRNA proficiency in performing FIB using both ultrasound-guided and landmark techniques.
A pre- and post-test study design was conducted with 18 CRNA participants attending a continuing education workshop. Demographic data, prior knowledge, and confidence levels regarding FIB were assessed through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The OSCE provided structured, hands-on training, followed by a post-test to evaluate knowledge acquisition and skill improvement. Results indicated significant increases in participants’ knowledge and confidence in performing FIB, demonstrating the effectiveness of the OSCE framework. Additionally, qualitative feedback supported the need for continued education and accessibility to structured learning modules in regional anesthesia.
This doctoral project highlights the value of OSCE-based training in bridging educational gaps in regional anesthesia techniques. The findings suggest that integrating OSCEs into CRNA education and continuing education programs can enhance clinical competence, improve patient outcomes, and align with the healthcare industry’s broader goals of safety, efficiency, and patient-centered care. Further research is warranted to explore long-term competency retention and the impact of increased FIB utilization on anesthesia practice and patient outcomes.
Copyright
Braxton T. Beech and Parker F. Rigby, December 2025
Recommended Citation
Beech, Braxton T. and Rigby, Parker F., "The Fascia Iliaca Regional Nerve Block Using Ultrasound and Landmark Technique: An Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Nurse Anesthetists" (2025). Doctoral Projects. 280.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dnp_capstone/280
Included in
Interprofessional Education Commons, Medical Anatomy Commons, Medical Pharmacology Commons, Musculoskeletal, Neural, and Ocular Physiology Commons, Musculoskeletal System Commons, Nervous System Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Perioperative, Operating Room and Surgical Nursing Commons