Candidate Name: Dawn Sebastian
Program: Nurse Anesthesia
Committee Chairs: Drew McGuffin, DNP, MSN, RN; David Langford, PhD, RN, CNE
Committee Members: Lorraine Schoen, DNAP, CRNA; Natalie Gabhart, DNP, CRNA; Shanti Kulkarni, PhD 
Abstract:

The transition from an experienced critical care nurse position to a student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) poses significant challenges such as increased levels of anxiety, stress, and decreased well-being. The benefits of mentorship have documented benefits within the literature, but the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) has no guidelines regarding formalized mentorship programs. A descriptive mixed-methods needs assessment using a convergent parallel design was conducted to evaluate stress levels and perceptions of mentorship among SRNAs that utilized an informal mentorship program at an R1 Nurse Anesthesia Program (NAP) in the Southeastern United States. Quantitative data was collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), while qualitative data was obtained through three-open ended questions exploring perceptions of the current informal mentorship structure and perceived needs for a formal mentorship program. 44 students participated in this needs assessment, with a mean PSS-10 score of 16.5; 67% of students fell within the moderate stress category. Findings indicated strong support for students having a structured mentorship program with biweekly mentor-mentee check-ins, a primer resource document for graduate school, and emphasizing support for first-year students to help reduce stress levels.