Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists Using High-Fidelity Simulation: Phase III

Abstract

The National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) uses high-fidelity simulation for high-stakes competency assessment as a part of the Reentry Program. Purpose This quality improvement project aimed to develop and validate a simulation scenario and corresponding assessment tool. Methods A modified Delphi method using two expert panels of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) was used to accomplish the aims through a blinded, online survey process. Results All questions regarding simulation scenario and assessment tool content were deemed valid with a mean content validity index (CVI) of 0.977 and 1.0, respectively, for Scenario Design Team 1 (high spinal) and a mean CVI of 0.99 and 0.83, respectively, for Scenario Design Team 2 (pulmonary embolism). Conclusion The results of this project support the use of high-fidelity simulation in high stakes assessment of CRNAs with the NBCRNA’s Reentry Program. Implications Recertification and reentry to practice can be accomplished with objective assessment using standardized, validated, and reliable simulation and assessment tools to determine whether CRNAs are safe to reenter practice. The National Board of Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) uses high-fidelity simulation for high-stakes competency assessment as a part of the Reentry Program. This quality improvement project aimed to develop and validate a simulation scenario and corresponding assessment tool. A modified Delphi method using two expert panels of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) was used to accomplish the aims through a blinded, online survey process. All questions regarding simulation scenario and assessment tool content were deemed valid with a mean content validity index (CVI) of 0.977 and 1.0, respectively, for Scenario Design Team 1 (high spinal) and a mean CVI of 0.99 and 0.83, respectively, for Scenario Design Team 2 (pulmonary embolism). The results of this project support the use of high-fidelity simulation in high stakes assessment of CRNAs with the NBCRNA’s Reentry Program.