This past May, the first cohort of Newman University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program began their studies.
This program, designed for registered nurses who wish to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), is led by three faculty members who share their expertise with students.
“I am very excited to be working with Drs. Brent, Strube, and Watson,” said Geri Tyrell, dean of the School of Healthcare Professions. “Each brings with them a vast array of experience and knowledge that is beneficial for the nurse anesthesia students to learn from. Their passion for educating within the profession is wonderful to witness.”
Kimyatta Brent
Kimyatta Brent is director of the DNAP program and got her own start in health care in a critical care unit on the south side of Chicago. That’s where she learned about CRNAs, which eventually led her to become one herself.
After years in the field, what brought her to Newman is the fact that it’s a university steeped in tradition.
“I saw it as an opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. “Where that will take me, I don’t know, but I think it will allow me — since we’re now switching over to the doctoral program — the ability to grow and stretch myself.”
What excites Brent most about her new role is the learning opportunity it presents, since “health care is ever-changing, and we have to pivot and be flexible with that change.
“The recent pandemic showed us that we truly have some areas in health care that are lacking,” she said. “I am proud and glad to say that CRNAs were able to step up in various areas and take it a step further due to our advanced training.”
Brent’s goal for the DNAP program at Newman is to establish more DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) initiatives and continue the tradition of Newman being known for nurse anesthesia and graduating competent, capable CRNAs.
“We want them to be able to step into whatever practice environment they choose,” she said. “I think in this particular area, especially for Kansas and Wichita, there’s a need for [CRNAs].”
Brent looks forward to seeing the first cohort of DNAP students graduate and what the future holds for the program at Newman.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge and thank the previous program director and her assistant for laying the groundwork to make changes to keep the university with the program and elevate it to the doctoral level,” Dr. Brent said. “That’s a lot of hard work, and we appreciate it.”
She added, “[We’re going to] continue on in that vein of excellence.”
Peter Strube
Peter Strube, assistant director of the DNAP program, decided to take the position at Newman because he was “looking for a forever home to finish out my career.”
Strube, a retired lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, sees his role as one in which he can round out his long career of practice in anesthesia.
“I went to a small undergrad college, much the same size as Newman, so when I came and toured and interviewed on campus, it was that same undergrad feeling that I got when I went to my alma mater, which was Luther College in Decorah, Iowa,” Strube explained.
He feels that Newman’s conversion of the nurse anesthesia program into a doctoral program is a great opportunity.
“It really is a magical opportunity to expand the horizon of the nurse anesthesia residents themselves and the relationship with the community,” he said.
Strube feels that with the leadership of Brent and Tyrell, Newman’s DNAP program will become a top-five program in the country. He’s excited to be part of that journey.
Thomas Watson
As clinical director for the DNAP program, Thomas Watson is looking forward to overcoming challenges with fellow nurse anesthesia faculty and staff.
“There will always be challenges, which is why it is important to look forward to the good things as well,” he said. “I like to watch our students grow personally, academically and professionally into strong anesthesia providers that serve Kansas and Oklahoma. Providers that we would want taking care of us if and when we should ever need them.”
What initially interested him in the position at Newman was the chance to shift into academics full time.
“I met with the administration of the university and really felt that it was a place I could fit in very nicely — a place I could stay for a long time,” he said. “The cozy university in a small city that is pretty progressive was definitely a draw. Plus, I fly as a hobby. Wichita being the ‘aviation capital’ might have pushed the decision a little more.”
Watson feels that the academic setting and clinical teaching is the only place where he can get back into the constant immersion of the science in anesthesia.
“I will bring my experience to students of the real world, and they will make sure I stay up to date on the best evidence-based practices out there,” he said.
“In nurse anesthesia, we get to teach working professionals who are choosing to leave pretty good careers as nurses to follow their dreams. A lot of people say they can do it but do not. Our students are doing it. They are a different type of student than what we see in other departments. Therefore, we have very high standards for them, and it is very rewarding to see them reach those standards.”
Explore Newman University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program
The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) program at Newman University has been designed for the baccalaureate-prepared registered nurse who wishes to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
