April 7, 2022

Student Spotlight: Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice candidate Nicholas Evon completes clinical rotation in Upper Peninsula

Q: Last month, you were the first-ever WSU student to do a clinical rotation at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. How did that come to be?

A: When DNAP Program Director Mary Walczyk told us that Aspirus Keweenaw was a potential clinical site, I immediately showed my interest in going up there as soon as possible — even though it was still winter.

Q: What sorts of responsibilities did you have during the rotation?

A: Like with many other rural hospitals, CRNAs are the sole anesthesia providers in this community. This rotation provided me a robust amount of autonomy with regards to pre-operative screening, anesthetic plan development and execution, as well as post-operative management.

Q: What was your main takeaway from the experience?

A:  The biggest lesson I learned was to always have a plan B and C. As an independent provider, one must be prepared for a wide array of adverse clinical possibilities, with safe, sound backup plans to ensure patient safety.

Q: How did you spend your time away from work while you were there?

A: Cross-country and downhill skiing.

Q: How do you think this experience differed from doing a rotation in metro Detroit?

A: Independent practice as an anesthesia provider.

Q: What drew you to WSU Applebaum’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program?

A: The tremendous clinical opportunities and strong reputation of the program.

Q: What's next for you?

A: I graduate in August 2022 and have accepted a job at Beaumont Royal Oak.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself or this rotation?

A: This was truly an awesome rotation. I am happy to have pioneered this site for future students to experience.

Interested in being featured in an upcoming Q&A? Submit your own details for Student Spotlight consideration by filling out our brief form.

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About us

WSU Applebaum’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program is led by exceptional faculty and clinical instructors dedicated to the profession and the teaching of students using state-of-the-art teaching facility and anesthesia classrooms. The DNAP degree is 36 months, designed to offer registered nurses an advanced education and full scope of practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Graduates will also meet the requirements for the National Certification Examination. Learn more about the application process and make plans to attend a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.

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