Credentialing of SRNAs
SRNAs are expected to assume responsibility for credentialing at each clinical site as an important aspect of their professional development. Credentialing should be initiated with the clinical site at least 60 days prior to the start of each scheduled clinical rotation. Failure to receive full approval of documents for credentialing at a site due to an SRNA’s actions or inaction will result in delay of such rotation, and possible extension of the clinical residency. Clinical sites individually determine the credentialing information required for submission.
Currently, our students maintain all of their credentialing information in a centralized repository, Certified Profile, thru an external vendor. The student will give the credentialing officer access to the documents directly via the electronic service through the use of a secure password. Once access has been granted by the student, the credentialing staff are also able to print the documents, if paper documentation is preferred. No fees are required by the clinical site, nor will the clinical site be required to create their own account to access Certified Profile. All the information housed in Certified Profile is fully validated by the third party vendor.
Students can also fax or email credentialing documents directly to the credentialing office, for those clinical sites that prefer this credentialing method.
Pre-rotation Student Information Packet
Relevant student information will be communicated via-email to the clinical site administrative liaison and clinical coordinator. This electronic information packet includes a student photograph, background professional information, the current stage of nurse anesthesia training, a calendar of on-campus meeting days, approved student vacation (if applicable), and clinical residency competencies. This packet is sent directly from the RFU faculty at least 60 days prior to the start of the student’s clinical rotation.
Communication with the Clinical Site Coordinator
The SRNAs are expected to initiate contact with the clinical site coordinator at least two weeks prior to the start of their clinical rotation via email or other forms of communication to ensure smooth transition into the new environment. Contact information for each clinical site coordinator is posted on the internal program website. Any changes to coordinator information should be sent to the program faculty so the documentation we provide to students is accurate.
Criminal Background Checks
Students complete a background check prior to matriculation and again prior to entry into the clinical training portion of the program. The program director is notified of the results of all background checks. For the purposes of credentialing at each clinical site, students will provide the clinical site with permission to access their criminal background information through the secure vendor.
Each clinical sites reserve the right: (1) to ask for a background check verification, (2) to request additional information related to findings of the background check and (3) to refuse clinical placement of any student based on the results of the background check.
It is the responsibility of the SRNA to communicate any change(s) in the criminal background record to the program administrators as soon as an event occurs. Failure to report this information, which includes all traffic violations, will be grounds for dismissal from the program.
Drug Testing
Drug testing is a mandatory requirement of the nurse anesthesia program. Students who are notified to submit for drug testing must do so within 48 hours of the notification. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program. Drug testing and reporting of results to clinical sites will follow the same protocol as the criminal background check. The SRNAs must provide the clinical site with permission to access their drug test results through the secure vendor. The identification of non-medically related positive drug tests may result in a negative action, up to and including dismissal from the program. Clinical sites may direct a student to submit for a drug test at their discretion. This request should also be communicated to the RFU faculty so that we may follow up on the results obtained outside of the university.