If you are an alumni and would like to send a "testimonial" (a few sentences about how Pitt has prepared you for your current job or the advantages of attending here), Email it to me.  I will add your name and graduation year.  If you would like to include your current employer or location, a photo, and/or an Email link for others to contact you, please include that information. 
You may remove your information at any time by contacting us.

Sent February 24, 2010 to John O'Donnell by a graduate of the December 2009 class.......posted 5/10 

"Hey John,
I had my first intraop code since graduation today at work.  I wanted to take this opportunity to quickly reflect and let you know how beneficial ACLT Simulation prepared me for today.  I was able to quickly identify the problem, notify all members of the team, call for help, treat the symptoms, and differentially diagnose the underlying issue.  I think the most valuable lesson obtained from ACLT was the ability to step back and "direct" while taking in the whole picture.  This is key in smaller institutions with limited support. All members of the team were kept involved and the patient was able to be resuscitated without sequelae.  I know you already know how valuable these exercises are, but feel free to show continued support from past graduates such as myself.  Their focus and communicating ability while keeping a calm, but controlled demeanor can literally be the difference between life or death.  Again, please feel free to share as necessary.  Hope all is well."

Sincerely,
Chris Lyons CRNA, MSN
Class of 2009 - Fall

 

I found the regional simulation workshop well organized with relevant didactic content as well as thorough practical instruction concerning airway anatomy, management and topicalization, Spinal and Epidural anatomy and recognition of complications, and familiarization with common instruments and kits for such procedures. The senior students and instructors involved in the workshop were all very well prepared to present on their sections, and I benefited greatly from the experience.

Nowhere was this more evident than on my first day as a second-year SRNA in the clinical setting. I was assigned two Total Knee Arthroplasty cases with planned regional and spinal anesthesia in conjunction with MAC sedation. The preparation I received in the regional workshop helped me to perform the spinals calmly, quickly and professionally, leading to successful placement in both patients. As a senior student, I look forward to assisting with future regional workshops!
Shawn Brown RN, BSN
Class of 2010 - Fall   posted 8/09

 

    Excerpt from a letter received by  the Program July 26, 2008 from six of our alumni who are currently serving in Iraq.              posted 10/08 
 
click picture to view larger

Three of these soldiers are UPP employees and clinical instructors in our program:  Kurt Kline, Brian Keller and John Jones.  Bill Teskey formerly taught in our program and Scott Pearson is our clinical coordinator at Connemaugh.


"..........For the current and future students of the University of Pittsburgh we all agree that the education we have received from the University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia program is second to none.  However, saying that we also realize that hard work, perseverance, and motivation go a long way.  We truly believe that we, as military CRNAs, have one of the most important jobs bestowed onto us, taking care of the men and woman of the United States Armed Forces.  The lessons in hard work, perseverance, and dedication carried over from “Pitt” are the standards we hold ourselves to on a daily basis.  There are going to be good days and there are going to be bad days, you win some you lose some, but always remember nothing in life worth fighting for is ever easy.  Hard work does pay off and your patients are trusting you with their greatest possession, their life.  They, as patients, turn to you in a time of need.   You owe it to them to be the best that you can be 100% of the time......    

Best of luck to all the students and remember you get out what you put in.  Thanks again John and all University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program Faculty."

Respectfully,

Jason Trudell, CRNA, MSN   --  Class of 2006
Brian Keller, CRNA, MSN  --  Class of 2006
John Jones, CRNA, MSN  --  Class of 2001
Scott Pearson, CRNA, MSN --  Class of 2005
Kurt Kline, CRNA, MSN  --  Class of 2004
Bill Teskey, CRNA, MSN  --  Class of 2002

View Full Letter

 

I was amazed at how supportive the faculty was in helping me throughout the program. They are friendly and truly do want you to excel in your training. There were a number of great opportunities I participated in during my training with the encouragement of the faculty that were an asset to enhancing my education; publishing, community outreach projects, state and national lobbying, scholarships, national conferences, teaching, simulation events, serving on committees, and volunteer anesthesia. The training is very rigorous and busy but throughout the program you realize what a quality program it is and why it is consistently ranked in the top 10 nurse anesthesia schools in the country. You will be amazed about how much information you did not know and how much you can learn. As you approach graduation you realize how prepared and confident you are to excel as a nurse anesthetist.
Scott Pearson RN, BSN, GRNA
Class of 2005   posted 1/05

 

I appreciate the dedicated staff at Pitt and the clinical site staff. All the staff has a broad knowledge base and are willing to help the student. The simulation lab realistically prepares the student and is quite helpful. I also entertain the option of obtaining a minor in education. This helps to broaden my knowledge base and abilities. 
Greig Williams, RN, BSN
Class of 2004     posted 1/03

 

"I personally realized the quality of the University of Pittsburgh’s Nurse Anesthesia program when my personal life met with some difficulties. The Staff made sure I had every opportunity to complete classroom work and take care of my personal needs. My classmates were also very supportive. I have come to appreciate the exceptional collection of people in the Staff and my Classmates."
Matt Nypaver, RN, BSN
Class of 2003     posted 1/02

 

"The University of Pittsburgh's Nurse Anesthesia program has allowed me to become more confident in my skills as a health care provider and has expanded my knowledge of nursing and medicine by leaps and bounds. You will never learn so much in such a short time as when you are in the Anesthesia Program and one realizes that the information learned is all needed to succeed in the profession you are about to enter. The many and varied clinical rotations prepare you to step into your career as a CRNA upon graduation. We rotate to a different clinical site every three months and there can be no better job preparation than changing 'routines' so often. New people, different OR layouts, new views on how to do cases, different equipment, different paperwork, and new attitudes teach you to be a team player, along with giving you the confidence and skills to practice anesthesia in any part of the country upon graduation."
Jason Karenbauer, RN, BSN
Class of 2002     posted 1/02

 

Read a 
Letter to Prospective Applicants 
from a former student
PDF format

"I think one of the most impressive parts of the program is the fact that we work with and learn from so many renown practitioners. It's a little eerie to go to clinical and realize that you are working with the author of one of your books or are discussing a concept with it's creator, or to hear a lecture from someone who is the nationally acclaimed leader of what they do. We learn from the best!"
Becky Stoudt, RN, BSN
Class of 2002     posted 1/02

 

"I go home everyday fairly exhausted, but I feel completely confident that I am receiving the best didactic and clinical education available to anesthesia students across the nation, and perhaps around the world.  My motivation is knowing that if I can cut it here, I can make it anywhere."   
Aaron Ostrowski, RN, BSN    
Class of 2001  posted 7/00

 

"Pitt has the best Nurse Anesthesia Program in the country!!"
Freddie Caldwell, CRNA, MSN   
Class of 1998  posted 10/00