Students Lead Nursing Facility Tour for PA Legislators

Representatives from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate toured the state-of-the-art nursing simulation labs at The University of Scranton and met with students and professors of the Jesuit school’s graduate nurse anesthetist program. The September visit was part of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA) Lobby Day.

 “It was a journey that truly showcased the exceptional education happening right here in NEPA,” wrote state Senator Marty Flynn of the visit in his Instagram account. “Our tour was made even more special as CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) walked us through the cutting-edge spaces and shared their expertise. It’s moments like these that remind us of the incredible impact education can have on our community and beyond.”

Joining state Senator Flynn for the tour were state Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, Jim Haddock and Kyle J. Mullins. Staff members from the offices of state Reps. Bridget M. Kosierowski and Kyle Donahue and state Sen. Lisa Baker also attended.

Nurse anesthetist graduate students leading the tour were Aaron J Crowell, Plains; Brandon Perrotte, Allison Park; Nelson Ramos, New York, New York; and Meghan Visalli, Scranton.

The representatives also met with Victoria Castellanos, Ph.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies, which houses the University’s nurse anesthetist program; Julie Schumacher Cohen, assistant vice president of community engagement and government affairs; and nursing faculty members Ann Culp, D.N.P.; Teresa Conte Ph.D.; Mary Jane DiMattio, Ph.D.; Susan Elczyna, Ph.D.; and Tracy Murray.

Scranton’s Nurse Anesthesia Program is a full-time, rigorous and comprehensive 36-month program, which prepares registered nurses to become Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists.