In 2005, Penn Nursing became the first Ivy League University to offer a nurse anesthesia degree, and in 2016, it became the first school in the Delaware Valley to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice for Nurse Anesthetists (DNP-NA) degree. Lori Ann Winner worked with the former director to develop the curriculum.

Nothing brings me more satisfaction than shaping the future and practice of nurse anesthesia.

Education

  • PhD, University of Pennsylvania, 2020
  • MSN, Temple University, 2004
  • BSN, Villanova University, 1996

Innovation

Dr. Winner incorporates clinical application exercises into her physiology and anesthesia principles content. Her clinical fieldwork courses incorporate simulation modules, both online high-fidelity exercises, and moral/ethical scenario exercises, as well as scientific manuscript writing for publication.

Social Justice

Dr. Winner expects every member of our classrooms to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture. Dimensions of diversity can include sex, race, age, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual orientation, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style. The individual intersection of these experiences and characteristics is valued in our classroom.

Students in this class are encouraged to speak up and participate during class meetings. Because the class will represent a diversity of individual beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences, every member of this class must show respect for every other member of this class. Most importantly, the same expectations are upheld with our students in the care of our diverse population of patients.

Teaching

The DPN-NA program replaced the master’s program in 2017. Penn Nursing introduced the doctoral program and phased out the master’s program well in advance of the 2025 deadline set by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Dr. Winner teaches courses in the nurse anesthetist program ranging from physiology to principles of nurse anesthesia practice and clinical fieldwork.

Research

The DNP-NA program prepares students for nurse anesthesia practice in diverse clinical settings and helps them develop competencies in organizational structure and function, the translation of nursing science to practice, and clinical leadership. Like Dr. Winner, all program faculty members are nurse anesthetists who bring their real-world experience into the classroom. Dr. Winner practices as an independent contracted CRNA. Through Penn Nursing’s state-of-the-art simulation laboratory and clinical experiences at some of the nation’s top hospitals, DPN-NA students gain skills and experience. In the simulation lab, Dr. Winner and other faculty help students build skills such as the placement of regional anesthetics, the use of various fiber optic intubating equipment, and the insertion of central venous catheters using ultrasound guidance. Clinical experiences include rotations in nationally-ranked children’s hospitals (pediatrics), top hospitals in three neighboring states (cardiovascular), and other hospitals for trauma, cardiac-thoracic specialties, obstetrics, and more.

Clinical Practice

Dr. Winner is an independently contracted practicing CRNA in two states – Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Dr. Winner is presently the President of the New Jersey Association of Nurse Anesthetists.

Opportunities to Learn and Collaborate at Penn Nursing

Dr. Winner was a doctoral student at Penn Nursing. Her dissertation research focused on changes in care provided by nurse anesthetists in California since passage of the 2009 state law allowing nurse anesthetists to practice independently. Dr. Winner analyzed a secondary dataset covering 2008 to 2013 to explore nurse anesthetists’ scope of practice regarding access to care to underserved populations, change in acuity of patients, and other potential improvements with change of physician supervision. California is one of 17 states that allows nurse anesthetists to practice independently. As a former doctoral student and faculty member, Dr. Winner is well equipped to mentor other students. Along with ensuring that students are compliant with their current schoolwork, she helps them manage their time efficiently and continue with their plans for their future in anesthesia. Early in her career, Dr. Winner worked for Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, as a nurse in the Medical Respiratory Intensive Care Unit and a research coordinator in the Pulmonary/Critical Care Division. She also has a post-master’s certificate in the Teacher Education Program from the University of Pennsylvania.

Selected Career Highlights

President, New Jersey Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Oversight Committee, National Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists. Section Editor, International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthesia. Past member, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Practice Committee. Past Xi Chapter board member, Sigma Theta Tau. Dean’s Award for Exemplary Teaching. Anne Keane Teaching Award, Penn Nursing Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences.

Accepting Mentees?

  • Yes

Accepting Fellows?

  • No