NET SMART
Neurovascular Education and Training in Stroke Management and Acute Reperfusion Therapy
NET SMART- APN is a federally funded, evidence based, neurovasuclar fellowship program supported by the Healthcare Services and Resources Asministration (HRSA). Professor Anne Alexandrov PhD, RN, CCRN, FAAN is NET SMART APN’s Principal Investigator and Project Director. The program is a collaborative endeavor offered by Arizona State University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB), which merges expertise from two leading U.S. centers with highly diverse populations.
The primary aim of NET SMART- APN is to improve acute stroke treatment outcomes by increasing the number of APN’s working in expanded roles to support improved medical response and treatment of acute stroke patients. Depending on their state licensure and scope of practice, NET SMART- APN fellows will be prepared for roles that could include: diagnosing a variety of acute stroke presentations through interpretation of neuroimaging (multi-modal CT, MRI, TCDm angiography) and clinical localization by neurovascular territory; establishing stroke mechanism; acute intravenous thrombolysis and intra-arterial treatment decision making; stroke risk factor analysis and treatment decision making for secondary stroke prevention; treatment decision making for complication prevention, and clinical and administrative stroke center leadership.
Participants in NET SMART-APN will complete a total of 14 internet-based modules complemented by clinical learning activities and post-tests. Each evidence-based module has been reviewed by leading stroke neurologists and practice leaders. Each module has been developed to provide education that spans current standards of medical and nursing practice, along with identification of gaps in knowledge awaiting scientific answer. Following completion of each module, continuing education units will be provided.
Once all modules are satisfactorily completed, participants will attend an 80 hour on-site clinical preceptorship and validation session at the UAB Comprehensive Stroke Center, located in Birmingham, Alabama. Carrying one of the highest rates for provision of intravenous thrombolysis and intra-arterial rescue therapies, the UAB clinical experience will provide APN fellows with a high volume, fast-paced environment and a complex neurovascular patient population typical of the U.S. “Stroke Belt”. Upon satisfactory completion of the entire program (internet-based modules, clinical learning activities and clinical preceptorship/validation), participants will receive a NET SMART-APN Neurovascular Fellowship Certificate from Arizona State University.
NET SMART-APN applicant qualifications include:
* An earned masters degree or higher in nursing, or a graduation date for a Masters in Nursing, within 12 months of the program enrollment date.
* Current work as, or plan to change focus to, a clinical nurse specialist , nurse practitioner role, stroke coordinator, or stroke educator role.
* Interest in developing clinical management and leadership skills in neurovascular practice.
* Ability to develop a local practice relationship with a physician supervisor(neurologist preferred).
* Access to high speed internet services.
NET SMART-APN may qualify for independent study credit within your local university, contact Dr. Alexandrov for additional information. Previous neurovascular or neuroscience experience is NOT required, but an interest in vascular disease is! Given the striking similarities between neurovascular and cardiovascular practice, APNs with a background in cardiac care are well positioned for success in NET SMART-APN. From stents to thrombolysis, to experimental use of counterpulsation devices, neurovascular practice is following closely on the heels of cardiology. The time is now. Expand your vascular expertise to include neurovascular practice, to demonstrate the impact of APNs on reducing stroke burden!
+ First and only academic stroke fellowship program for advanced practice nurses since 2007.