Dr. Kelly Wiltse Nicely Appointed to Rank of Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesia at the University of Penn School of Nursing

It gives me great pleasure to announce that Kelly Wiltse Nicely, PhD, CRNA has been appointed to the rank of Assistant Professor of Nurse Anesthesia in the Standing Faculty--Clinician-Educator track effective September 1, 2010.

Dr. Wiltse Nicely received her Master’s degree in Nursing (2005) from the University of Pittsburgh and her doctorate in the Philosophy of Nursing (2010) from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She is one of a few nurse anesthetists with the education and experience that equips her to practice, teach in a clinical or classroom environment, conduct progressive research, and take on a leadership role.

Dr. Wiltse Nicely recently completed her dissertation while working 50% as a nurse anesthetist, which speaks toward her capacity and level of productivity. She has served as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center since 2006, where she works under the tutelage of Dr. Lee Fleisher. In this role she provides comprehensive anesthesia care for both inpatient and outpatient surgery.

Combining a background in both nurse anesthesia practice and nursing research, Dr. Wiltse Nicely, is examining the role of nursing as an underlying causal mechanism explaining the volume-outcomes relationship in high risk surgical procedures. Her research focuses on the importance of optimizing organizational systems of nursing care to improve post-operative surgical outcomes.

Dr. Wiltse Nicely is a co-author on one book and completed a book chapter that is in press. She is currently in the process of preparing several manuscripts based on her dissertation.

She has given effective lectures in many courses ranging from introductory nursing to advanced anesthesia courses. Her clinical background and continued research will enhance our students' learning. She brings great scholarly energy to the specialty of nursing anesthesia and already demonstrated a commitment to our educational mission by volunteering her expertise to the Master's Curriculum Committee as well as to the course directors.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Wiltse Nicely on her appointment, welcoming her to our School, and in wishing her a very productive academic career.