DNP Nurse Anesthesiology student turns clinical interest into publication

For trauma patients with severe blood loss, every minute matters. Rapidly determining which blood products a patient needs can help anesthesia providers respond more precisely to changes in the body's coagulation status.

Nathan Bowser, a third-year Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) resident in the College of Nursing's Nurse Anesthesiology (NA) program, explores that challenge in a newly published article in the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) Journal titled “Use of Thromboelastography 6s in Trauma: An Integrative Review for Anesthesia Providers.” Published in the August 2026 issue, the article examines how viscoelastic testing can guide blood product resuscitation for trauma patients with trauma-induced coagulopathy, a condition in which the body's ability to form blood clots is impaired.

Bowser's publication highlights both his growing expertise in nurse anesthesiology and the opportunities for DNP students to pursue clinical interests, with support from College of Nursing faculty.

Viscoelastic testing provides real-time information about how a patient's blood is clotting, enabling anesthesia providers to assess coagulation at the point of care. Bowser's review focuses on the Thromboelastography (TEG) 6s device and its potential to help providers make more targeted decisions about blood product administration during a critical period of care.

Viscoelastic-guided resuscitation is a rapidly growing area of clinical practice, yet education and provider familiarity with the technology can lag behind the emerging literature. By examining the evidence surrounding the TEG 6s, Bowser's review aims to help bridge that gap by encouraging anesthesia providers to incorporate goal-directed transfusion into their practice and by identifying areas where additional research is needed.

For Bowser, the publication marks the culmination of a longstanding interest in viscoelastic-guided resuscitation and offers an opportunity to share that work with other anesthesia professionals.

“This subject has been a focus and passion of mine for years,” Bowser said. “This publication is the culmination of that time, energy, and effort. It means a great deal to be accepted by our profession's journal and to share something I care so deeply about with others.”

Bowser completed the review with support from College of Nursing faculty members Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, MS, FAANA, professor and program administrator for the DNP NA program; James Reed, DNP, MSNA, CRNA, FAANA, NA professor; and Timothy Markle, DNP, CRNA, NA professor. Hoch served as Bowser's project chair and co-author of the publication.

“Nathan’s work exemplifies the clinical inquiry and scholarly engagement the college strives to foster in our Nurse Anesthesiology program,” Hoch said. “His ability to synthesize evidence from a complex, rapidly evolving practice area into clinically relevant recommendations is a significant accomplishment. We are proud to support Nathan as he continues to develop as a nurse anesthesiology provider and as a contributor to evidence-based practice in the profession.”

The review also examines the TEG 6s compared with the previous-generation TEG 5000 device. The articles included in the review report comparable diagnostic accuracy between the two platforms, with improved interdevice reliability for the newer device. Its point-of-care design can also shorten turnaround times, while additional measurements, including the maximum amplitude of functional fibrinogen, provide anesthesia providers with more information to guide blood product replacement.

For trauma patients with coagulopathy, these capabilities can help providers make faster, more informed decisions in situations where blood loss and impaired clotting can quickly become life-threatening.

“The Nurse Anesthesiology program at the College of Nursing has had a tremendous impact on me,” Bowser said. “Exceptional education, support, and resources made it possible.” He credits Hoch, Reed, and Markle with their mentorship throughout the process.

“I think this publication, along with others, encourages clinicians to advance their practice and contribute to their profession’s literature,” Bowser said. “It also helps demonstrate the quality of education provided by the U of A’s DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program.”

As he continues his DNP education, Bowser plans to build on his experience and pursue further publications on viscoelastic testing and trauma resuscitation.

Bowser's publication exemplifies how the College of Nursing's DNP Nurse Anesthesiology program prepares students to engage in evidence-based clinical practice while pursuing their professional interests. It also highlights the role the college’s faculty play in helping students turn those interests into meaningful scholarly work that contributes to their profession.