Where Students Thrive and Teams Grow
At NorthStar Anesthesia, we believe exceptional care begins with thoughtful investment in future clinicians. At Ascension Health Alexian Brothers, just north of Chicago, this belief has taken shape through forward-thinking clinical education that’s transforming how NorthStar builds its Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) team—by empowering Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) from day one, under the skilled guidance of experienced NorthStar clinicians.
Creative Beginnings, Long-Term Impact
In 2023, the NorthStar team at Alexian Brothers began hosting SRNAs through strategic partnerships with leading academic institutions. These students were welcomed into a high-autonomy, collaborative environment—far beyond a traditional clinical rotation. Now under the leadership of NorthStar Chief CRNA Michelle Brown and Assistant Chief CRNA Jaclyn Taylor, the program quickly became a catalyst for recruitment, with many students returning as full-time CRNAs after graduation.
A Culture of Empowerment and Respect
One of the defining features of the Alexian Brothers site is its strong team culture—marked by mutual respect between CRNAs, anesthesiologists, and surgeons—giving students a firsthand look at what their professional future could look like as a member of the NorthStar team. CRNAs are encouraged to practice at the top of their license, gaining hands-on experience with procedures like regional blocks, under the direct guidance of skilled clinicians.
“I love teaching students and giving them the space to learn without pressure,” says Brown, Chief CRNA. “Seeing their excitement when they succeed is incredibly rewarding.”
Innovative Staffing Meets Modern Needs
To meet evolving staffing challenges, the leadership team introduced creative scheduling models, including an “8-Hour, No Call” role. This innovation meets the unique needs of the facility and supports clinician work-life balance, while maintaining high standards of patient care—making the site even more attractive to students considering long-term employment.
On average, three SRNAs rotate through Alexian Brothers every two months from schools like Endeavor and Rosalind Franklin University. Many arrive during their final clinical placements—a pivotal moment to experience the supportive, skill-building environment supported by NorthStar’s CRNA and physician leaders.
“The culture within the anesthesia team is what truly sets it apart,” said Emily Diaz, a previous SRNA student who joined the team full-time. “CRNAs are given a high level of independence and support from their CRNA and physician colleagues that allows them to utilize and cultivate all their skills. Experiencing this anesthesia team’s culture during my rotation made choosing where I wanted to take my first job easy—Alexian Brothers was always my first choice.”
Mentorship at the Core
Transitioning into a teaching facility required buy-in from the entire care team. Today, about 75% of CRNAs serve as preceptors, supported by anesthesiologists who have strongly embraced the teaching model. Students regularly present at anesthesia meetings and share the latest research.
“There’s so much value in the hands-on learning that happens here,” says Taylor, Assistant Chief CRNA. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to guide students as they develop new skills, and in return, students leave inspired and equipped—not just to succeed, but to stay.”
Building a Sustainable Future
By fostering mentorship, providing autonomy, and creating a collaborative environment, the NorthStar team at Alexian Brothers is more than meeting today’s staffing needs—they’re cultivating the next generation of CRNA leaders. For hospital and ASC executives, this approach offers a proven strategy for staffing with purpose—and setting the stage for long-term excellence in high-quality anesthesia care.
About NorthStar Anesthesia
NorthStar Anesthesia is a company of caregivers, founded by an anesthesiologist and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). With more than 4,000 anesthesiologists and CRNAs under its banner, NorthStar partners with more than 280 client sites across 25 states. Its “care team” approach focuses on the provision of high-quality care while measurably improving operating room performance.
About Ascension Alexian Brothers
Ascension Alexian Brothers is a critical care hospital and ER in Elk Grove Village, Illinois with advanced specialty care services. A destination for specialty care—including heart and vascular, neurosurgery, critical care, cancer care, stroke care, orthopedics and women’s health, all on one campus. In addition to its Elk Grove Village facility, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, offers a full array of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services to meet the needs of the community.
