DNP Alum’s Mission to Address the Problem of Healthcare Disparity and Shortage

When Bryan Tune began his Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree, his future goal of finding a solution to the health care disparity and anesthesia provider’s shortage in the Central Valley of California was at the forefront of his mind. The 2009 College of Nursing and Health Innovation alum was determined to establish a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist training program after graduation. He envisioned a place that would facilitate leadership, systems thinking and evidence-based practice training for future advanced practice nurses. Now a practicing CRNA and the founding program director of the National University Nurse Anesthesia program in Fresno, CA, Tune’s dream has come to fruition, and his work is making a significant impact in the health care and education systems.

Bryan Tune’s desire to make a difference and his clear vision for his future took shape as a graduate student within the College of Nursing and Health Innovation.   He says his time at ASU was critical in his professional development, and he greatly values his DNP degree.  “The program prepared me in leadership and to think with a more system’s approach,” he shares.  Additionally, the mentorship from Kathy Kenny, associate dean and clinical professor, was one of the greatest takeaways.  He says, “The direct mentorship I received and continue to receive from Dr. Kenny provided me with the foundations I needed to be successful and to advance my career trajectory.”  Tune advises new graduates to maintain mentor relationships and to remember to mentor others as they grow in their professional career.  Tune has tried to follow this advice himself. “Since graduating from the DNP program at ASU, I have personally mentored 4 DNP students and in my current role I provide leadership and mentorship to new faculty and professional colleagues.” 

As the recipient of several awards for his achievement, including The Chancellor’s Award for Teaching, Omni Anesthesia Legacy Award, and the Presidential Teaching Award, it is clear that his most coveted honor is knowing he is personally impacting multiple lives each and every day.  “I am given the opportunity to educate and mentor the next generation of advanced practice nurses who will go out into our communities and provide the needed health care. Every graduate I support then helps lessen the health care disparity in the region and improve access to care.”  Since his completion of the DNP program six years ago, Tune’s nurse anesthesia program has graduated over 40 CRNAs of which 80% have remained in the Central Valley of California. 

As an active leader in providing a solution for the shortage of CRNAs, Bryan Tune believes the most important quality today’s advanced practice nurses must possess is the knowledge of their value.   Nurses need to “have a seat at the table and realize their impact in the community, health care system and society is tremendous.” As he continues to impact health care, this is a quality Bryan Tune embodies and models daily.