Joanne Donnelly, DNP, APRN, CRNA, FAANA

Dr. Joanne Donnelly has dedicated a career to the anesthesia care of patients undergoing surgery for over 25 years. As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Joanne provides anesthesia for Veterans at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis and performs the duties of the Associate Chief Nurse Anesthetist. In addition, she is the Director of the Nurse Anesthesia DNP Program at the University of Minnesota.

Donnelly received a Master of Science in Anesthesia from Columbia University, and her practice has included the following leadership roles: clinical coordinator, associate director, chief nurse anesthetist, and nurse anesthesia director of a national medical group. Dr. Donnelly received a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Vanderbilt University, during which she authored a thesis focused on patient safety and handoff communication. She has been invited by the International Association of Nurse Anesthetists to present her scholarly work at the World Congress for Nurse Anesthetists.

Donnelly’s many academic publications include authorships of chapters in nurse anesthesia texts and Current Review journals. Additionally, she is a recognized expert in airway management, is a faculty member of The Difficult Airway Course TM , and is regularly invited to present lectures at state, regional, and national meetings.

Dr. Donnelly has been a passionate leader in patient safety, simulation, team communication, and nurse anesthesia education. Her scholarly interests include airway management, communication, and simulation/crisis management.

DNP, Vanderbilt University
Major: Nursing

MS, Columbia University
Major: Nursing

BSN, Bradley University
Major: Nursing

• Advanced Practice Nurse, Minnesota Board of Nursing
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists
• LifeWings Certified CRM Trainer, LifeWings
• Registered Nurse, Minnesota Board of Nursing

• Marie Manthey Endowed Professorship, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 2024
• Fellow of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, 2023
• E. Louise Grant Award, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 2022
• Mpls St. Paul Magazine’s Outstanding Nurses, 2018
• Sigma Theta Tau, DNP Award, Iota Chapter, 2011
• Certificate of Appreciation, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, American Cancer Society International Service, 2003
• Agatha Hodgins Award of Excellence in Nurse Anesthesia, Columbia University, 1997

Kenen, J. (2023, June 6). Can hospitals turn into climate change fighting machines? Politico. https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/06/06/hospital-climate-change-waste-00098612  

• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
• American Nurses Association
• Association of VA of Nurse Anesthetists
• Minnesota Association of Nurse Anesthetists
• National Academies of Practice
• Sigma Theta Tau
• Society for Airway Management

Gingerich, S., & Donnelly, J. (2024). Assessment and monitoring of the perianesthesia patient. In J. Odom-Forren (Ed.), Drain’s perianesthesia nursing (8th ed.). Elsevier.

Bradley, C., Donnelly, J., & Swanson, N. (2021). Simulation-based care delivery. In C. Delaney, C. Weaver, J. Sensmeier, L. Pruinelli, & P. Weber (Eds.), Nursing and informatics for the 21st century: Embracing a digital world (3rd ed.). HIMSS Publishing.

Donnelly, J., & Ouellette, S. (2012). Renal anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology. In J.J.
Nagelhout, & K.L. Zaglaniczny (Eds.), Nurse anesthesia (5th ed.). Elsevier.

Hall, H., & Donnelly, J. (2021). Preserving perioperative cognitive function: A QI project. International Student Journal of Nurse Anesthetists, 20(3), 1-51.

Donnelly, J. (2015). Vasopressors & inotropes. Current Reviews for Nurse Anesthetists, Frank
Moya Continuing Education Programs.

Donnelly, J. (2012). Maternal hemorrhage. Etiology and treatment. Current Reviews for
Nurse Anesthetists, Frank Moya Continuing Education Programs.

• Donnelly, J. (2013). Anesthesia for Renal Transplantation. CRNA Today.
• Donnelly, J. (2013). Patient Safety and the Role of Situational Awareness: Planning for Crisis as
• a TEAM. CRNA Today.
• Donnelly, J. (2013). Residual Neuromuscular Blockade. CRNA Today.

Donnelly, J. "Airway Management & Difficult Airway Guidelines: A CPC Review," MedCity© Anesthesia Seminars, Couer d'Alene, ID. (July 2024). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "Intraoperative Crises Management - Incorporating Simulation into Practice," MedCity© Anesthesia Seminars, Couer d'Alene, ID. (July 2024). Invited.

Donnelly, J., (Author & Presenter), Eliasdottir, T. S., (Author & Presenter) "International Collaboration: Developing Educational and Research Partnerships," American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Education Conference, Naples, FL. (January 2024). Invited.

Pechacek, J. M., Donnelly, J., & Gingerich, S. "Refugee Crisis: Education, Clinical Care and Leadership," Leadership in Nursing - A Global Approach Nurse Anesthesia Program at University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. (May 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "International Collaboration: Nurse Anesthesia Education, Training and Practice in the U.S.," Leadership in Nursing - A Global Approach Nurse Anesthesia Program at University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. (May 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "Critical Incident Debriefing: Caring for the Healthcare Provider," MedCity© Anesthesia Seminars, St. Pete Beach, FL. (April 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "Wellness: Tips for Success!" MedCity© Anesthesia Seminars, St. Pete Beach, FL. (April 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "Nursing and Planetary Health: The Intersection Between Curricula and Action," American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Education Conference, San Diego, CA. (January 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "Partnerships Between Academic and Clinical Nursing to Enhance Continuing Education and Patient Safety," American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Education Conference, San Diego, CA. (January 2023). Invited.

Donnelly, J. "The Unanticipated and Failed Airway," The Difficult Airway Course©, Nashville, TN. (September 2022). Invited.

Award: Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Program
Principal Investigator: Donnelly, Joanne
Sponsoring Organization: US Dept. of Health & Human Services HRSA
Award Dates: 2023 - 2027

Award: Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Program
Principal Investigator: Donnelly, Joanne
Sponsoring Organization: US Dept. of Health & Human Services HRSA
Award Dates: 2020 - 2023

Award: Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Program
Principal Investigator: Donnelly, Joanne
Sponsoring Organization: HRSA Bureau of Health Professions
Award Dates: 2019 - 2020