Virginia Chris Simmons | Scholars@Duke

Virginia Chris Simmons
Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing

Virginia “Chris” Simmons, DNP, CRNA, CHSE-A, FAANA, FAAN is a Clinical Professor and the Program Director of the Duke University Nurse Anesthesia Program (DUNAP). Dr. Simmons is responsible for program oversight as well as simulation-based teaching, didactic course instruction, and student and faculty mentoring. Dr. Simmons served as the Clinical Education Coordinator (CEC) from 2011-2018 and the Assistant Program Director from 2018-2019.

After serving on active duty in the United States Air Force, Dr. Simmons earned a BSN at Auburn University Montgomery (AUM). She completed a MSN at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro/Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia and joined the staff of Duke Regional Hospital (DRH) in 2002. During her time at DRH, she served as a clinical preceptor for DUNAP students, held CRNA managerial and staff positions, and served on multiple nursing and hospital committees.

Dr. Simmons her DNP degree from Duke University School of Nursing in 2011 with “Focused Anesthesia Interview Resources (FAIR) to Improve Efficiency and Quality” as her scholarly project. Her scholarly interests include simulation, suspension of disbelief, the evaluation of educational preparation of registered nurses for preoperative anesthesia, day-of-surgery cancellations and delays, and the use and effect of perioperative oral and intravenous acetaminophen. She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, North Carolina American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Sigma Theta Tau, American Nurses Association, North Carolina Nurses Association, American Nurses Association, the International Nurses Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), and the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). She was 1 of 20 selected for participation in the National League for Nursing's (NLN) Simulation Leader Program, has taught simulation in the US, Ghana, and Norway and introduced transgender simulation in the DUNAP. Dr. Muckler was a 2019 Duke Clinical Leaders Program Fellow and was competitively selected among 55,000 CRNAs as recommended by the AANA to participate in a federally funded simulation study involving a 12-member simulation expert panel.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2022

Contact Information

307 Trent Drive, Room 3035, DUMC 3322, Durham, NC 27710
(919) 684-9307

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- D.N.P., Duke University 2011
Previous Appointments & Affiliations
- Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2018 - 2022
- Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2018
- Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2013 - 2018
- Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2012 - 2013
- Instructor, Temporary in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2012
Recognition
Awards & Honors
- Fellow. American Association of Nurse Anesthesiologists. August 2021
- Fellow. American Association of Nurses. October 31, 2020
- 2019 Didactic Instructor of the Year. American Association of Nurse Anesthetists . August 17, 2019
- Duke University Nurse Anesthesia Program Faculty of the Year Award. Class of 2018. August 18, 2018
- Top 50 at Fifty Alumni Award. Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama. May 5, 2017
- 2016-2017 Distinguished Alumni. Auburn University Montgomery, Montgomery, Alabama. July 27, 2016
Expertise
Subject Headings
Global Scholarship
- Teaching
  - Ghana (Country)
  - Norway (Country)
Research
Selected Grants
- Nurse Anesthetist Traineeship (NAT) Program awarded by Health Resources and Service Administration 2017 - 2023
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Schwisow, S., Falyar, C., Silva, S., & Muckler, V. C. (2022). A protocol implementation to determine aspiration risk in patients with multiple risk factors for gastroparesis. Journal of Perioperative Practice, 32(7–8), 172–177. https://doi.org/10.1177/1750458921996925
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  - Rice, A. N., Douglas, C., Bosarge, H., Young, G., Muckler, V. C., & Vacchiano, C. A. (2021). Fast-Tracking Patients in an Academic Hospital to Increase Efficiency and Decrease Discharge Delays: A Process Improvement Plan. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 36(6), 615–621. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2021.04.005
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  - Traczyk, C., Rice, A. N., Thompson, A., Thompson, J., & Muckler, V. C. (2021). Implementation of a Postoperative Electronic Health Record Alert for Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Patients. J Perianesth Nurs, 36(4), 345-350.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2020.09.016
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  - Walker, J. K. L., Richard-Eaglin, A., Hegde, A., & Muckler, V. C. (2021). A deep learning approach to student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) education. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2020-0068
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  - Fraifeld, A., Rice, A. N., Stamper, M. J., & Muckler, V. C. (2021). Intraoperative waste segregation initiative among anesthesia personnel to contain disposal costs. Waste Management (New York, N.Y.), 122, 124–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.01.006
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  - Tucker, E. M., Thompson, J. A., & Muckler, V. C. (2021). Implementation of a Multimodal Analgesia Protocol Among Outpatient Neurosurgical Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery to Improve Patient Outcomes. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 36(1), 8–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2020.05.010
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  - Adcock, S., Kuszajewski, M. L., Dangerfield, C., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Optimizing Nursing Response to In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Events Using In Situ Simulation. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 49, 50–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2020.05.006
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  - Kadlec, K. E., Thompson, J., Brogdon, S., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Developing and implementing an emergency robotic undocking protocol at a community hospital. Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice, 21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2020.100385
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  - Arno, A., Fry, C., Patel, D., Rogge, C., Titch, J. F., Vacchiano, C. A., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists Using High-Fidelity Simulation: Phase III. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 11(3), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(20)30131-9
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  - Benton, S. E., Hueckel, R. M., Taicher, B., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Usability Assessment of an Electronic Handoff Tool to Facilitate and Improve Postoperative Communication Between Anesthesia and Intensive Care Unit Staff. Comput Inform Nurs, 38(10), 500–507. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000563
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  - Karageorge, N., Muckler, V. C., Toper, M., & Hueckel, R. (2020). Using Simulation With Deliberate Practice to Improve Pediatric ICU Nurses' Knowledge, Clinical Teamwork, and Confidence. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 54, 58–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.05.020
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  - Carr, S. N., Reinsvold, R. M., Heering, T. E., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Integrating the STOP-Bang Questionnaire Into the Preanesthetic Assessment at a Military Hospital. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 35(4), 368–373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2020.01.014
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  - Hutto, E. D. G., Rice, A. N., Hopkins, T. J., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). Perioperative Anesthetic Techniques to Reduce Surgical Morbidity After Amputation. Aana J, 88(4), 325–332.
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  - Willard, C. E., Rice, A. N., Broome, M. E., Silva, S. G., & Muckler, V. C. (2020). NVM for Prevention of Upper Airway Obstruction. Aana Journal, 88(1), 2.
  - Vernon, T. L., Rice, A. N., Titch, J. F., Hill, B. F., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Implementation of Vulnerable Elders Survey-13 Frailty Tool to Identify At-Risk Geriatric Surgical Patients. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 34(5), 911-918.e2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2019.01.004
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  - Willard, C. E., Rice, A. N., Broome, M. E., Silva, S. G., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Nasal Ventilation Mask for Prevention of Upper Airway Obstruction in Patients With Obesity or Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Aana Journal, 87(5), 395–403.
  - Leite, K. A., Hobgood, T., Hill, B., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Reducing Preventable Surgical Cancellations: Improving the Preoperative Anesthesia Interview Process. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 34(5), 929–937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2019.02.001
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  - Muckler, V. C., & Thomas, C. (2019). Exploring Suspension of Disbelief Among Graduate and Undergraduate Nursing Students. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 35, 25–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2019.06.006
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  - Plyler, S. S., Muckler, V. C., Titch, J. F., Gupta, D. K., & Rice, A. N. (2019). Low-Dose Ketamine Infusion to Decrease Postoperative Delirium for Spinal Fusion Patients. J Perianesth Nurs, 34(4), 779–788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.11.009
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  - Collins, R. M., Svoboda, C. J., Vacchiano, C. A., Titch, J. F., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists, Phase II: Evaluating Reentry to Anesthesia Practice Using High-Fidelity Simulation Technology. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 10(2), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30112-7
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  - Oldenburg, E., Muckler, V. C., Thompson, J., & Smallheer, B. (2019). Pulmonary Artery Catheters: Impact of e-Learning on Hemodynamic Assessments. Critical Care Nursing Quarterly, 42(3), 304–314. https://doi.org/10.1097/cnq.0000000000000260
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  - Revell, C. C., Rice, A. N., Gupta, D. K., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Implementation of Physiological Scoring to Determine Discharge Readiness for Patients Undergoing Otolaryngology Head and Neck Procedures. J Perianesth Nurs, 34(3), 529–538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.07.011
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  - Trotter, K., Blazar, M., Muckler, V. C., Kuszajewski, M., & Molloy, M. A. (2019). Perinatal IPE simulation can improve collaborative competencies. Journal of Interprofessional Education and Practice, 15, 30–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2019.01.011
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  - Covington, C. C., Muckler, V. C., Sheldon, L., Alexander, R., & Morgan, B. (2019). Improving Emergency Airway Knowledge and Self-Efficacy Levels of Outpatient Gastroenterology Staff via Implementation of Online Education and In Situ Simulation. Gastroenterology Nursing : The Official Journal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, 42(3), 242–250. https://doi.org/10.1097/sga.0000000000000437
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  - Atkins, J. R., Titch, J. F., Norcross, W. P., Thompson, J. A., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Preemptive Oral Acetaminophen for Women Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy. Nursing for Women’S Health, 23(2), 105–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2019.01.003
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  - Goode, V. M., Morgan, B., Muckler, V. C., Cary, M. P., Zdeb, C. E., & Zychowicz, M. (2019). Multimodal Pain Management for Major Joint Replacement Surgery. Orthopedic Nursing, 38(2), 150–156. https://doi.org/10.1097/nor.0000000000000525
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  - Blonk, K. M., Davenport, A., Morgan, B., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Administration of Oral Acetaminophen to Reduce Costs for the Hysterectomy Patient at a Community Hospital. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 34(1), 143–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.03.007
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  - Muckler, V. C., O’Brien, J. M., Matson, S. E., & Rice, A. N. (2019). Perianesthetic Implications and Considerations for Myasthenia Gravis. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 34(1), 4–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.03.009
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  - Thomas, J. S., Maple, I. K., Norcross, W., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). Preoperative Risk Assessment to Guide Prophylaxis and Reduce the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 34(1), 74–85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.02.007
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  - Muckler, V. C., Leonard, R., & Cicero, E. C. (2019). Transgender Simulation Scenario Pilot Project. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 26, 44–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2018.10.007
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  - Parsons, S. M., Kuszajewski, M. L., Merritt, D. R., & Muckler, V. C. (2019). High-Fidelity Simulation Training for Nurse Anesthetists Managing Malignant Hyperthermia: A Quality Improvement Project. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 26, 72–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2018.10.003
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  - Rollison, S., Blessing, R., Kuszajewski, M. L., & Muckler, V. C. (2018). In Situ Simulation to Improve Management of In-Hospital Strokes: Unexpected Challenges. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 24, 30–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2018.09.004
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  - Donahue, R. E., Muckler, V. C., & Bradbury, G. R. (2018). Reply. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 33(5), 580–581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.07.005
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  - Nelson, K., Nicholls, C., & Muckler, V. C. (2018). Pediatric Review and Perioperative Considerations. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 33(3), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2016.03.011
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  - Donahue, R. E., Bradbury, G. R., Zychowicz, M. E., & Muckler, V. C. (2018). Multimodal Perioperative Analgesia Regimen to Improve Patient Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Project. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 33(2), 138–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2016.07.007
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  - Heyes, M. E., Schnitzen, L., Starr, D. G., Vacchiano, C., Muckler, V. C., Thiemann, L., & Frank Titch, J. (2018). Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists: Determining Core Competencies and Evaluating Performance via High-Fidelity Simulation Technology. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 8(4), 43–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(17)30181-3
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  - Berger, J. D., Kuszajewski, M., Borghese, C., & Muckler, V. C. (2018). A Quality Improvement Project Using High-Fidelity Simulation Training to Improve Clinical Knowledge among Critical Care Transport Nurses. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 14, 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2017.11.008
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  - Tinsbloom, B., Muckler, V. C., Stoeckel, W. T., Whitehurst, R. L., & Morgan, B. (2017). Evaluating the Implementation of a Preemptive, Multimodal Analgesia Protocol in a Plastic Surgery Office. Plastic Surgical Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical Nurses, 37(4), 137–143. https://doi.org/10.1097/psn.0000000000000201
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  - Muckler, V. C., Kampo, S., & Morgan, B. (2017). Creation of a Low-Cost Simulated Trachea for Deliberate Practice of Cricothyrotomy and Retrograde Wire Use. Aana Journal, 85(4), 271–275.
  - Lee, C. M., Rodgers, C., Oh, A. K., & Muckler, V. C. (2017). Reducing Surgery Cancellations at a Pediatric Ambulatory Surgery Center. Aorn Journal, 105(4), 384–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aorn.2017.01.011
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  - Stone, L., Tyrey, S., Muckler, V. C., & Vacchiano, C. A. (2017). Point-of-Contact Assessment of Nurse Anesthetists' Knowledge and Perceptions of Management of Anesthesia-Related Critical Incidents. Aana Journal, 85(1), 55–60.
  - Muckler, V. C. (2017). Exploring Suspension of Disbelief During Simulation-Based Learning. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 13(1), 3–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecns.2016.09.004
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  - Oermann, M. H., Muckler, V. C., & Morgan, B. (2016). Framework for Teaching Psychomotor and Procedural Skills in Nursing. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 47(6), 278–282. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20160518-10
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  - Rice, A. N., Muckler, V. C., Miller, W. R., & Vacchiano, C. A. (2015). Fast-tracking ambulatory surgery patients following anesthesia. Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, 30(2), 124–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2014.01.006
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  - Muckler, V. C., Vacchiano, C. A., Sanders, E. G., Wilson, J. P., & Champagne, M. T. (2012). Focused anesthesia interview resource to improve efficiency and quality. J Perianesth Nurs, 27(6), 376–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2012.05.014
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Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
Advising & Mentoring
- Dr. Muckler serves as Chair of numerous DNP Scholarly Projects, as committee member for additional DNP projects, and advisor to DNP and MSN students.
Available to mentor:
- Affiliate
- Other
Scholarly, Clinical, & Service Activities
Outreach & Engaged Scholarship
- Bass Connections Faculty Team Member . Further Developing the Implementation of a Distance-based Executive-style Degree Completion Program for Ghanaian Nurse Anesthetists. August 2015 - May 2016 2015 - 2016

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Previous Appointments & Affiliations

Awards & Honors

Subject Headings

Global Scholarship

Teaching

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Recent Courses

Advising & Mentoring

Available to mentor:

Outreach & Engaged Scholarship