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
-
- 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/10.1177/1750458921996925Full Text
-
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.2021.04.005Full Text
-
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.2020.09.016Full Text Link to Item
-
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-2020-0068Full Text
-
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.2021.01.006Full Text
-
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.2020.05.010Full Text
-
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.2020.05.006Full Text
-
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.2020.100385Full Text
-
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)30131-9Full Text
-
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.0000000000000563Full Text Link to Item
-
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.2020.05.020Full Text
-
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.2020.01.014Full Text
-
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.Link to Item
-
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.2019.01.004Full Text
-
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.2019.02.001Full Text
-
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.2019.06.006Full Text
-
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.2018.11.009Full Text Link to Item
-
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)30112-7Full Text
-
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.0000000000000260Full Text
-
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.2018.07.011Full Text Link to Item
-
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.2019.01.011Full Text
-
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.0000000000000437Full Text
-
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.2019.01.003Full Text
-
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.0000000000000525Full Text
-
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.2018.03.007Full Text
-
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.2018.03.009Full Text
-
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.2018.02.007Full Text
-
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.2018.10.007Full Text
-
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.2018.10.003Full Text
-
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.2018.09.004Full Text
-
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.2018.07.005Full Text
-
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.2016.03.011Full Text
-
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.2016.07.007Full Text
-
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)30181-3Full Text
-
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.2017.11.008Full Text
-
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.0000000000000201Full Text
-
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.2017.01.011Full Text
-
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.2016.09.004Full Text
-
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/10.3928/00220124-20160518-10Full Text
-
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.2014.01.006Full Text
-
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.2012.05.014Full Text Link to Item
-
-
- Teaching & Mentoring
-
Recent Courses
- NURSING 928: Basic Principles of Anesthesia 2023
- NURSING 942: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 2) 2023
- NURSING 949: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 9) 2023
- NURSING 975: DNP Project 2023
- NURSING 928: Basic Principles of Anesthesia 2022
- NURSING 942: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 2) 2022
- NURSING 949: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 9) 2022
- NURSING 975: DNP Project 2022
- NURSING 928: Basic Principles of Anesthesia 2021
- NURSING 942: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 2) 2021
- NURSING 949: Clinical Anesthesia Practicum (semester 9) 2021
- NURSING 975: DNP Project 2021
-
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
Some information on this profile has been compiled automatically from Duke databases and external sources. (Our About page explains how this works.) If you see a problem with the information, please write to Scholars@Duke and let us know. We will reply promptly.