Stephen Klinkhammer, CRNA, DNP – MSHS Alumni Board member

October 31, 2014

Current positions: Simulation instructor, lecturer, School of Nurse Anesthesia, Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), Aurora Sinai Medical Center, Milwaukee
CRNA contractor, Wisconsin and Illinois

Academic degrees: Doctor of Nursing Practice Anesthesia Nursing, Rush University, Chicago
Master of Nurse Anesthesia, Mayo School of Health Sciences MBA and bachelor degree, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee

Military: Major, retired, U.S. Army Reserve, Nurse Corps; Hospital Corpsman, Second Class, U.S. Navy, 1972-1978

Resides in: Racine, Wisconsin

Why did you attend MSHS?
I wanted to be a nurse anesthetist when I was an operating room technician in the Navy in the early 1970s and saw CRNAs in action. It took me many years of work to make it happen. When I interviewed at Mayo, it felt like home.

What advice would you give to students considering health care careers?
In my 40 years as a nurse, I have grown from every experience in patient care. I have worked in ICU and home care and hospice, and floated to almost every area in nursing. It is an honor and privilege to help others in need. Giving back is how we grow. Human touch is our most powerful gift. That moment we connect to patients and establish the healing process is priceless. It allows us to know and understand the rhythm of life.

How did your MSHS experience change you?
I made great friends at Mayo and still keep in touch with them after 20 years. I had an outstanding educational experience and learned how to learn.

What valuable lesson did you learn at Mayo Clinic?
The patient comes first. We’re all part of the health care team, and everyone’s input is important.

Why are you involved in the MSHS Alumni Association?
It is important to give back, so that future students will have the same great learning opportunities that I had. Serving on the board also allows me to stay current with what’s happening at Mayo and offers the chance to see former classmates who reside in the Rochester area.

What would you like to change in health care education?
As nurse anesthesia moves toward the doctorate degree for entry into practice, I would like to see more business of health care courses in the curriculum. Nursing needs to be at the table in health care change, which requires understanding policy and the business aspects of health care.

What keeps you enthused about your career?
I have become involved in the education of nurse anesthetists. I am on the faculty of the program at Rosalind Franklin University. Teaching forces me to stay sharp. Helping in the creation of the next generation of nurse anesthetists is extremely rewarding.

I also have a passion for health care simulation. I recently completed the instructor course in simulation at Mayo and plan to bring what I have learned into my classroom. This will allow me to bring more realism into the classroom.

What occupies your time outside of work?

I am a professional musician and have a recording studio in my basement. I play keyboards and guitar, and have had a band for more than 30 years. Two of my sons play with the group. We play classic rock. We used to be on the road for more than 30 weekends a year and now play about 15 gigs per year, most of them benefits. I also use my music to raise money and food for our local food bank.