Innovation Starts Here: A CRNA’s Path from Rural Kansas to Duke

Meet Matthew Donegan, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist whose path in nursing is as rooted in family legacy as it is in personal conviction. After more than a decade serving as the sole anesthesia provider in a rural Kansas hospital, Donegan came to Duke University School of Nursing to expand his leadership, deepen his clinical insight, and explore his passion for innovation. Currently completing the DNP program and the Nurse Innovator and Entrepreneur Specialty, he brings a unique blend of experience, curiosity, and entrepreneurial drive to his work. In this Q&A, he reflects on his journey, the mentors who shaped him, and how Duke has transformed his vision for the future of nursing.

What was your career before coming to Duke?

I’ve been a master’s degree-trained Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) since 2010. For most of that time, I’ve worked predominantly in rural Kansas. For the last eight years, I’ve been the sole anesthesia provider at a small hospital in rural Kansas.

What initially made you want to become a nurse? Was there a specific experience that steered you towards nursing? 

I come from a family of CRNAs, with my brother, sister-in-law, and numerous extended family members also working in this career. My father, Tim Donegan, was the most influential person in my life in all aspects. He was a CRNA as well, with a significant passion for the profession. He was someone I could go to for trustworthy clinical advice that wasn’t softened just because I was his son. His mentorship in all realms was invaluable to me. His famous line to me was “Keep them pink, dummy!” This was my father’s tongue-in-cheek way of saying, so long as they are oxygenating, you don’t have much to worry about.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Dr. Mark Cade, an anesthesiologist (currently practicing in Iowa) with exceptional intellect and teaching abilities. His approach to teaching complex anesthetic issues is characterized by kindness, compassion, patience, and trustworthiness, which are qualities that I greatly benefited from. Without his remarkable mentorship, trust, and intellect, I am confident I would lack the skills to serve effectively as the sole anesthesia provider in a rural hospital setting. I owe much of my clinical competency and success to him.

How has working as the sole anesthesia provider in a rural hospital shaped your approach to leadership, clinical decision-making, or patient care? 

In a rural setting, the demand for near perfection is paramount, and the margin of error is significantly reduced. While the pace may be slower, allowing for genuine connections with patients, the cost is a community that intimately understands the hospital’s operations. This high standard of care, despite its immense responsibility, is exceptionally rewarding.

Why did you choose Duke? 

I desired to be a part of something truly profound. The School of Nursing’s reputation, ranking, clout, and unwavering commitment to excellence made it an easy choice. I feel incredibly fortunate that Duke selected me, rather than the other way around.

What has the Duke experience been like for you thus far? 

The most concise way to describe Duke is transformative. Throughout my career, I’ve attended several universities, but none have a faculty or staff more dedicated to students’ success and achievement than Duke. The School of Nursing strikes the perfect balance between commitment to excellence and compassionate, empathetic educators. Leaving this university, I feel like a better scholar, leader, and educator. The exposure to the leaders of leaders has been invaluable.

At Duke, challenges are an inherent part of the academic experience, as academic excellence is a fundamental expectation. However, every challenge I have encountered has been met with a supportive, knowledgeable staff willing to provide the guidance and assistance needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success. This experience has significantly altered my perspective on the student-professor relationship. At DUSON, the relationship is not adversarial, as it can be at other institutions, but rather one that is designed to foster success, teamwork, and the pursuit of profound goals.

You are currently enrolled in the Nurse Innovator and Entrepreneur Specialty as well. What made you choose that path? 

Quite frankly, I needed an elective, and it was completely serendipitous. This specialty has been the highlight of my time at Duke. Some things just fit your personality perfectly, and this specialty is one of them. I spend considerable time analyzing various problems and deliberating possible solutions. This specialty aligns seamlessly with my innate curiosity and desire to find solutions.

How has your experience in the Innovator and Entrepreneur concentration influenced your approach to nursing or your career goals? 

My understanding and competency in innovation have significantly expanded. Previously, I held relatively narrow and naïve views of innovation and entrepreneurship in nursing. Broadening my perspective will undoubtedly lead to more effective and safe healthcare delivery. Furthermore, I have been exposed to problem-solving frameworks that will significantly aid in solving future problems that may arise. I am eager to bring these new tools and a broadened perspective in the pursuit of solving the complex problems that arise in the healthcare setting.

What does the future look like for you? 

After graduation, I intend to continue working as a CRNA at my hospital. Furthermore, I aspire to open and manage a local medical spa offering Botox, IV therapy, and holistic rejuvenation services.

My experience and education at Duke are unparalleled in their depth. I will always be proud and fortunate to have been a small part of such a storied institution. One of the best aspects, though not the most significant, is that everyone in my area is a Kansas Jayhawk basketball fan. It’s glorious that Duke not only outcompetes them in scholarly research, healthcare, and education, but also in basketball.

Outside of school and work, I have a beautiful wife and stepdaughter. In my free time, I enjoy scuba diving, coaching youth lacrosse, and doing whatever my wife tells me to. My wife is an independent children’s author and owns her own small business. However, what I most enjoy in life is watching my stepdaughter grow into a charming, intelligent, and empathetic young lady.

Click to learn more about our DNP program and the Nurse Innovator and Entrepreneur specialty.