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Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Hampton University
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia Track, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Bio
Courtney Shafer, DNP, CRNA, APRN, is a board-certified registered nurse anesthetist with over 14 years of nursing experience and more than seven years of dedicated anesthesia practice. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with honors from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis in 2018.
Dr. Shafer’s clinical expertise spans a wide range of specialties, including general surgery, obstetrics, neuraxial anesthesia, gynecology, vascular surgery, urology, robotics, healthy pediatrics, and spine surgery. Her diverse background supports a well-rounded, patient-centered approach to both care delivery and clinical education.
Her research interests include pain management, obstetric analgesia, regional anesthesia, operating room management science, and clinical decision support in anesthesia. Passionate about education, Dr. Shafer is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nurse anesthetists and advancing the quality of patient care through academic excellence.
She joined Marian University as an assistant professor in a part-time capacity in August 2023 and quickly fell in love with the university's culture and students. Her dedication and enthusiasm led her to transition into a full-time faculty role the following spring. Before joining Marian, Dr. Shafer worked as a practicing nurse anesthetist and served as an adjunct professor at Kennesaw State University, where she taught BSN students. While she enjoyed teaching foundational nursing skills, she was eager to educate students in the advanced clinical practices she uses daily in anesthesia.
In addition, she has served as a guest lecturer at Emory University for nurse anesthesia students, many of whom she also had the pleasure of precepting in the clinical setting.
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Areas of Teaching Expertise
Research Interests
Professional Service and Affiliations
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, National League for Nursing, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
Community and Public Engagement
Dr. Shafer is deeply committed to community engagement and service. Through her involvement with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., she actively supports initiatives focused on youth development, including mentoring middle and high school students, cotillion preparation, and various community outreach programs.
In addition, Dr. Shafer partners with her father three times a year for an event called Beauty for Ashes, which serves the unhoused community. This outreach provides access to portable showers, meals, donated clothing, haircuts, and opportunities for connection—such as playing chess in the park and engaging in supportive conversation.
Personal Info
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Shafer has a strong spiritual foundation and enjoys reading, playing tennis, and spending time with her husband and their sweet labradoodle, Pearl. She and her family are joyfully anticipating the arrival of their baby girl this fall.
Her favorite quote is: “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm Little
