This SRNA used academic roadblocks as fuel for her journey to excellence.

Describe your prior nursing work experience including both specialty and region.

Before starting CRNA school, I worked for 3 years in the CVICU at the Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, OH

In what anesthesia program are you enrolled and when is your projected graduation?

I currently attend Northern Kentucky University and will be graduating in May 2025.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a CRNA?

While working in the ICU, I met many CRNAs while recovering open heart patients. Their ability to provide care in acute settings, advocate for their patients, and overall knowledge inspired me to pursue the career.

What is your favorite case to do in anesthesia and why?

My favorite cases to do are vascular and open hearts! Due to the complexity of the patient and case, teamwork is key. I love communicating with everyone on the OR team, titrating drips, interpreting advanced hemodynamics, looking at TEEs, and preparing for emergencies! It’s very rewarding taking care of a patient during, what could be, the scariest time of their life.

Elaborate on a human difference that was paramount to your becoming the person you are today (i.e., culture, national origin, religion, life experiences, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, gender expression, and/or physical abilities).

Before starting CRNA school, I faced lots of academic hardship. I was denied into undergraduate nursing school twice. Once accepted into an associates degree nursing program, I began to build confidence within myself. Before applying to CRNA school, I once again found myself falling short by not having the minimum science GPA to apply. I didn’t let this hold me back and quickly began retaking classes to replace my previous poor grades. This experience taught me that it’s so important to truly understand who you are. Use your strengths to do something no one else is doing and at the same time put in the effort to improve your weaknesses.

Who are some of your most influential mentors and why?

During my clinical time in the Cincinnati/NKY area, I've had the privilege of meeting many CRNAs who inspire me every day in the OR. However, two individuals have had a particularly profound impact on me outside the OR. Both Debbie Barber and Brian Kasson have played a key role in helping me understand the importance of CRNA advocacy and have motivated me to pursue being active with both OSANA & AANA post graduation.

What are some of your hobbies?

Baking, working out, and hoping to get into scrapbooking!

What advice would you like to share with other or future SRNAs?

Surround yourself with people who have a positive and growth mindset. You have no time to waste being negative!!