Meet the CRNAs of New York

Upon hearing 'Nurse Anesthetist' for the first time, my future was suddenly clearer. 

"It wasn’t until my sister was getting an epidural during labor that I realized what nurses can really do. When the woman with 'Nurse' on her badge relieved my sister of labor pains, I had to ask her what her title was. Upon hearing 'Nurse Anesthetist' for the first time, my future was suddenly clearer. This woman quickly and effortlessly provided my sister such pain relief while I witnessed with awe.

I was already in my second year of nursing school, but I didn’t even know what a Nurse Anesthetist was. I’ve made it a point to educate young people and my patients on what it is we do and how beautiful our profession is. "I LOVE being a CRNA and the breadth of clinical skills and knowledge required. I love the hands-on procedural aspect of our job and the critical decision making that we are responsible for. Anesthesia is an art, there is no one way to do a case. Tailoring care to an individual’s needs allows for creativity. There are few healthcare professions where you could be fighting to save a trauma patient during their emergency surgery one day, then playing a clown, entertaining a three-year old before their tonsillectomy the next. It’s fun and exciting. Every day is different but, always rewarding.”

The experience stirred an excitement inside me I had never felt before!

"I had no idea exactly where I wanted to go with a master’s degree, so I signed up for an adult health NP program. After contemplating what it would be like to make a career out of treating mostly non-compliant diabetic and hypertensive patients (my own take!), I met with my advisor to drop out of the program. She asked me what it was that I loved about what I was doing. I quickly replied, 'Oh, I love the sick intubated patients on a million drips and the traumas we get!'

I was then encouraged to shadow a CRNA, and did so that same day. The OR and the people and equipment in it were so foreign to me, and yet that experience stirred an excitement inside me I had never felt before! “Being a CRNA has impacted my life profoundly, as I am sure it has impacted every CRNA profoundly! Getting through the rigors of the educational process and surviving life while doing so showed me I can do ANYTHING if I am determined enough. If you made it through, you can say the same thing.

Believing in myself is a priceless gift that was made possible through my CRNA journey. Embracing the constant learner within and growing into an expert throughout my CRNA career has had a profound effect on me. At first it was being listened to in collaborative settings, then building confidence in my knowledge and experience as I grew in autonomy and finally feeling satisfaction in knowing that I can hold my own and can choose to work wherever I wish. That is a nice nugget of security.”

After a few shadowing shifts, I realized that CRNAs are knowledgeable, independent and integral members of the healthcare system

"Unlike many of my CRNA classmates, I did not originally set out to become a CRNA when I started my nursing career. I just wanted a job that was rewarding and financially sound. I loved my four and a half years as a CTICU nurse. However, towards the end of my career as an ICU RN, I felt a longing for more; I realized that my favorite moments of care were stabilizing fresh post op patients, weaning vasopressors and ventilator settings. I learned that the moments I found most interesting as an ICU nurse overlapped with some of the duties of a CRNA.

After a few shadowing shifts, I realized that CRNAs are knowledgeable, independent and integral members of the healthcare system, which immediately led me to apply to a CRNA Program. “Becoming a CRNA has changed my life. After only seven months in this new profession, I don't think I have fully grasped how profound an impact being a CRNA has made.

Every day I am still discovering what the profession has afforded me. Whether it be financial security or vast dynamic and national employment opportunities, it's like the world has opened up since I became a CRNA. I also have a new sense of pride and responsibility that I am reminded of every day. I realized that in this profession you are truly forever learning, which is both intimidating and exciting. You should always try to stay abreast of the latest evidence-based practices to make sure you are providing the best care possible. Currently, I am just enjoying my new purpose and increased responsibility. I hold every day in high regard as I embark on my new profession as a CRNA.”

 I love developing a relationship with my patients.

"I was a flight nurse for nine years, and I guess it is the natural progression for a lot of us to go from flight to anesthesia. My first introduction to nurse anesthesiology was as a brand-new flight nurse in Arizona. I went to the OR to learn how to intubate and get real life experience. I was partnered with a gentleman named Christopher. He told me that fateful day I should pursue a career in nurse anesthesia… and nine years later, I finally did. “Being a CRNA has allowed me many opportunities. I have met so many people and have worked in so many cool places. I love learning, especially from my peers. And I love developing a relationship with my patients. I think that is why I keep doing a lot of OB anesthesia. I like my patients awake.” 

The combination of technical skills and human interaction makes our jobs both challenging and rewarding

"I originally trained as Respiratory Therapist and Educator. I continued into nursing mid-career and then trained at Albany Medical College as a Nurse Anesthetist. It was an opportunity to take advantage of skills I had developed over the years. “I enjoy the job and the chance to provide anesthesia services to the patients we care for. The combination of technical skills and human interaction makes our jobs both challenging and rewarding. I have a very strong commitment to educating and training the next generation of practitioners.”