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Attend a Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program (DNAMP) information luncheon!

Hello Nurses,

My name is Rajaee Black RN BSN. I am an ICU nurse from Maryland. I had the pleasure of attending the Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program (DNAMP), luncheon/information session held in Camden New Jersey in March. This was an enlightening experience for me. I learned so much related to the process of becoming a CRNA, and even more about the practice of nurse anesthesia. On hand were CRNA's such as Wallena Gould, John and Arvella Bing, Gary Phelps, and many others. Special guest speaker Frank J. Purcell, Director of Federal Government Affairs in the Washington, D.C. office of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), the professional association for more than 30,000 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), delivered an especially informative presentation. And of course there were numerous student nurse anesthetists, all willing to share thier experiences.

As a minority nurse planning to apply to a nurse anesthesia program I found this program especially helpful in many ways. It boosted my confidence, for one! There is nothing like seeing 200+ RNs, SRNAs, and CRNAs who look like you! The information session also filled in some of the gaps in information I had regarding applying to a program. I didn't realize the importance of ICU experience, and shadowing a CRNA prior to attending the information session. I also learned the importance of interview preparedness.

The CRNAs attending the Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program information luncheon made themselves available to discuss any aspect of becoming and practicing as nurse anesthetists. They provided a wealth of information. Mrs. Bing talked to SRNA's and RN's such as myself about the rigors of anesthesia school, situations which are encountered in practice, and professionalism in the workplace. I was able to network with a few SRNAs, who I am still in contact with. They have made themselves available to me to answer so many of my questions.

One of biggest benefits of the Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program information luncheon was my ability to network with RN's in various stages of the application process from my home state (Maryland) and surrounding states.

There are two more Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program information luncheons planned in 2009. One is in Los Angeles California (April 25, 2009)and the other is in Miami Florida. Details can be found on the Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program website.

www.diversitycrna.org