Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
Hello everyone:
Here’s the latest news from the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program!
First of all, the recent HBCU schools of nursing visit by myself and John Bing, CRNA, was a great success. We spoke to nursing students about considering nurse anesthesia as a career choice. We want to inform them fully about the CRNA admission process, the rigors of the program and the importance of securing a critical care position upon graduation. We also demonstrated anesthesia equipment for the students and disseminated material from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA). What really made the biggest impact on the students was the viewing of the PowerPoint picture-only CD with audio of minority nurse anesthesia students and CRNAs... truly inspirational. All of the pictures were captured and displayed on the AANA Web site, www.aana.com (click on “Diversity Program”). You can also view them on my Web site, www.diversitycrna.org.
Another new development is that the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program is now officially established as a non-profit organization. I am in the process of applying for funds through corporate foundations and grants.
Finally, I am planning three Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program information sessions/luncheons for next year, in New Jersey, California, and one other location (to be announced). These events are for new and prospective minority CRNA students. The confirmed date for the New Jersey luncheon is March 21, 2009 at Rutgers University-Camden. Frank Purcell, BS (AANA Federal Affairs Director) will be our guest speaker. Students interested in attending will be able to download an application from my Web site by late December. The California luncheon will be held on April 25, 2009 at USC. The guest speaker will be Dr. Francis Gerbasi, CRNA (AANA Education Director). For the third luncheon, in fall 2009, the location and date have yet to be determined, but Jeffrey Beutler, CRNA, MSN (AANA Executive Director) will be our guest speaker.
Wallena (Lena) Gould, CRNA, MSN
Founder and Chair
The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
BROWSE
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TITLE: Hispanic Nurses: Transforming Policy to Support Healthy Communities for Hispanics ORGANIZATION: 35th Annual National Association Of Hispanic Nurses ConferenceJOB POSTING
POSITION: Nurse-Midwifery Tenure Track Faculty Member EMPLOYER: University of California, San Francisco, School of Nursing, Department of Family Health Care Nursing DESCRIPTION:Nurse-Midwifery Tenure Track Faculty Member
Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Rank*
Education:
Minimum criteria:
1. Doctoral degree in nursing or related field.
2. Graduate level education and training in midwifery specialty.
3. Certification as a midwife from the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Highly desirable criteria:
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Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
Thu, 02/19/2009 - 6:16pm — tmcbooI met Wallena last summer at the AANA annual meeting in Minnesota last summer and was completely amazed at what she was attempting to accomplish. The mentorship program is extremely important to minorities because many minorities have no idea that Nurse Anesthesia even exists or what a Certified Nurse Anesthetist is. Her tireless efforts in educating minorities about nurse anesthesia is commendable. I am so inspired with her work that when I finish anesthesia school this fall, I too hope to join her in her quest to encourage minorities to explore the exciting world of nurse anesthesia. Despite all that Lena has to do in her busy world, she still has time to mentor me as well. She never fails to stress to me that I can call her anytime or if I need anything to not hesitate and ask right away. I appreciate what she is doing for our community. Thanks Lena. Always, T'Anya
Lena is the best!
Sat, 02/21/2009 - 11:25am — betterlatethaneverI am taking this opportunity to introduce the newcommers to what an exceptional individual Ms. Gould is. I met Lena through a friend at the national meeting in Denver of '07. She was extremely intriguing in her vision for the diversity recongnition of nurse anesthesia. As we sat, waited and conversed for multiple flight delays there was a true friendship established with Ms. Gould. There were many times through that year that Ms. Gould and I remained in contact. Summer of 2008 brought the two of us together again in Minn. She was full of enthusiasm regarding the progression of her dream in diversity anesthesia. We spent a substantial amount of time together at this annual meeting as well. As I came home and continued to work on the weekends during my CRNA program I speak with many of my fellow critical care RNs and they have also spoke of Lena's praise regarding guidence in their application process to CRNA school. I recently organized a career fair at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. A donation was made to the Diversity of Nurse Anesthesia Forum and Lena Gould because I feel that she has a vision that is so full of passion! I thank Lena for all of her dedication to the profession and am here to support her in any way possible for the vision which she works so hard to establish.
Your best
Chris Giberson RN, BSN, CCRN, SRNA
125 days and counting
Beacon
Mon, 02/23/2009 - 8:30pm — Beamerm5I had the opportunity to meet Lena for the first time in the Summer of 2006. I was one of the first guest to show up at Crozier Medical Center for one of her meetings. Lena and I talked until other guest arrived. I didn't understand then what I have grown to understand now through the several years I have known Lena. She is the most passionate and caring person I have ever met. This organization that began as dream has blossomed and continues to mature. I am so proud to call Lena my friend. I wish Lena nothing but the very best as she continues to pioneer and bridge gaps. Your friend,
Fred Peterson CRNA, BS, MSN
A Pioneer in her own right
Wed, 02/25/2009 - 4:19am — spawnupeI have had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mrs. Gould at last years Diversity Luncheon(2008). I was so struck by the positive energy that was produced from her that I was totally compelled to join in her cause. It was evident that she wanted to provide clear and concise information about the Nursing Anesthesia industry, so that more opportunities can be produced to minorities.
Personally, Mrs. Gould has been a fabulous mentor to me . She has advised me on many factors from getting into a nurse externship(SICU- University of Pennsylvania), to the proper timing for completing my CRNA application for schools. I am in awe of her wisdom, drive, and desire for equality amongst the ranks of Nursing Anesthesia.
Passionate Mentor
Thu, 03/05/2009 - 8:36pm — nurseswI first met Lena last summer at the Anesthesia Airway Workshop (2008). I was so inspired by her dedication in providing us with the knowledge to understand the role of a nurse anesthetist. She exuded a positive energy that was felt by everyone who attended the workshop. Lena, continued to guide me throughout my mission to find an anesthesia program perfect for me. The information she provided to me was very helpful and was utilized on several interviews I attended. Recently, I received an acceptance letter into the Nurse Anesthesia Program (Fall 2009). Thanks a lot Lena for all your support!!! I commend you for your effort in changing the face of Nurse Anesthesia. Your vision is now a reality. I support your endeavors in educating, diversifying, and mentoring minorities in the growing field of Nurse Anesthesia. See you at the upcoming Diversity Information Session Luncheon. For members on this forum, get your registration completed and join us. You will gain of vast amount of valuable information. Hope to see you all there.
Shanda