MinorityNurse.com

 

Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program

The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship program has helped me tremendously. I learned about the program while in nursing school and subsequently had the opportunity to meet Ms. Wallena Gould, the founder of the program. Wallena told me about their annual luncheons and airway workshops and that attending these programs could really help me get on the right path to nurse anesthesia school. She also explained how important it was to get the right experience before applying to grad school. I followed her advice and got a job in a level one trauma icu. I also attended her annual luncheons which were extremely helpful. During the luncheons I had the opportunity to hear speakers such as Terry Wicks, past president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and Goldie Brangman, the first black president of the AANA. I also had the opportunity to speak with current SRNA’s and practicing CRNA’s. It was through these resources that I learned about the application process, the interview process, general preparation for school and the rigors of the program as well as the opportunities after graduation. The airway workshops were very helpful. It was through the workshops that I learned about the role of the CRNA in addition to reviewing the FDA checklist, learning about the drugs that an anesthetist uses as well as many other things. My participation in the program was invaluable in my preparation for anesthesia school. I believe it helped to pave the way to my acceptance into anesthesia school. I will be starting at Excela Health School of Nurse Anesthesia in the fall. Thank you Lena for creating a program that has meant so much to me and affected so many, I know that it will continue to grow to help many more.