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My Experience After the DNAMP Luncheon

I graduated from Nursing School with AAS and BSN as a second degree holder, in 1995 and 1996. By 1998, i knew i wanted to be a CRNA. By 1997 i was already working as a CCU nurse. However, there was big problem and that was, i did not know how to prepare for the admission process. The anesthesia forums were about how difficult it was, to get accepted,it was so overwhelmingly scary, that i just decided never to apply. Recently, i thought about the CRNA school and decided to go online again, to do some research about it. Some of the online forums conducted by other websites were just like 1998 memories. As i was getting discouraged, i stumbled on the minority nurse website and i guess, the rest is history. I was so impressed with Wallena Gould's biography and the positive mentorship and support of the program. Luckily, the DNAMP luncheon in NJ was about 3 days from when i discovered the Minority Nurse website. I quickly emailed Wallena and not surprising, she responded immediately, and invited me to NJ. I took the amtrack train from Maryland to New Jersey, but was unfortunately dropped off at Newark (which was about 2hours away). At this time, it was 8.30am and i was getting desperate about not missing the program. I took Amtrack back to Philadelphia and then quickly took a cab ($100) to Camden. I was so glad that i made it even though i was a few hours late.

I was very impressed by the number of people in attendance, the speakers' inspiring stories, the powerful networking with CRNAs, SRNAs, program directors and the powerful support systems of Wallena Gould and Mr John Bing. The information received was so refreshing, positive, encouraging, supportive and the atmosphere very friendly. The food provided was also great.

At the end of the program, I met with Mr John Bing, introduced myself and was excited that he is also a Washingtonian like myself.Last week, i called Mr Bing, re-introduced myself, and tried to schedule an appointment. Mr Bing was so receptive, friendly and accomodating. I was very surprised at how he quickly accepted to allow me shadow him. Today was my first day of shadowing with Mr Bing. He showed me the duties of a CRNA the priorities for the different procedures observed, the what, why and how. He emphasized the essential knowledge of various adjunct drugs in terms of onset, duration,peak, synthesis, interation, excretion,metabolism, antidote and so on. The most interesting part of the shadowing experience, were scenario questions that he asked and assisted me with. He was highly supportive and with a high level of knowledge base. Now i look forward to shadowing him again on friday. At the same time, Wallena has been advising on preparation for the program and what i need to accomplish before applying. What inspires me most about Wallena and Mr Bing is the constant level of communication flow in terms of encouragement and support.

What a difference more than a decade later. Now i am older, more mature, but most importantly the support and mentorship of the DNAMP program can never be quantified. Wallena Gould and Mr Bing are such busy people, but yet they create the time for the amazing support and mentorship. I am so grateful to both of them, that i feel so energized and determined, to apply either this year or most likely 2010. Whatever the case, i would never have reconsidered the CRNA school without these leaders and role models.
Thanks so much Wallena Gould and Mr John Bing. You are truly appreciated for the difference you are making in peoples' lives.

Tawa Olanrewaju RN, BSN