MinorityNurse.com

 

Response to Doubts/Lena Gould, CRNA, MSN

Hello

I understand your financial concerns in regards to pursuing Nurse Anesthesia. However, your sense of doubt will have to transform into a full level of commitment in pursuit of this wonderful field. Commitment in respect to fully researching the field by actively and consistently viewing the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) and Minority Nurse websites. You will be informed and inspired.

In order to prepare for this journey, keep in mind that you have to be educationally and financially prepared for eventual enrollment of a Nurse Anesthesia Program. You mentioned that you are currently enrolled in a BSN Program. Your grades must reflect strong academic achievement, so perform exceedingly well. Also, upon graduating from the BSN Program, enroll immediately in graduate nursing courses. Take Nursing Research I and II, Advanced Pharmacology and Pathophysiology prior to submitting an application into a Nurse Anesthesia. By doing both, you have demonstrated that you excelled academically and you have completed prerequisites for the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Also, keep in mind that your employer will pay for your BSN and MSN courses (prerequisites). Another strong consideration is to prepare and I do mean, STUDY for the GRE Exam. Actually, you can purchase any GRE Review book now and commit on a weekly basis as your study regimen will dictate your success for entry into a Nurse Anesthesia Program.

The financial aspect consideration, particularly with children can be a challenge... but doable. I had two small children while I was in the Nurse Anesthesia Program, an 8 year old and a 5 month old. You really have a few short years before you actually apply to a Nurse Anesthesia Program, so now is the time for you to get your financial house in order. Pay off significant credit card debt, work as much overtime as you can and SAVE!. You will be enrolled in the Nurse Anesethesia Program full time and working simultaneously is not an option. Now, a few Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs)will stay in the pool at a local hospital to work one or two shifts during the month, but that is the extent of the work commitment. This is why SAVING is very important. Even if it means moving in with a relative or a relative move in with you to assist with additional income for your household bills. Remember that once you apply to a Nurse Anesthesia Program and get accepted, you will have nine to 12 months before actual enrollment. So what does that mean when you have a family? That means you have to start buying in bulk, whether it is at a Walmart or BJs. For example, buy in bulk items such as laundry detergent, bleach, soap, shampoo, toothpaste and other non-food items. Also, take advantage of the deep discounts after Christmas deals for your children's coats and clothes and buy Christmas gifts for the following year. You see, all of these items are expensive when you are enrolled in a Nurse Anesthesia Program. You will probably have to rely on student loans so by getting your financial house in order and improving your credit score, you will be deemed eligible.

You mentioned that you work in the Intermediate Care Unit. Consider seriously transferring into Trauma ICU, Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Cardiac ICU or Neuro ICU.
This work experience is invaluable for serious consideration into a Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Now, consider attending the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Information Session Workshop on March 27th at the University of Maryland. You will meet three Nurse
Anesthesia Program Directors, minority CRNAs, and SRNAs who will be on the panel. You will learn about the admission and selection process, rigors of the program, clinical, didactic courses, Board Preparation and more. Very informational and inspirational day!

I hope you will take all of this into consideration... and simply commit, no more doubts.

Wallena Gould, CRNA, MSN
Founder, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
www.diversitycrna.org

Other websites to view: www.aana.com and www.minoritynurse.com