Asian CRNA Personal Statement

____ University is my first choice among DNP Programs in Nurse Anesthesia because of the sheer excellence of your program, renowned faculty, and the latest technology simulation labs. I am confident that ____ will give me the best preparation possible to enter the workforce as a CRNA. I have nearly ten years of experience in ICUs, providing me with a vast experiential database to help me excel in your program. Caring for critically ill patients and working under pressure is my professional destiny and has become my second nature.  

Most of my time as a nurse has been spent in PACU, paying meticulous attention to the CRNA on the receiving end of their care. I am well-versed in the importance of Pre-Op assessment and how it affects patient outcomes, basic anesthetic pharmacology, and clinical implications for patients emerging from anesthesia care.  Raised mainly in New York City and a native speaker of Mandarin and Cantonese, I look forward to serving as a Chinese speaker on call in the hospital where I am employed. 

I connect easily with patients, build rapport, and provide culturally sensitive care. I want to be a role model for new generations of Asian descent and other minorities interested in Nurse Anesthesia, demonstrating what can be accomplished with hard work and determination in a nation with unlimited opportunities. After graduating and gaining several years of intense experience as a CRNA, I plan to share in the academic community by serving as a clinical instructor in Nurse Anesthesia. My long-term objectives also include broadening my contribution to the care of the underserved. I anticipate many of them will prefer treatment in either Mandarin or Cantonese. Initial encounters between a CRNA with patients who share his mother tongue can put them at ease and build trust quickly during pre-op anesthetic evaluations.  

I came to America at the age of 13. Thus, I am also thankful that I arrived in time to learn to speak English with complete fluency and only a slight accent. I was already focused on nursing as a career when I came, so I used medical dramas to learn English, focusing on nurses portrayed as the frontmost of medical emergency response. I was inspired by their capabilities to help save lives and their nobility at the bedside, even when facing death. I realized that nursing is my calling. Now I am serving at one of the best hospitals in NYC.  

One day a patient rolled into my PACU bay in respiratory arrest. The CRNA quickly intervened by securing the patient’s airway and administrating ventilation until adequate oxygenation was restored.  The process was seamless, and it was second nature. I watched how he calmly handled such emergencies.  His clinical expertise in airway management, professionalism, and capability to function with high autonomy impressed me.  From that day forward, my desire to become a CRNA grew exponentially. 

My central career goal includes completing the CRNA Program at Fairfield and developing clinical competency by working long hours in the field.  Later, as a highly experienced CRNA, I look forward to returning to academia by serving as a clinical instructor.  I will always remember how my clinical instructors positively impacted my learning experience in nursing school. They were the first role models that helped shape who I am and how I became a strong and competent nurse today.   

Entirely dedicated to lifelong learning, I plan to participate in continuing education for the balance of my career, staying up to date with the latest developments in Nurse Anesthesia.  In addition to providing clinical care, I also want to contribute to training new generations of CRNAs and promoting the visibility and recognition of our profession within the healthcare community.  CRNAs play an essential role in providing effective anesthesia care, and I am committed to advocating for nurse anesthesia, helping to ensure that our profession continues to evolve and thrive.   

My long-term goals include assuming leadership roles within the CRNA profession.  I plan to become involved in professional organizations and serve on committees to influence policy and promote the advancement of the field.  I also aim to return to academia to help as a clinical instructor mentor and educate tomorrow’s CRNAs to ensure the continued growth and development of the profession, sharing my bedside experience with my students.   

Earning the DNP in Nurse Anesthesia Program at a rigorous program like Fairfield will be one of the most significant challenges I will ever face. Nevertheless, I am determined and confident in myself and my passion for anesthesia to succeed in this competitive career.   

Given my exceptional undergraduate academic performance, broad clinical experiences, and careful and thorough research, I am confident that I will exceed expectations and distinguish myself at Fairfield.  I look forward to joining your esteemed program with keen anticipation. I sincerely hope to add value to your program. 

Thank you for considering my application.