CRNA Personal Statement, Missions

A diverse group of healthcare professionals in scrubs poses confidently in front of a world map, embodying the spirit of global medical missions.

I am applying to your distinguished program because nothing satisfies me as much as seeing a confident, smiling face before surgery and the calm serenity of a patient following surgery. Still only twenty-six, and with eight years of ICU nursing under my belt, my application to your competitive program is strengthened because I have served on three medical/surgical missions to the Caribbean.

Although I am just beginning to learn Spanish, I have made an excellent start and aspire to assist those in need beyond our borders. I am determined to become a CRNA, not merely for the title but for the role itself. I wish to be known throughout my life as a woman who excels in alleviating pain.

My long-term ambition is to keep practicing as a CRNA in hospitals or outpatient settings. A key part of my life’s journey is to continue my volunteer work in the Global South. I fully intend to continue building ties in the Dominican Republic that I will nurture for the rest of my life. During my first trip to the DR, I sought out a beautiful beach. However, my following three visits to the island were as part of a medical/surgical mission team. On the opposite side of the island from the tourist spots, my awareness was significantly heightened, particularly regarding the Haitian migrants, especially the recent arrivals who escaped the earthquake's aftermath: dirt floors; little to no running water. Together with a Dominican doctor, we established a clinic in a hospital, located about a 4-hour drive from the capital, to distribute medications. 

A diverse group of aspiring healthcare professionals, united in their mission to serve globally, prepares for their roles as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), standing confidently in front of a world map.

It wanted to step into another world: open, used needles scattered across the hospital floor and stretching into the parking lot. The foul-smelling trash was heaped right outside the back entrance of the ER. Patients must bring their own bedding and food for their hospital stay; without air conditioning, all the windows are open, allowing dust and dirt to come in. I fell in love with this part of the Dominican Republic because the Dominicans are the most wonderfully amazing people I have ever met; humble, they ask for nothing. Yet, they are also the most grateful people I have ever known, offering a pleasant contrast to what I am used to with many of my patients in the USA, who often take their healthcare for granted.

I am a dedicated worker with a deep passion for everything I believe in, especially the art of anesthesia. When I first observed CRNA during a few cases, it was the most thrilling experience. Once I intubated five patients under the supervision of a CRNA, I was ‘hooked’ for life. On my second and third missions to the Dominican Republic, I observed more CRNAs and became highly skilled at intubating patients. These have been my pivotal life experiences up to this point. This is how I envision achieving my most important goals and contributing to humanity; I want to return to the Dominican Republic and continue my missions there as a CRNA.

A dedicated team of healthcare professionals prepares for a global medical mission, embodying the spirit of compassion and expertise highlighted in a CRNA personal statement.

I have worked in an Intensive care unit for eight years, first as a CNA and the last four years as an RN. I have developed a particular interest over the last several years in ventilators. I look forward to doing extensive research in your distinguished program about the unique challenges and opportunities facing ventilated patients.

Your DNP Program in Nurse Anesthesia at U__ is my first choice since it is one of the most exemplary programs in the country, and it is close to my family, which would provide me with the support base that I need for the ultimate immersion in my studies.

 Thank you for considering my application.

26 years old with 8 years of experience in ICU is impressive. This applicant is also an excellent example of how nicely learning Spanish to care for the underserved can be part of a nurse's mission activity, helping the underserved, it all fits together. This is a good strategy to follow, if you want to learn Spanish to help the underserved, volunteer to go on missions to a Spanish-speaking country and there you will find a major source of motivation and inspiration. Mission is fundamental to many applicants in Nurse Anesthesia. A large part of nursing missionary activity is surgery of one kind or another. Hence, the CRNA is needed all over the world to support surgeons.

CRNA Personal Statement