My Journey to Becoming a CRNA: A Personal Statement

CRNA School Personal Statement Background

It would be a special honor for me to be selected to complete the DNP Program in Nurse Anesthesia at XXXX University because of its sheer excellence and location. My mother is a first-generation immigrant from Haiti. While I was born and raised in America, I learned to speak both Haitian Creole and English fluently. I spent the first ten years of my professional life as a police officer in NYC. I have no regrets about this decade; it prepared me well on several levels for my ultimate contribution to society as a nurse. Now, I am applying for your distinguished program to become a CRNA. As a police officer, I often put my Haitian Creole to good use and look forward to continuing to do so as a nurse.

A New Path in Nursing

I was sworn in as a police officer at 20, just one year after 9/11. I left the police force in 2015 to pursue a career in nursing. Now, I seek a total immersion experience in Nurse Anesthesia, preparing to practice as a devoted CRNA for at least the next quarter of a century. I am also extremely enthusiastic about becoming a highly competent researcher. I loved my work with the police force, but nursing truly stole my heart.

My entire family and community are from Haiti. I have traveled there and to the Dominican Republic with my church many times, providing medical goods, clothes, school supplies, toiletries, and food to the community, especially the orphanages. At 27, while pregnant, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, and I agonized for the thousands of injured. A few years later, I left the police force to devote myself full-time to nursing. Most of my volunteer work has been with Autism Speaks and the Autism Spectrum Center at Boston Children's Hospital. This speaks to my focus and dedication to sustainably helping the most vulnerable among us. I hope to one day use my education and experiences to mentor other aspiring CRNAs and minority nurses as they pursue their dreams.

Overcoming Challenges

As the eldest of three children, we didn’t have many luxuries, but having access to education was a privilege I cherished. Some of my earliest memories involve being a teacher's assistant, helping my classmates with lessons. After graduating from high school in 2001, I took a leap of faith and moved to New York. I feared I would not be able to attend college due to economic issues. Life at home had become increasingly difficult because my mother fell ill, resulting in my failure to graduate with my class. These adversities helped me mature quickly, as did my experience as a police officer.

I began my studies toward a nursing career while still a police officer, and it wasn’t long before I set my sights on Nurse Anesthesia. During this time, I discovered my passion for becoming a CRNA. I became a CNA, then an LPN, and eventually earned my BSN.

Gaining Experience

I have shadowed a CRNA for approximately 40 hours to gain an in-depth understanding of the role of a nurse anesthetist. I also attended a Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Workshop at the University of Miami in 2019 and at Samuel Merritt University in 2022. Additionally, I participated in the Diversity CRNA Virtual Boot Camp in 2021 and attended two Interview Prep Sessions via Zoom. For the last two years, I have immersed myself in Nurse Anesthesia during my free time, and my motivation has skyrocketed. I study daily about the evolution of the field that I hope to make my own. The knowledge and understanding I have gathered fuel my motivation to keep pressing forward toward my goal of becoming a CRNA. I have witnessed Nurse Anesthesia evolve, from legislative changes to CRNAs influencing change on a systemic level.

Future Aspirations

I look forward to conducting extensive research about the role of the CRNA in fighting opioid addiction, which is plaguing our society. My experience as a police officer will be invaluable in making important contributions to this struggle.

In conclusion, my journey has been shaped by my diverse experiences and unwavering commitment to helping others. I am excited about the opportunity to further my education and make a meaningful impact in the field of Nurse Anesthesia. Thank you for considering my application.