Nurse Anesthesia DNP CRNA Personal Statement

Most of my time as a nurse has been spent in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, paying meticulous attention to the CRNA on the receiving end of their care.  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.  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.   

To pursue my passion as a CRNA, I made my transition to the CTICU in my hospital where I was able to further expand my clinical skills and understanding of in-depth human pathophysiology.  My daily responsibilities include providing direct care to critically ill patients on devices such as LVAD/RVAD, CRRT, balloon pump, Impella, as well as ECMO.  Continuous cardiac monitoring is another essential task of my daily work responsibilities. To optimize post-surgical hemodynamic stability and minimize complications, the patient’s hemodynamic monitoring parameters are strictly monitored and managed with various IV drips, including vasopressors, vasodilators, inotropes, antiarrhythmics, and electrolyte replacements.  I am trained to respond to emergencies promptly and escalate concerns in a timely manner with the surgical team. Studying for my CCRN-Cardiac Surgery Certification has enabled me to feel more confident in autonomously caring for my acutely ill patients and has allowed me to quickly identify and prioritize complex clinical situations. 

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, particularly those whose first language is Mandarin or Cantonese. Initial encounters between a CRNA and patients who share their mother tongue can put them at ease and build trust quickly during pre-op anesthetic evaluations.  

My central career goal includes completing the CRNA Program at Rutgers and developing clinical competency by working long hours.  Later, as a highly experienced CRNA, I look forward to returning to academia by serving as a clinical instructor and educating tomorrow’s CRNAs, sharing my bedside experience with new generations, and promoting the visibility and recognition of our profession within the healthcare community.  I will always remember how my clinical instructors positively impacted my learning experience. They were my first role models, helping to shape who I am and how I became a strong and competent nurse. My long-term goals include assuming leadership roles within the profession and serving on committees to influence policy and promote the advancement of the field.  Entirely dedicated to lifelong learning, I will participate in continuing education for the balance of my career, staying up to date with the latest developments in Nurse Anesthesia. 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. Thank you for considering my application.