Introduction
From the age of six, I admired my mother’s role as an ICU nurse, witnessing her dedication to patient care. Her influence sparked my early aspirations to pursue nursing, and by the time I began college, I had set my sights on becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Nurse Anesthesia represents the perfect blend of precision, responsibility, and patient-centered care, offering the opportunity to make life-saving interventions. My journey from ICU nurse to CRNA candidate has been one of preparation, discovery, and unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care.
Shadowing in the CRNA Personal Statement
As a child, I had the utmost respect for my mother’s career as an ICU nurse. By the age of 6, I had decided that I also wanted to become a nurse when I grew up. I adored my mother and could not have been prouder that she was a registered nurse playing a critical role in helping people to get better in the ICU. By the time I started college, I was very much aware of what a CRNA was and what they did. My dreams of Nurse Anesthesia were born long ago in my heart.
I spent a lot of time learning about a variety of nursing specialties; nothing, however, compared to the intensity, immediacy, and responsibility offered by Nurse Anesthesia. Soon, a day would not go by that I would fail to review and rehearse part of my plans for becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
With nurse anesthesia at the back of my mind since high school, I began my career as a nurse in progressive care, then intensive care, and next as a travel nurse working with critically ill patients in ICUs around the country. My appreciation for cutting-edge medications and techniques inspired me to earn my urgent care registered nurse (CCRN) certification as well as my BSN. I feel mature, confident, ready, and capable of taking my career to the next level, studying to become a CRNA.
My goal in this program is to obtain the knowledge and skills required to work extremely efficiently and safely as a CRNA. My reason for seeking to enter the Nurse Anesthesia Program at B____ University results from my lifelong passion for nursing, my experience working in intensive care, and my interest in anesthesiology as a vehicle for realizing my highest and most noble professional potential. My goal and action plan are to submerge myself in learning how anesthesia and other medications function at the molecular level within the human body to improve and potentially save patients' lives.
I have been preparing for success in Nurse Anesthesia for years, especially by my work in the ICU. Earning my BSN with a GPA of 3.9 resulted mostly from enormous effort, shadowing and conversing with nurse anesthetists, saving money, and preparing myself for three years of exclusive devotion to Nurse Anesthesia. Through discussions with CRNAs, SRNAs, and physicians, I have come to understand the great rigor of your program and the sacrifice that it requires. I am prepared and fully equipped to quit bedside nursing and gladly make this program my full-time personal as well as professional focus. Fortunately, I have the support of family and friends who also understand the requirements of this program and will be available as a support system.
Shadowing a CRNA for the first time was a watershed experience, deepening my understanding of their role and further fortifying my decision to pursue this career. I was honored to shadow a CRNA with 36 years of experience in the field. This CRNA reviewed his scheduled cases the night before, so he was prepared for work the next day. The two of us spoke with the patient early in the morning to answer questions, provide education, and support the patient prior to surgery. The CRNA administered a mild sedative, and the patient was brought to the operating room. Here the CRNA had medications prepared and his station readied for intubation. After some safety checks, the patient was medicated and seamlessly intubated. The CRNA was very in tune with the patient and his vital signs, the Masimo brain monitor, the Drager anesthesia machine, and the other interdisciplinary team members.
When the surgery was finished, the CRNA stopped the anesthesia, gave a neuromuscular reversal agent, and waited for the right time to extubate the patient. Soon after, the CRNA accompanied the patient to PACU, gave an additional report to the receiving nurse, and provided his contact information to the nurse should the patient need anything. After the procedure, the CRNA spoke with me about the different medications and how they interact with human physiology. It was impressive and inspiring to witness his role in this highly successful surgery. Later, he discussed with me how the role of the CRNA has changed over the years. This shadowing experience proved to be invaluable in helping me to fill in the gaps in the big picture of nurse anesthesia.
ICU nurses carry a lot of responsibility at the bedside, and it is easy to see why ICU experience is critical to becoming a CRNA. CRNAs work closely with physicians and other interdisciplinary team members to provide anesthesia care safely and comfortably before, during, and after a patient’s procedure or surgery (Cleveland Clinic, 2020). My shadowing experiences left me most enthusiastic about the prospect of continuing to learn about the CRNA's role, eventually earning my DNP in Nurse Anesthesiology.
Thank you for considering my application.
Detailed Analysis of the Personal Statement
Strengths
Clear Motivation and Passion for CRNA Role:
The statement vividly portrays the applicant's deep-rooted desire to pursue a career in nurse anesthesia, dating back to childhood admiration of their mother’s nursing career.
The account of shadowing a CRNA offers an insightful and detailed glimpse into the profession, demonstrating an informed and deliberate career choice.
Comprehensive Background:
The applicant effectively outlines a progressive career trajectory, from ICU nursing to travel nursing, demonstrating their readiness to tackle the challenges of a CRNA program.
Academic achievements, such as earning a BSN with a 3.9 GPA, underscore their diligence and intellectual capability.
Commitment to Excellence:
The narrative reflects a strong dedication to academic and professional growth, with emphasis on certifications, shadowing experiences, and preparation for the rigors of a CRNA program.
The statement highlights readiness to transition from bedside nursing to full-time study, supported by careful planning and a robust support system.
Engaging and Detailed Shadowing Experience:
The vivid recounting of the shadowing experience provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a CRNA's day-to-day responsibilities.
Details about the CRNA’s preparation, patient interaction, and teamwork effectively demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of the role and its challenges.
Future Goals and Aspirations:
Clear articulation of goals, including earning a DNP in Nurse Anesthesia and mastering the molecular-level workings of anesthesia, shows ambition and forward-thinking.
Frequently asked question [FAQs]
1. Why is shadowing important in a CRNA personal statement?
Shadowing demonstrates your commitment to understanding the role of a CRNA and provides first-hand insights into the responsibilities and challenges of the profession.
2. How can I highlight ICU experience effectively?
3. How can I showcase my passion for nursing?
Additional Resources
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References
Cleveland Clinic. (2020, January 30). Nurse specialty spotlight: Certified registered nurse anesthetists. consultqd.clevelandclinic.org. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/nurse-specialty-spotlight-certified-registered-nurse-anesthetists/
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