I became a nurse because I wanted to make a difference rather than merely make a living, and I have never regretted my decision. I seek to acquire the highest skill and knowledge possible to fulfill my personal and professional potential. I have carefully considered what specialty to pursue and concluded that the CRNA role would be the ideal ‘fit’ for my high motivation and work ethic.
I have three and a half years of post-qualification experience in ER nursing. I have had significant exposure to patients who have become addicted to prescription opioid drugs, so I am knowledgeable about this problem. I have observed how effective ‘regional blocks’ can be ineffective in pain management and hope to play a part in managing pain through their use and other alternative therapies. I hope to labor on behalf of underserved communities, either in the US, abroad, or both, with an NPO. My experience in an ER in a hospital serving a poor neighborhood has exposed me to many patient types, conditions, and traumas, including gun and knife wounds and patients who present with multiple states. This exposure has provided a comprehensive foundation in nursing and significant contact with CRNAs. Thus, now is the optimal time to begin studying for the DNP Degree in Nurse Anesthesia at my first choice, XXXX University.
I have sought to prepare myself for submitting this application by acquiring as much exposure to the specialty as possible. I have spent my spare time participating in various networking events and have taken the opportunity to shadow a highly skilled and caring CRNA, Christine XXXX. I last attended a Diversity CRNA event hosted by Dr. Lena Gold at Samuel Merritt University in June. I had the opportunity to meet and network with SRNAs, CRNAs, CRNA program directors, and other registered nurses interested in the specialty. We heard speakers, listened in on student and program director panels, and were allowed ‘hands-on’ time with fiberoptic intubation, a skill I especially look forward to mastering. I was also extremely interested in learning about regional anesthetic techniques that allow for less use of general anesthetics and post-operative opioids and narcotics. I am most attracted to a specialty in which advances in techniques and therapies are being made so rapidly, and I hope to participate in research to achieve future advances. Being responsible for a comparatively small number of patients and accompanying patients through surgery to recovery is also beautiful.
I needed to work while studying for my nursing degree, but I still made the Dean’s List. I regard this as an indication of my determination and academic potential, which I hope to fulfill within the program. I know the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in healthcare provision, mainly when I treat and socialize with people of various cultures. I have worked, studied, treated, and associated with people of multiple cultures and social backgrounds. I speak Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi and can communicate at a basic level in Spanish and intend to extend this fluency as time permits.
I know that highly developed technical skills and advanced knowledge must be supplemented by empathy. While I regard myself as a naturally empathetic person, the recent loss of a dearly loved four-year-old cousin following a car accident has increased my appreciation of the feelings of patients and their loved ones and my sensitivity to them.
As an experienced ER nurse, I have sought as much exposure to the CRNA role as possible; I possess the academic potential and personal characteristics to excel. If selected, I promise the reader I shall apply exceptional enthusiasm and diligence to distinguish myself in earning the DNP Degree in Nurse Anesthesia from XXXX University.
Thank you for considering my application.