DNP CRNA Personal Statement, Latina

Aspiring CRNAs attentively engage in a lecture on human anatomy, part of their journey toward becoming skilled nurse anesthetists.

____ College Nurse Anesthesia Program is my first choice among DNP programs for several reasons, including the location near my family and community support base. I appreciate the small class size of Nurse Anesthesia classes at ____ College, the many clinical sites, and the advanced simulation lab. I also understand the spirit driving the free food pantry and career closet. Finally, I like that the first year is entirely online, with the didactic portion of the class shared with the ____ Nurse Anesthesia program so that I will also get the chance to interact with and learn from other SRNAs.

A bilingual Latina from most humble beginnings, many excellent teachers have inspired me, and I have been blessed to have them. They encouraged me to apply myself to my studies, achieve a fulfilling career, and contribute to my community. It was difficult, coming from a poor urban area where very few attended, much less graduated from college. My family always told me I wouldn’t make it to college because no one else in our family had done so. With the demands of a full-time job, full-time course load, no support system, being a teenage mother, and financial responsibilities at home and in school – my grades suffered at first until my time management skills improved, and I learned how to balance my responsibilities.

Aspiring DNP CRNA candidate discusses her commitment and passion for patient care in a collaborative medical environment.

Despite the disadvantages that I had to overcome, I graduated with honors from nursing school, and I now have more than eight years of experience as a nurse, the last three in critical care. I have obtained specialty certifications in Critical Care and Cardiac Medicine and taken a graduate-level course in preparation for applying to return to Nursing School and completing a DNP program. I shadowed a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for eight hours to get a more in-depth look at the role of a nurse anesthetist. I witnessed the professionalism of the nurse anesthetist and how they were highly respected. I was also intrigued by the many skills and the ability to provide safe, holistic, autonomous care. My shadowing experience solidified my decision to pursue a career in Nurse Anesthesia. I have also attended nurse anesthesia professional conferences, including The Diversity CRNA Information Session and Lab Simulation in Fort Worth, Texas, and a Diversity CRNA virtual boot camp.

A vibrant illustration depicting a diverse team of healthcare professionals in an operating room, symbolizing dedication, and the journey toward becoming a DNP CRNA, with cultural elements reflecting Latina heritage.

I am experienced in intubating, anesthesia equipment checking and operation, and the insertion of central lines. My passion for nursing drives me to seek a total immersion experience in this area, focusing on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) and exploring opioid-free and sparing approaches to anesthesia. I believe these methods can significantly improve outcomes for high-risk populations, particularly those who may have limited access to comprehensive medical care. Additionally, I look forward to going abroad on medical missions to support surgeons, especially in the wake of a disaster in a Spanish-speaking part of the world, where my skills can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

Thank you for considering my application to Nurse Anesthesia at ____.