Health.
Is anesthesia school hard?
I know much anxiety is built up about just how difficult anesthesia school is, but that just wasn’t my experience. I felt it was much easier than nursing school. That’s right!! It came down to time management and not necessarily ‘priority-style’ test questions. I knew that if I studied smarter (not harder) and put in the work that I could and would do well on test day. I left zero room for ambiguity.
What resource do you still use today during your practice of anesthesia?
A lot of my resources nowadays come from my phone and readily available apps. Vargo Anesthesia has been a lifesaver for me and so many other providers. Created by a CRNA, it details countless surgeries, pharmacology and algorithms for both adult and pediatric anesthesia all at your immediate fingertips.
What was my go-to study material for getting through anesthesia school?
Morgan & Mikhail Clinical Anesthesiology is was a text I read cover to cover about 3-4 times while in school because it was very digestible for me. I would use other text when I wanted more details or more clarification on a topic but Morgan & Mikhail was the only book I carried with me every day while in nurse anesthesia school.
How do I know if I’m a good fit for anesthesia?
There are a couple of common character traits of a nurse anesthetist. They have an affinity for science and problem solving, and are usually Type A individuals with a high desire to excel. They exhibit leadership qualities and are assertive, dependable and carry themselves with high integrity. If these qualities fit you, then anesthesia may be just what you’re looking for!
Is becoming a Nurse Anesthetist worth it?
This is a question I get from many nurses and students who know they want to continue their education but aren’t sure what specialty is best for them. My answer is an astounding, YES!!! There is no other career in nursing that I can see myself doing day-in and day-out. It has given me all the patient interaction I desire as a clinician, while challenging me to provide reliable and compassionate anesthesia care to a variety of patients across this country.
Why not med school?
This is a question I challenge each student to answer prior to beginning any nurse anesthesia program. For me, medical and a career as a medical doctor was not something that appealed to my broader ambitions and calling in life. I truly believe, my career in nurse anesthesia was a part of God’s plan for me. It allows me to be a voice and advocate
Wealth.
How do I pay for school?
In my experience, 90% of nurse students receive some form of financial assistance from their respective institution in order to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses while enrolled in school.
The important thing to remember is that student loans are processed in the same manner as other major loans (i.e. car loans and mortgages). That means that your debt, credit history, and credit score will be taken into consideration when financial institutions decide whether or not to loan you the funds you need to cover the cost of attendance. Moral of the story: getting your finances in order should be a top priority during the interim phase prior to beginning your nursing program.
What are the cheapest nurse anesthesia programs?
One of the biggest stressors for new applicants and graduates is the enormous financial burden that graduate school brings. Don’t let that discourage you! In 2019, these were the top 5 least expensive schools based on tuition and fees:
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AK) - $6,210/yr
Augusta University (Augusta, GA) - $7,064/yr
UNC-Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) - $7,378/yr
UAB-Birmingham (Birmingham, AL) - $8,100/yr
University of Texas (Houston, TX) - $8,926/yr
*Noteworthy: University of Puerto Rico (San Juan, PR) - $16, 750/yr
Are there scholarships or grants for nurse anesthesia school?
If you’re anything like me, you’re all about finding a way to get a discount on school. Unfortunately, unlike undergraduate, there are surprisingly fewer grants and scholarships for graduate school. Scholarships are offered at institutions, but it’s on an individual basis. The grants for school are even more slim. Don’t lose hope. I would still search the website and/or call whichever program you are applying to and subsequently accepted into in order to inquire about what specific scholarship opportunities they have available. There’s no harm in asking. Closed mouths don’t get fed.
Will student loan debt prevent me from buying my first house?
Most certainly not. There’s been a trend of young, first-time home buyers applying for mortgages with student loan debt. It’s an expected variable in the 21st century. As long as you minimize other revolving debt and have maintained good standing with creditors, as evidenced through their credit score, then you should be good to go. Banks have been faithful to offer mortgages to borrowers with student loan debt. The size and price of the home may have to be a little more modest than you might have first envisioned but with patience and research you can indeed both pay off your student loans and purchase a home.
When should I start saving for retirement?
Right now! The moment the idea crosses your mind is when you should be making moves. Getting started as early as possible is the only way to take advantage of compound interest and the added advantage of time! That’s where the big gains will be made over time. Many people believe you have to have a large sum of money to begin saving for retirement, but that’s just not true. You can start with as little as $10 or $25 a month. The most important thing is to develop the habit so that it begins to happen automatically and without effort. The sums can increase over time but just getting started is the key.
Should I consolidate my student loans?
There are some benefits to consolidation, especially, if you’re someone who needs peace of mind by having one bill to pay to one company. It can also lower your interest rate and overall payment by combining the loans. It’s important to research the various restrictions prior to consolidating. There are some student loan payoff programs that will not reimburse borrowers who have consolidated loans. There are also some restrictions on the consolidation of private loans. If the interest rates and peace of mind are worth it, then student loan consolidation is the answer for you.
Can I get my student loans paid for?
Yes, it’s possible to have your student loans paid off or reimbursed. Some hospitals offer student loan assistance or payment in exchange for service commitment. These commitments usually range from one to three years in remote areas, sometimes in popular regions, that may be experiencing staffing shortages. Some employers also offer substantial sign-on bonuses that can be put towards your loan. Once you’ve secured the bag, buy yourself a nice celebratory dinner then make sure you put a good chunk towards your loan payments.
Are there government programs that will pay off my student loan debt?
There are a couple government assistance programs that offer some form of student loan payment. HRSA and The PSLF Program both require applicant submit forms to be considered for repayment. The HRSA program offers student loan reimbursement of up to 2/3 of your borrowed total, whereas the PSLF program states that after 120 qualified payments, the remaining balance will be forgiven by the federal government.
Advocacy.
Why is mentorship something you value so greatly?
You can’t be what you can’t see. I know how important it was for me to have exposure to successful people. Growing up, I didn’t have anyone that looked like me in the healthcare field that I could reach out to for advice or mentorship. When I finally encountered these people, my trajectory began to change and I’ve seen, firsthand, what my mentorship has meant to others.
Why should I value Mentorship?
Not only is mentorship a way to ‘Pay It Forward’, but it is also a way to strengthen our community by showcasing role models in various career paths. If we mentor upcoming generations then we put them in the best position to be successful and impactful after graduation. Uplifting aspiring caregivers allows us to enhance the medical community and our patients’ lives.
How does diversity in anesthesia and healthcare improve patient experience and outcomes?
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Health disparities facing underserved communities of color are resulting in increased numbers of POC in the healthcare system. African Americans make up approx. 12% of the US population and account for only approx. 4% of anesthesia providers. Hispanics make up 17% of the population and account for 1% of anesthesia providers. Given cultural differences and language barriers between patients and caregivers, diversifying the anesthesia and healthcare fields facilitates patient care by easing anxiety, discomfort, and communication challenges. We should be working to promote healthcare equity and accessibility.
in which ways do you typically advocate for the communities you serve?
As a public figure within the healthcare community, my advocacy begins as a mentor and champion for diversity. I have served as a board member on the Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentor Program for nearly three years. I give lectures and presentations at various secondary schools and collegiate institutions to share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained during my decade in the game. My hope is that others will benefit from an inside peek into my career, giving them direction as they chart their own path and goals. As a lover of art, I also serve as a board member of Community Works, a non-profit focused on creating equitable access to the arts and creativity within the New Orleans Public School System.
What organizations should I look into that will provide resources for me in the field of nursing anesthesia?
The Diversity Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program (DNAMP) has been a major advocate for diversity in the nurse anesthesia field for over 15 years. With info sessions and hands-on simulation labs, the organization serves as a mentoring and networking opportunity for students from underrepresented communities.
What plans do you have for outreach & mentoring in the future?
As a resident of New Orleans, my next steps are to become locally involved in mentorship for the young men of the city. This includes engagement with Big Brother, Big Sister, Inc., as well as Son of a Saint, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing role models and mentorship for hound men within the New Orleans community.
(F)requently (A)sked (Q)uestions
+ What's the difference between Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The DNP is a clinical practice degree which simplified means that the graduate is an expert clinician in their field. The program focuses on mastering the critique and implementation of evidenced based research. Those who possess a DNP are charged with the task of implementing research that will continue pushing the profession forward.
The PhD program, on the other hand, is a research focused degree. Graduates undertake a specific area of interest and formulate the research plan, including the hypothesis, objectives, and methodology. Their research serves as the building blocks for anesthesia practice, while the DNP-prepared clinician ensures that their clinical practice is guided by the findings of reader health.
+ What's the difference between an Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA) and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
These two professions are often cross-labeled as the same thing by laypeople. However, within the practice of anesthesia, there is one key distinction between the two. A CRNA can work and provide anesthesia independent of an anesthesiologist, where as an AA can't and must practice under the guidance of an Anesthesiologist at all times.
+ Do I need a 4.0 GPA in order to get accepted into anesthesia school?
Not at all! My nursing school GPA was 3.548 and only a 3.324 prior to applying to nursing school.
+ As a certified registered nurse anesthetist, are you required to work under the supervision of an anesthesiologist?
The short answer is no. As a CRNA, you are both trained and qualified to practice as an independent provider; however, many facilities do utilize a team-care approach that includes both an anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist.
+ Can I be a millionaire in 10 years?
ABSOLUTELY. With the right discipline and commitment, there is very little in your way to becoming not only a millionaire, but totally financially independent within the next 10 years! How bad do you want it?