I worked as an RN for 10 years in CV/Neuro ICU and Labor and Delivery. During that time, I worked with CRNAs and was so impressed with the type of work they did and the level of professionalism they possessed. I saw how satisfied they were in their careers and that motivated me even more to do it. Some of the things that drove me to want to become a nurse anesthetist were: The challenges, level of responsibility, autonomy, personal satisfaction, and the reward of helping someone during one of their most vulnerable and scariest times.
Before moving to Utah I worked in St. Louis, Mo at St. Luke’s Hospital as a CRNA for 4 years. I came to practice in Utah because I wanted a change from the midwest and to be closer to family. I moved here in 2015 and have worked with Intermountain Anesthesia Consultants. We cover anesthesia for Jordan Valley Medical Center in West Jordan, West Valley and Cottonwood Surgery Center. We are a group of 6 CRNAs and 7 MDs and do a variety of cases from GYN, ENT, Orthopedics, General Surgery, Podiatry, and Neurospine.
My favorite part about being a nurse anesthetist is the satisfaction of caring for them through surgery. I enjoy reassuring them that I’m going to be there all throughout their surgery and take excellent care of them! Patients put their lives in our hands and I never take that for granted.
Being a CRNA is very satisfying and allows me to have a great work-life balance. Outside of the OR, I enjoy spending time with my husband of 20 years and 4 wonderful children. I enjoy reading, exercising, playing tennis and the outdoors!
My advice to anyone seeking to further their education and go into CRNA school would be to do it and not let anyone discourage you from the demands of school. Many people who went through the program told me it was extremely difficult, especially with children, and to pretty much kiss my family goodbye while in the program. But with the support of my husband and family, I made it through and spent most evenings and nights with my kids and family. Becoming a CRNA was the best career choice I could have made and wish I had made it sooner! My road to getting there was not easy and I always tell people short term sacrifices for long term goals.