Greg Markman

SRNA, Nurse Anesthesia Student
Samuel Merritt University

This is long overdue.

My name is Greg Markman and I am currently an SRNA at Samuel Merritt University. I’m here because of the Diversity in CRNA Nurse Mentorship Program. Back in 2015, I was a Nursing Student studying in the library at Samuel Merritt with one of my peers when I ran into one of my advisors and friend, Che Abrams, who asked what I was doing over the summer. I hadn’t a clue but she asked if I was interested in any advanced practice nursing. I said I thought CRNA could be interesting, knowing very little about it. She said I just might know of something coming up here that you should attend. It was the 2015 Diversity in Nurse Mentorship Program at Samuel Merritt University.

It was at that event, as a lowly junior in Nursing School that my journey towards becoming a CRNA started. I was able to meet CRNA’s, SRNA’s, and ICU Nursing attempting to get into the program. I meet Mentors who have been with me ever since, pushing me to make the right decisions and even just checking in to see if I’m okay. I was shown the road map to getting into CRNA school and what it would take to get through.

A few months later on a random weekend in March, my friend and I got a chance to shadow a CRNA I met at the event in the OR in Fresno. I was hooked. That day I was even able to see a CRNA Preceptor working as an SRNA. I was able to see myself one day in that SRNA’s shoes and here I am. 1 month down and 813 days to go, but who’s counting?

In total I attended 3 Diversity in CRNA Nurse Mentorship Program events and each time I attended I learned something new. Trust the process. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your time and energy. I wouldn’t be here without you.

Sincerely,

Greg Markman
SRNA Samuel Merritt University Class of 2022

 

David Moffor

SRNA, Doctorate in Nurse Practice Nurse Anesthesia Student
Old Dominion University
“Without commitment, you will never start. But more importantly, without consistency, you will never finish. It’s not easy…so keep working, keep striving, never give up…see you at work” ~~ Denzel Washington.
 

Rogel Gonzales

BSN, RN, CCRN
SRNA, University of Miami DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
“I would like to thank you for everything that you’ve done for me. I am a supporter of Diversity CRNA, and I’ve attended the workshop last summer at the University of Miami. That was a great experience for me. I would say that it was a life-changing experience. I learned a lot from the CRNAs, SRNAs, faculty, and from your team. I thought you should be one of the first people to know the great news that I received today. I got accepted to BSN-DNP, Nurse Anesthesia Program at the University of Miami. I have been applying for a year to different programs before I found out about the Diversity CRNA. After attending the workshop, I have learned a lot and met a lot of people who gave me insights into how to strengthen my chances of getting into a program. I also did not have UM on my radar until I attended the workshop and found appreciation of their program. The most significant was knowing that UM pays great importance to diversity. That is important to me. Again, thank you for what you do. May God bless you always and may he give you more strength so that you can continue to help people like me who are dreaming to become a CRNA someday.” – May 13, 2020

 

On July 2, 2020 – “This July issue of eNewsletter is full of very important information about diversity. You have talked about the historical outcry for justice and equality among people of color. I know change is happening and everybody, especially the minorities in this country will continue this fight until discriminations and prejudices are completely gone.
I thank you for including my story in this month’s eNewsletter. I am honored and humbled. Without Diversity CRNA, I wouldn’t be in the place where I am right now. Being accepted in a program was not easy, but because of what I have learned from the Diversity CRNA workshop, getting the exposure and having a chance to network in this profession through the mentoring program of this organization, I am now 1 step closer to achieving my ultimate goal. I pledge that I will give back, reach out to the people of color, and mentor those who want to become a CRNA. I will continue what CRNA legend, Dr. Goldie Brangman, and yourself have started. Thank you Dr. Gould for what you do, and thank you for making this world a better place.”

Respectfully yours,

Rogel Gonzales BSN, RN, CCRN

 

Rylee Apodaca

BSN
SRNA, University of Arizona DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program
Although I didn’t find Diversity CRNA until I was a nurse anesthesia student (SRNA), Diversity CRNA provided me with valued information, connections, and networking opportunities unlike any other event I had attended. Diversity CRNA opened up doors for me I did not even know existed. From meeting hundreds of CRNA’s practicing across the country, to CRNA group owners, professional advocates, political leaders, AANA and NBCRNA board members, Diversity CRNA board members and more.
I gained invaluable information, friendships, and mentorship that not only improved my confidence as an SRNA but helped me transition into my career with an extended network already in place. Through Diversity CRNA events I have made job connections, spoken with individuals who critiqued my curriculum vitae, collaborated with individuals on projects, and built lifelong friendships that reignite at each event.
I found a family within Diversity CRNA and even though the event is geared towards aspiring RN’s, as an SRNA, this is easily one of the most valuable information sessions you can attend. The people you meet at Diversity CRNA Events are sincere, genuine, and there to help you get to where you want to be. I still continue to leave each Diversity CRNA event refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sincerely,
Rylee ~
A mentored nurse anesthesia student

Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAAN

Founder & CEO 
Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia
Mentorship Program 

Hello Everyone,

Typically, on the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Facebook page, I post pictures from those who recently was accepted into or graduated from a nurse anesthesia program, defended a dissertation defense or doctoral scholarly project, celebrating newly hired positions Chief CRNAs or Clinical Coordinators, honoring those who are in uniform for our country, and so many more successful endeavors.

But, today, I will share with you a story of something that happened with a nurse anesthesia student of color years ago that changed both of us as a result.

In 2008, I received a phone call from a graduating student whom I known from the time he applied to a prestigious nurse anesthesia program. This particular student was the only student of color in his cohort and he revealed to me that he was told he can graduate with his cohort but had to stay in clinical for a little longer afterwards. To make matters worse, his clinical rotation would be extended for three months. This once humbled man in almost tears told me he would first quit than to let that happen while his classmates take boards and able to work as newly credentialed Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. I allowed him to continue to speak with his heart pouring out to me uninterrupted for almost an hour. It was sad as his spirit for continuing graduate nurse anesthesia education was almost shattered to pieces.

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There was a long pause on the phone as I was trying to process this life-changing matter. So, I told him this almost verbatim. First, I asked if he invited his mother who had to travel extensively to the graduation? This student on the cusp of quitting the program told me he in fact invited his mother and had reservations to a restaurant afterwards of which he was prepared to cancel because of this devastating news.

Then, I told him, “Well, this graduation is not for you any way. It’s for your momma so she can go back to tell her neighbors and church members how proud she is of her son graduating from a nurse anesthesia program”. And, it included him making sure I sit next to his mother at the graduation ceremony to encourage him quietly and privately. I proceeded to tell him that I rather him continue to do the extended three months of anesthesia at the clinical site than start over in a new program with increased and mounting debt. Trust me, he was fighting back with me on the phone. But I was serious and finally said, I will come after work when he was done with clinical and sit in the library literally across from him so he can continue with studying CRNA boards.

He agreed, finally. Some of these studying days’ lead to the library on beautiful sun-filled Saturdays in the summer. Sitting across from him, I was working on the paperwork for submitting for non-profit status (501 c – 3 ) status for the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program and planning activities for the following year. So, we both had a lot of work ahead of us to do to progress in our future.

This proud Black man finished his obligatory and extended clinical rotation and scheduled his board exam. After passing it on the first attempt he called me first to let me know about the results. A long pause was on the phone. I guess we both knew what that meant, to be honest. So, I want to thank my dear CRNA colleague for making me a better person and to find my true calling. And, exceptionally proud how he managed to get through his darkest moment. Quite often, I share his experience with others as they find their way to the light.

This experience made into a better advocate for nurse anesthesia students who are in some sort of distress. I will never forget how another nurse anesthesia student from the South was not doing well in a pediatric anesthesia rotation. So, I enlisted a CRNA from a Philadelphia Children’s Hospital and another CRNA from California who taught pediatric anesthesia in a program to help this student go from almost failing to passing with no clinical deficiencies and strong academic success.

Thank God …I know what is worth fighting for in my life.

#Blessed

Jamare Reed

SRNA
The University of Southern Mississippi Nurse Anesthesia Program

“Past 10 years I have been working very hard to get to this moment. I finally accomplished a great milestone in my life. Here I come CRNA School. My vision used to be blurry but now I’m able to see. Thank you God for shining on me. I thank everyone who has supported and
encourage me”.

I grew up on food stamps and lived in the hood before taking away from my mom. Grew up in a group home. My teacher told me I was gonna end up dead or in jail. I grew up without a father figure in my life. I wore most of the same clothes from middle school till I graduated. Those are circumstances that I did not let dictate my life. I did not become a product of my environment. Never forget where I come from.”

#diversitycrna #crnamygoal #futurednp #srna #crna #butgod 🙏🙏🙏🙏

Gabriel Vazquez-Lopez

CRNA, MSN
University of Puerto Rico Nurse Anesthesia Program

When tropical storm winds started to hit our island last September, the residents of Puerto Rico never imagine the monster that was slowly making its way to us. After all, we live in the Caribbean, we are used to this, or so we thought. The night of September 19th, 2017 was like no other. Hurricane María, a nearly Category-5 tropical cyclone, hit our beautiful island with such force it left surreal devastation. Hundreds of thousands lost everything, there was no communication of any sort, no water, the already crippled power infrastructure was all on the ground, food was scarce, long lines for $5 worth of gasoline, families separated by destruction, and those in the mainland United States emotionally devastated for not being able to reach their loved ones.

There are dozens of Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists studying at the three accredited programs on the island. Many of us were barely starting our program when the ordeal happened. If there is something all CRNAs know for sure, it is how challenging those first months of anesthesia school can be. Add to that, the fact of trying to study surrounded by devastation and human pain. In the aftermath of Hurricane María, we did not resume school for about a month. Many of us, whose families and properties are in areas out of the capital could not even get to metropolitan San Juan as streets were obstructed or destroyed. READ MORE

Many of us went from studying the anesthesia machine and the foundations of airway management to be in the dark, making lines to buy a few bottles of waters, and trying to console one another. Our usual academic activities were substituted by a day-to-day survival effort. It was a new reality. A new way to operate.

Once my peers and I were able to go back to the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, we took our school as a shelter. We did not sleep there but spent most of our days in our studying room. It was a safe place. It was a place of comfort. It was place separated from the desolation that was happening out of campus. Being physically there was the only way to directly communicate with professors and try to do our work. Getting through the semester seemed like mission impossible. Since our campus is part of Puerto Rico’s biggest medical center with about five hospitals in the same area, we took advantage of the frail electricity restored but, many times, we were left in the dark as power continuously went out. Every time that happened, we were evacuated from campus and classes were cancelled. Frustration is too small a word to describe our feelings at the moment. I remember clearly one day when we refused to leave campus and told one of our professors we were there to learn and were going to have class even if it meant to do so under a tree. Our professors were doing everything to make it all work while dealing with their own personal struggles. At the school, we were given snacks and bottles of water to bring back home. We knew we have to get academic work done at school because there was no time for it once we get home. Going back home in the late afternoon hours meant time to help our families to get food, get water, find a place to shower, try to get candles and other important items to get through the dark nights. It was the same exhausting routine day after day.

Many SRNAs usually live on limited budgets during school years. Hurricane María hit us not only physically and emotionally, but also financially. At the moment, our money was not just for school and living related expenses. It also had to be redirected toward getting basic survival items that, in many places, were overpriced. It is unbelievable to go back and remember the struggle to find and being able to buy a bag of ice! Our minds were all over the place. We were trying to do well in a rigorous graduate program while adapting to the disaster that was unfolding. The hurricane was not the tragedy. The tragedy was what it left behind.
Not everything has been bad, however. Since the moment of the disaster, there have been multiple uplifting moments. We have gotten to experience precious moments of human compassion and empathy. Help has come from many, mostly, ordinary citizens. The many thoughts and prayers that have been sent our way have also been felt. The AANA Foundation provided us financial assistance through their Emergency Grant. Dr. Lena Gould, CRNA, FAAN was always on our side to help us during the process. The Illinois State Association of Nurse Anesthetists made a fund raiser and made a donation to SRNAs in our program. Those are some of the many acts of kindness during the past months.

Puerto Rico is still in a recovery process. We cannot forget that, up to this day, there are still people without power. One thing is certain: this beautiful island is blessed in so many aspects. The spirit of my people is so strong not even hurricane winds make it go down. My colleagues in the nurse anesthesia program are some of the strongest people I have ever known. We are here; we continue stronger than ever. We still look back and reflect on the tragedy, but we also look forward with great optimism. Not a day goes by without being thankful for what we have. We will become CRNAs and will serve our communities with commitment, empathy, and passion.

Safa Ahmed Soliman

SRNA
Accepted into University of Maryland Nurse Anesthesia Program

This past week, I was accepted into the University of Maryland’s Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia program. I doubt I would be celebrating my acceptance with my family and friends if it was not for the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship program.

As a nursing student in 2015, I attended my first Diversity CRNA Information & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at the University of Maryland. It was there that I was able to network with various ICU nurses, SRNAs, and CRNAs. I was able to learn about the rigors of anesthesia school both in the classroom and clinical from SRNAs and program directors and the best ways to prepare. I also had the invaluable opportunity to learn how to intubate mannequins using laryngoscopes, how to insert central lines, spinals, epidurals, how to identify the brachial plexus on an ultrasound to do a neuromuscular block, and perform a cricothyroidotomy. All of which I was able to speak to in my essay.

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It was there that I also met two University of Maryland SRNAs, Jahnavi Jaladanki and Irene Tavakoli (now CRNAs). They advised me over the last two years on how to make the most of my ICU experience, set myself apart on my application, and how to prepare for my interview. I also met Terry English, CRNA who became a beloved mentor. He gave me the opportunity to shadow multiple times over the last few years and even wrote me a recommendation letter when I applied.

In July of this year, I decided to attend another Diversity CRNA Information & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Samuel Merritt University now that I had become an experienced ICU nurse. It was there that I reconnected with Israel Akpadiaha, PhD, CRNA who encouraged me to apply this year and not wait another year. In front of everyone, he told me that he expected my essay in his inbox by that Friday.

I also listened to him and Mohammed Deen, SRNA talk about how we should get involved in our local AANA chapter as advocacy would become an important aspect of our future profession. I then attended the Maryland Association of Nurse Anesthetist Fall Meeting this October and introduced myself to some of the faculty at UMD and John Bing, CRNA who then spent an hour on the phone with me the following week helping me prepare for my interview.

During my interview, the program director Dr. Pellegrini had a slide describing how diverse their program was and how they had held a few Diversity CRNA events. It was then that he asked if I had attended one because he felt like he recognized me, I pointed to his slide and said “I’m in the picture – in the back! You taught me how to use the ultrasound”. Now I’ll have the opportunity to have him and the other faculty teach me so much more.

These are just a few ways the Diversity CRNA Mentorship program has impacted me, but there are countless more. I’ve been working towards this since I was 15 years old and to see it come to fruition is a dream come true. The road would have been 10x harder had the mentorship program not existed. For that reason, I’m so incredibly grateful for Dr. Lena Gould, CRNA, FAAN and all the work she has done. I plan to pay it forward as both an SRNA and CRNA in the future through both mentorship and advocacy for the profession. Thank you, truly…

Ryan Davis

CRNA, MSN
Columbia University Nurse Anesthesia Program

Testimonial after Diversity CRNA Event 2016:
Hello, Dr. Gould. This is Ryan Magalong-Davis. I would like to thank you so much for the information you have provided at the Diversity CRNA workshop in Pittsburg. You have given me so much information that I feel ready applying this year. I am so inspired by your story and the others as well.

Testimonial after being accepted into a Columbia University Nurse Anesthesia Program:
I am emailing to thank you for the help you have given me during my CRNA application process. I wanted to let you know that I have been accepted to Columbia University’s Anesthesia Program. Thank You so much! I hope that I can be part of Diversity CRNA in the near future.

One year after enrolled in Columbia University Nurse Anesthesia Program:
Ryan will serve as an airway simulation lab preceptor at the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Columbia University (May 2018).

Diane Dy

CRNA

Hi Good Evening! My name is Diane Dy. I am a junior SRNA from Villanova University’s program. First off, I want to thank Lena for this opportunity to speak tonight. Dr Gould & all my mentors from the Diversity organization is the reason why I stand before you today as a SRNA. Three years ago, my friend and former co-worker James Lewis invited me to a Diversity luncheon in Maryland & little did I know it would change my life. I never really thought I would be where I am today. I moved to Baltimore, MD from the Philippines in 2006. I knew then I wanted to be a CRNA, but the task in front of me—the whole application process, going to school full time…just seems so enormous especially when you are at a place where you do not have a lot of support. But since I attended the Diversity luncheon, to this day, that is exactly what the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program gave me—a strong support system. It is full of people passionate about anesthesia, empowering others to be excited, & to do great things. READ MORE

Words cannot express the amount of inspiration Dr. Gould has given me. Through her words, her very own struggles, her life story. This past year, a lot has happened for me—I started Anesthesia school, I moved to a new state knowing nobody (as I am sure a lot of you can relate), & I learned how to intubate! Reflecting back, not only have I gained a lot of knowledge about giving anesthesia, but I have also grown as a person. So, I would like to express my greatest gratitude to Dr Gould, John Bing, Chris Scott, Dr. Lukeythia Bastardi, Chris Scott, James Lewis, Israel Akpadiaha, Anthony Chikendu and the rest of the team whom I may have failed to mention, for those inspiring words which gave me great strength to pursue this wonderful profession. In two weeks, I will officially be a senior SRNA!!! Cheers everybody!!!