The 67th Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop marked a significant milestone as the fifth and final in-person event of 2024. Just like the others, it was filled to capacity.
Julienha Luna, a Nurse Anesthesia student, had the honor of serving as the morning Moderator for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University. This event brought together a diverse group of RNs, program directors & faculty, CRNAs, and SRNAs with the goal of fostering greater inclusion and representation in the anesthesia field. As the moderator, Luna played a pivotal role in guiding the agenda, and ensuring the event’s smooth operation. She did an exceptional job.
Reflecting on the experience, Luna described it as...“In short, this was one of the most fulfilling and inspiring experiences!”
She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful event...“I am grateful and proud to have been a part of this weekend! Thank you, Dr. Lena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FALDN, FAANA, FAAN for leading this movement!”
The successful completion of this event series in 2024 serves as a testament to the progress being made and the continued momentum of this essential movement.
Visit us at www.diversitycrna.org in December. Don't delay, registration fills quickly. In 2025, the Saturday Information Sessions will be broadcast via Zoom from the host university for those that cannot attend in person.
Registration Opens in December 2024 for the first Diversity CRNA 2025 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop!
The remaining four Diversity CRNA 2025 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshops will have open registration in February 2025! Launch your journey to become a CRNA!
And, just like that, Nannette Morillo, BSN, RN, CCRN was accepted into Baylor College of Medicine Nurse Anesthesia Program! Bravo! Onward…
In May 2024, before applying to nurse anesthesia programs, she attended and actively participated at the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at the University of Pittsburgh!
Facts: Out of a 65K CRNA Workforce, only 4% are Black CRNAs, 4% Hispanic CRNAs, 3% Asian CRNAs & 0.7% Indigenous CRNAs.
Repeat after me... I will be a CRNA!
A book recommendation for nurse anesthesia students with young children.
This book, Just Us Women by Jeannette Caine…
What does this have to do with Nurse Anesthesia? Everything.
In 2002, I was a La Salle University nurse anesthesia student and had a massive reading assignment load. It did not matter to me because reading to my daughters came first and foremost!
Huge tip as a parent with young children…frequent public libraries with your child(ren) and let them select books they want to read or simply peruse at with colorful photos.
Before reading your assigned anesthesia chapters, read to them first and pour all the love you can before they go off to sleep. Then, hit the anesthesia books hard as you know your purposeful reminder of personal and financial sacrifice.
In the end, I graduated from the nurse anesthesia program with the highest academic honors, Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society with a 100% pass CRNA board rate of our cohort.
But, reading to my children on a consistent basis through the nurse anesthesia program, priceless.
In her own words…
Jasmin Woodbury, Rhode Island College / St. Joseph Hospital's DNP Nurse Anesthesia Resident served on graduate student panel and as preceptor at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University.
It was a pleasure representing my program, Rhode Island College/SJHSNA at the Diversity CRNA event this past weekend on the SRNA Panel along with 7 amazing anesthesia students across the country & teaching at the simulation stations.
Thank you for inviting me and giving me the opportunity to give back and share my experiences with the future anesthesia cohorts to come.
“You can’t be, what you can’t see” ~ Marian Wright Edelman
This is the grassroots work of the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs!
A crna•ish story of access, representation and mentorship
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University Preceptor, Gabriella Acobo, Nurse Anesthesia Resident with ICU RN at the spinal placement station.
In a few short months, this critical care nurse will apply to CRNA Programs.
Now, these same nurses can write about their immersive experience in personal statement for nurse anesthesia admission consideration and articulate it during invited interview.
This is how you change the face & culture of Nurse Anesthesia. Intentionally.
Planting seeds of opportunity through extended mentorship in Nurse Anesthesia journey
These are the graduate student panelists from the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University.
I see you...
Troy Boulden
Mary Baldwin University
Jasmin Woodbury
Rhode Island University
SheKieah Kemp
Webster University
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed—
I, too, am America.
~ Langston Hughes
In her own words…
Julie Luna Nurse Anesthesia Student Moderator for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University.
In 2021, as a critical care nurse, she attended a Diversity CRNA Zoom session before applying to Fairfield University.
One year until completion, Julie will be eligible to sit for the NCE or CRNA boards.
During the Diversity CRNA 2021 Zoom session, Dr. Stephen Sanchez, DNP, CRNA of Puerto Rican descent and recent graduate of Fairfield University and adjunct professor, motivated her to apply. Luna is a proud Dominican and values representation!
“You can’t be, what you can’t see” ~ Marian Wright Edelman
Repeat after me…I will be a CRNA!
Diversity CRNA 2024 Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Fairfield University for historically excluded critical care RNs of color before applying to a CRNA Program.
Epidural placement stations with CRNA and senior nurse anesthesia resident preceptors with 10 different immersive experiences!
The Diversity CRNA 2024 at Fairfield University was our 5th filled to capacity event for the year!
And, 67th in 20 years! National impact in diverse workforce development in Nurse Anesthesia! Whew!
This is the grassroots work of the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs!
Introduction of Keynote Speaker Dr. Jose Castillo by SRNA Moderator, Julienha Luna.
Saturday…
Keynote Speaker, Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University.
Dr. Jose Castillo, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, APRN (Tenured Associate Professor) on anesthesia consideration on gender affirming care for trans & non-binary patients.
Thank you Dr. Castillo for sharing your expertise on this topic with future diverse CRNAs from across the country.