It’s been almost two weeks since I attended my first DIVERSITY IN NURSE ANESTHESIA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM & I must say I don’t see myself coming down off this high anytime soon. I was submerged in rooms full of “MAGIC”. CRNA’s & SRNA’s who looked like me. They shared some uplifting testimony that truly resonated & shook parts of me.
 
As we delved into informational panels & spent hours in educational workshops, every fiber of my being said, “This is why your journey was not a straight path, you were meant to be here, YOU WILL BECOME A CRNA.” I cried in my hotel room after simulation day because that same feeling I got when I was accepted into Nursing school, the same feeling I got when I passed the NCLEX, the same feeling from being offered a position in the CCU/ICU fresh out of school had broken through me again and I knew I was on the brink of greatness.
 
So thank you to
Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN for building such an important program that is built on diversity and inclusion. Thank you to all the moderators, panelist, preceptors, mentors, and now as Tedrick Vernon III DNP, CRNA has referred to us Cousins, for helping this first generation everything born from two Haitian Immigrant parents for making this dream soon to be reality.

In 2024…
 
We had the audacity to plan 5 Diversity CRNA Information Sessions & Airway Simulation Lab Workshops at Midwestern University, University of Pittsburgh, Rosalind Franklin University, Duke University and Fairfield University.
 
In October, we will host our 66th event for necessary change in the Nurse Anesthesia profession with an award winning evidenced-based model.
 
Marginalized RNs before applying to programs w/ CRNA mentors and actively engaged in the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.

A crna•ish journey for nurses of color interested in Nurse Anesthesia with opportunity to network with CRNAs, faculty & access in safe spaces.
 
Giyun Kim, BSN, RN, CCRN, an active participant at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University.
 
In October, we will repeat this immersive Diversity CRNA weekend at Fairfield University.
 
We address the staggering low representation of racially diverse CRNA workforce through the award winning Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.

Repeat after me...I will be a CRNA!
 
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Workshop Duke University.
 
This filled to capacity immersive weekend event with nurses of color interested in Nurse Anesthesia.
 
Next up, Diversity CRNA 2024 at Fairfield University in October!
 
Marginalized ICU RNs interested in applying to CRNA Programs across the country, inspired by CRNAs of color.
 

Repeat after me...I will be a CRNA!
 
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University showcasing the simulation lab experience.
 
This filled to capacity immersive weekend event with nurse of color interested in Nurse Anesthesia.
 
Next up, Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University in October.
 
Marginalized RNs before applying to programs with CRNA mentors and actively engaged in the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
 
Fun fact: 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!
 
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University showcasing pictures and videos of RNs during this immersive weekend.
 
This filled to capacity immersive weekend event with nurse of color interested in Nurse Anesthesia.
 
Next up, Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Fairfield University in October.
 
Marginalized RNs before applying to programs with CRNA mentors and actively engaged in the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.

A crna*ish story of perseverance...


Congratulation to Rowson who recently pased his CCRN. Rowson attended the 2024 Diversity CRNA Information Session and Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Duke University where he met SRNA Mentor, J. Stevenson who served on the Student Panel.


As per Rowson:

"My name is Rowson Boirond, RN, CCRN born here in New York but raised by 2 immigrant parents who worked 2 jobs each to get me and my sister through college. Initially I had a bachelor’s in biology, then I went on to the accelerated program at Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY where I obtained my nursing degree. I later went to work in an orthopedic unit, pediatric ICU and now I work in a medical ICU where I began the patient care coordinator/charge nurse. I obtained my CCRN and now I have hopes of getting into CRNA school." 

On nurse anesthesia program websites for admission consideration it states, ‘CCRN preferred’.
 
And, just like that, Kiana just passed this critical care nursing intensive exam!
 
After almost two years of being an ICU nurse, I am officially Kiana BSN, RN, CCRN!
 
Passing my critical care certification exam has been an important professional goal for me this year. Thank you God for everything.
 
Notably, Kiana attended and participated at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at the University of Pittsburgh surrounded by CRNA mentors!

Duke University School of Nursing main grand lobby with massive windows sharing natural light and a piano in a corner.
 
Jamaican American Ushane Grant, BSN, RN, CCRN sat down during lunch time at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Event during simulation lab in the lobby corner playing on the keyboard beautifully.
 
Sometimes, we all need to stop....and listen to music, walk in peace, preserve your mental health space and appreciate the arts in your professional and educational pursuits.
 
Intentionally do this daily....watch your pathway change magnificently.

A Mother's Love & Support...


And, sometimes, you just have to let go and let your daughter pursue her dream of becoming a Neurosurgeon and PhD Researcher surrounded by Black women physicians of excellence in New York City.
 
Paige attended the Nexus 2024 Conference with Dr. Uché Blackstock, MD, Health Equity Expert and NY Times Best Seller.


I love watching her spread her wings!  Always remember that you are amazing and can do anything you put your mind to!

A crna•ish moment from the island state of Hawaii…
 
In 2018, four senior nursing students from Hawaii attended a two day Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Columbia University.
 
These students heard presentations from 4 Nurse Anesthesia Program Directors, diverse CRNAs along with a nurse anesthesia student panel and a full day hands on Airway Simulation experience.
 
Now, they are Registered Nurses in critical care units. Guess who will apply to nurse anesthesia programs in the near future?
 
I see you Brittney, Aurelio, Natalie & Aléa...
 
They are to the core of mission and vison of the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.

Did you know as a Diversity CRNA Member You Have Access to Special Content?


Accessing the Diversity CRNA Members Only Content is invaluable for aspiring nurse anesthetists, as it provides targeted resources and expert advice tailored to support diverse candidates. With content that includes tips for getting the most out of your shadowing experience, checklists for comparing nurse anesthesia programs, and strategies to enhance your interviewing skills, along with guidance on creating standout resumes and personal statements further.


To access your account, please visit our website and click on the login icon button. Watch the quick video on accessing your account and the members-only content.

Diversity CRNA Effect!

List of Nurse Anesthesia Programs - No GREs

Just an FYI...

Critical care nurses interested in Nurse Anesthesia, this is a partial list of Nurse Anesthesia Programs that do not require the GRE Exam for admission consideration...

  • Allegheny Valley/ LaRoche University
  • Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School of Anesthesia
  • Baylor University / Army Program
  • Bryan College of Health Sciences
  • Case Western Reserve University 
  • Cedar Crest College
  • Columbia University 
  • Duke University
  • Emory University 
  • Excela Health
  • Fairfield University 
  • Florida International University
  • Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University 
  • Geisinger / Bloomsburg University
  • Gonzaga University 
  • Hofstra University
  • Johns Hopkins University 
  • LaRoche University
  • Loma Linda University 
  • Lourdes University 
  • Marquette University
  • Michigan State University 
  • Midwestern University 
  • Millikin University 
  • Minneapolis School of Anesthesia
  • Missouri State University *must be a CCRN 
  • Mount Marty College 
  • Murray State University
  • National University
  • Northern Kentucky University
  • Oakland University
  • Oregon Health & Sciences University
  • Rosalind Franklin University 
  • Rutgers University 
  • Samuel Merritt University
  • South College
  • Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 
  • St. Mary's - University of Minnesota
  • The Nurse Anesthesia Program of Hartford
  • The University of Arizona 
  • The University of Detroit Mercy 
  • The University of Kansas 
  • The University of Minnesota 
  • The University of Scranton
  • The University of Tulsa
  • Thomas Jefferson University
  • Union University 
  • University Health Truman Medical Center
  • University of Akron 
  • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Maryland 
  • University of Miami 
  • University of Michigan-Flint
  • University of North Dakota
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • University of Wisconsin Oshkosh 
  • UPMC - Hamot School of Anesthesia
  • UT- Knoxville
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Wayne State University 
  • Webster University
  • Westminster College
  • Yale New Haven Health School of Anesthesia 
  • York College of Pennsylvania
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