The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Global Applications to Advance Health Equity...
Chapter 3: Diversifying the Nursing Workforce by Drs. Sheldon D. Fields & Mitchell J. Wharton
Excited the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs featured as an exemplary model!!!
Dr. Sheldon Fields, PhD, RN, CRNP, FNP-BC, FADLN, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN (Associate Dean for Equity & Inclusion, Pennsylvania State University College of Nursing & President, NBNA) the "Immersion Model is the perfect example of what we need to be doing in nursing to truly diversify the profession".
The Immersion Model was selected as the 2024 American Nurses Association Innovation Team Award & 2022 Edge Runner for thé Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs by the American Academy of Nursing.
In 2019, selected as the AANA Agatha Hodgins for Outstanding Accomplishment and 2018, selected as the National Black Nurses Trailblazer Award Recipient.
Still I Rise.
I was honored to be selected as the recipient of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠. 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘁𝘇𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 at Villanova University College of Nursing.
Did you know in Diversity CRNA infancy stages between 2004 - 2010, it was difficult to secure space at academic institutions for events?
Often, spaces created in my home, church and hotels.
Villanova University was the first in 2008 to offer a proper and necessary space.
In October 2024, we hosted our 66th Diversity CRNA Event with over 820 CRNAs of color who attended a Diversity CRNA Event before applying to CRNA Programs.
Since then, Diversity CRNA received the highest awards and or accomplishments from the AANA, NBNA, AAN, ANA & Villanova. In addition, my contributory work includes being selected as a fellow into three academies.
A long way from being a teenage single mother on welfare and homeless.
But, God.
A crna•ish journey on identification badges footprint capturing a story of persistence & praying
All the way from a Diversity CRNA 2018 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Emory University to actually graduating from the same institution onto landing his first CRNA position!
Successfully defended DNP scholarly project at Emory University Nurse Anesthesia Program on Increasing Resilience in Critical Care Nurses through Mindfulness.
I see you...Dr. Anthony Bayya, DNP, CRNA! I told you…prayer works all the time.
"Hold fast to your dreams" ~ Langston Hughes
In his own words…
Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA
‘Don’t let people pull you into their storm. But instead, pull them into your peace. Though not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path’
No matter your journey there will be storms. Preserve your peace along the way. Sometimes you have to let the storm pass and sometimes you have to push through. Regardless of the decision preserve your peace.In his own words…
As per, Dr. Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA:
"Don’t let people pull you into their storm. But instead, pull them into your peace. Though not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path."
"No matter your journey there will be storms. Preserve your peace along the way. Sometimes you have to let the storm pass and sometimes you have to push through. Regardless of the decision preserve your peace."
Three years ago, Dr. Darryl Tolbert, DNP, CRNA graduated with high academic honors from Texas Christian University Nurse Anesthesia Program and proud of his Detroit 7 mile standing.
Detroit’s Finest, Dr. Darryl Tolbert, DNP, CRNA standing in front of the Joe Louis Fist Statue in Detroit. Iconic.
In nursing school, he was the only Black man nursing student in entire cohort at Michigan State University.
Irony: In my Facebook memories yesterday it popped up with a post I made about graduating high school with a 1.78 GPA on the same day of presenting my doctoral thesis.”
A tribute to trailblazer CRNAs of color who paved the way for those administering anesthesia today.
A historical yearbook traveled to 5 Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Events
Goldie Brangman Nurse Anesthesia Program Director at Harlem School of Anesthesia dedicated a full page in the 1965 Scope Yearbook featuring pioneering warriors who fought for racial inequities in the country.
Critical care nurses holding history in their hands in pursuit of Nurse Anesthesia journey at 5 Diversity CRNA 2024 Events!
Future CRNAs had an opportunity to hold and peruse through the Harlem School of Anesthesia 1965 Yearbook while sharing legacy of Goldie Brangman CRNA.
All 5 Diversity CRNA 2024 Events for historically excluded diverse critical care nurses to hold and peruse through the 1965 Harlem School of Anesthesia Yearbook: Midwestern University, University of Pittsburgh, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Duke University & Fairfield University.
At the 2024 Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshops held at Midwestern University, the University of Pittsburgh, Rosalind Franklin University, Duke University, and Fairfield University, CRNAs are not only advancing their skills but also paying it forward.
By volunteering their time and expertise, these dedicated professionals are helping to usher in a more diverse anesthesiology workforce. Their involvement is a testament to the organization's mission of empowering future CRNAs, which has positively impacted countless individuals since its inception. The collective effort of CRNA volunteers is crucial in continuing this legacy of support, mentorship, and giving back to the next generation of CRNAs.
Paying it forward as preceptor at the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at the Fairfield University event actively mentoring the next generation of CRNAs
As per Dr. Courtney Irving, DNP, CRNA:
“Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it.” - James Baldwin
Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking part in one of the legendary “Diversity CRNA” conferences. Created by the one & only @lenagould.
A place to be somebody. A place to be loved. I hung with some familiar faces and met some perfect strangers. It sounds cliché but it was truly rewarding & inspirational. A full circle moment; since it was hosted at Fairfield University; my Alma mater. I once walked this campus: doubting myself; questioning whether or not I belonged; if I’d ever be able to learn every & anything about anesthesia. But here I am today, almost 5 years into one of greatest professions ever. Speaking nothing but life and love into future CRNAs.
Keep grinding; keep preparing; keep applying. Ignore those voices of doubt. It is never too late for a shower of rain.
Diversity CRNA Personal Statement & Resume Review Chair, Levia Sutton paying it forward @ Duke 2024
Diversity CRNA HBCU Tour Co-Chair & DNAMP Board Member, Dr. Tedrick Vernon with Nerd Notes paying it forward @ RFU 2024
Diversity CRNA HBCU Tour Co-Chair & DNAMP Board Member, Dr. Tedrick Vernon presenting on Anesthesia Basics paying it forward @ RFU 2024
Diversity CRNA Board Member, Dr. Rylee Apodaca moderating the SRNA Panel and paying it forward @ PITT 2024
MWU Faculty and Diversity CRNA Board Member, Dr. Vincent Ford presenting on Neuroanesthesia and paying it forward @ DUKE 2024
Diversity CRNA Board Member, Dr. James Winters presenting on Pain Management and paying it forward @ DUKE 2024
Dr. Anthony Bayya giving back and paying it forward as a Preceptor in the Simulation Lab Workshop @ DUKE 2024
Keynote Speaker COL Karen Smith paying it forward presenting @ PITT 2024
Diversity CRNA Board Member & Keynote Speaker, Dr. Carlos Xavier Moreno paying it forward @ MWU 2024
Janiera Jackson, 2024 Alumni of Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Program, a practicing CRNA and selection of scholarly project through a health equity lens impacting Black marginalized patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Scholarly Project: Sub-anesthetic Ketamine's Role in Improving Patient Outcomes during a Sickle Cell Vaso-Occlusive Crisis
"You are your own best thing" ~ Toni Morrison
Standing on business for mine, always.
t was imperative for me to do my senior research project on a topic that can potentially impact the health of black people. One of the main reasons I am in healthcare is help tether the bridge that closes the health equity gap in this country.
Sickle cell disease may only affect 100,00 Americans, but it is the most common inherited hematologic disorder in the country. The disease mostly affects African Americans and those of Sub-Saharan African descent. For perspective about 1 and 13 African American babies are born with sickle cell trait.
The primary morbidity or the disease is pain (acute or chronic). It is not uncommon for these patients to be prescribed opioids at home to manage their pain. During vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) however the pain experienced is more intense and refractory to opioids. This leads to ED visits for VOC. Sometimes ED providers have a negative attitude when treating these patients with more opioids. This contributes to under and poorly treated pain in this population.
Ketamine is a non-opioid anesthetic that is a great drug to be introduced in this conversation of treating SCD-VOC. SCD patients also experience opioid induced hyperalgesia (OIH) which is a maladaptive response of the CNS to chronic pain or under treated acute pain. On a cellular level OIH has an up-regulation of NMDA receptors and a down regulation of Mu receptors. And guess what, Ketamine is a NMDA antagonist! Making it a great contender for refractory pain/OIH/SCD-VOC.
There is still much research to be done but Ketamine deserves a seat at the table to help this marginalized patient population achieve better analgesia.
Thank you....
In October 2024, Keynote Speaker, Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop at Fairfield University.
Thank you, Dr. Jose Castillo, PhD, CRNA, APRN, FAANA (Associate Tenured Professor, Texas Wesleyan University Nurse Anesthesia Program) who spoke on anesthesia consideration on gender affirming care for trans & non-binary patients.
During Information Session, marginalized critical care nurses will listen to four Nurse Anesthesia Program Directors, diverse CRNA and SRNA Panelists. Second full day, nurses actively engage in hands-on Airway Simulation Lab Workshop before applying to nurse anesthesia programs.
This immersive weekend intended before nurses of color apply to nurse anesthesia programs across the country.
Repeat after me...I will be a CRNA!
After much consideration, Dr. Gould has decided to deactivate her Twitter account.
Moving forward, she will be sharing insights, updates, and engaging with her community on Blue Sky.
You can now follow Dr. Gould on Blue Sky at: @drlenag.bsky.social
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to connecting with you in this new space!
Diversity CRNA 2023 HBCU School of Nursing Tour Howard University
Dr. Jamare Reed, DNP, CRNA speaking to nursing students about his journey. He grew up in a group home in high school. Then, became a Respiratory Therapist continued on for ADN RN then BSN. Finally, a CRNA!
As per Dr. Reed, "All God."
Access & early professional socialization Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs.
A Nurse Anesthesia trajectory blossomed after attending a Diversity CRNA 2018 Event.
Dr. Stephen Sanchez, DNP, CRNA (Assistant Professor) served as Moderator for the Diversity CRNA 2024 Information & Airway Simulation Lab Event at Fairfield University, his alma mater.
In 2018, as a critical care nurse, he attended a Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Columbia University before applying to a nurse anesthesia program.
A full circle moment of change & paying it forward.
In Acute & Advanced Pain Management Fellowship News…
CRNA Owned Business, Revitalized Pain Solutions by Robert Gonzalez, CRNA, MSN, NSPM-C
I am a regional client owner for Holistic Pain Management. I did my acute pain fellowship with Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia; I did an 8 month of mentorship in chronic pain with HPM. I wanted to pursue intervention pain management because rural America lacks access to chronic pain providers.
I also wanted to continue to elevate our profession and people of diverse backgrounds by obtaining my NSPM-C. Also paving the way for others with diverse backgrounds to specialize in pain management.
This CRNA serving communities of color with pain management needs in a rural area of the country with the credential, Non-Surgical Pain Management - Certified with NSPM-C and ability to bill for his own services.
Did you know there are only 6 Hispanic CRNAs certified as Advanced Pain Management Fellows out of a 65K Nurse Anesthesia workforce?
Experienced CRNAs take an additional one year extensive training as a Fellow. Upon completion, they are eligible to sit for Non-Surgical Pain Management-Certification (NSPM-C).