The Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium, on Saturday, March 15th, open for CRNAs, NPs, CNMs, RNs & Nursing students!
On Saturday, March 15th: Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium with Black PhD CRNAs, Researchers, Advance Pain Management Fellows, Certified Nurse Midwife & Educator panelists
Keynote speaker, Dr. Sheldon Fields PhD, FADLN, FAANP, FAAN, National Black Nurses Association President & Penn State University College of Nursing’s inaugural Associate Dean for Equity and Inclusion.
Registration for Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium (March 15th, Saturday) is open! CRNAs will earn AANA Class A Credits for this event!
Meet the CRNA moderator for the Diversity CRNA 2025 Doctorate Symposium at North Carolina A&T State University School of Nursing (March 15th)
Dr. Tedrick Vernon, DNP, CRNA (Co-Chair, Diversity CRNA HBCU Tour, Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Board Member, Alumni, NCA&T School of Nursing and Duke University Nurse Anesthesia Program. And, a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.).
More dynamic panelists to follow at this Diversity CRNA HBCU Event at NCA&T Stare University!
Registration for Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium (March 15th, Saturday) is open! CRNAs will earn AANA Class A Credits for this event!
Diversity CRNA 2025 Doctorate Symposium at North Carolina A&T State University (March 15th, Saturday)
Panelists on Black Maternal Health & Racism: Lukeythia Bastardi, PhD, CRNA: Lucinda Canty PhD, CNM, FADLN, FACNM, FANN, Associate Professor UMASS Amherst College of Nursing; and Krystal Privette, DNP, CRNA.
Dr. Canty is a Certified Nurse Midwife, Researcher in Black Maternal Health, Racial Disparities in Maternal Health & Racism in Nursing featured in the film, Everybody's Work by Shift.
Dr. Bastardi and Dr. Privette are podium presenters on Black Maternal, Health & Anesthesia Historical Relevance.
More dynamic panelists to follow at this Diversity CRNA HBCU Event at NCA&T Stare University!
Diversity CRNA 2025 Doctorate Symposium at North Carolina A&T State University (March 15th, Saturday)...
Advanced Pain Management Fellow Panelist: Dr. James Winters, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C presenting on pain disparities in the Black community & advanced pain modalities.
A HBCU Invited panelist speakers on doctorate journey, health & racial disparities, Advanced Pain Management Fellows, pipeline of PhD & DNP Educators, Black Maternal Health, Racism in Nursing, & PhD Researchers.
Click here to register today!
In 2019, these four Black critical care nurses attended a Diversity CRNA Information Session Workshop at Augusta University before applying to nurse anesthesia programs.
In 2022, all four graduated from these nurse anesthesia programs, respectively: Emory University, The University of Kansas, Augusta University & Union University.
I see you…
Dr. Jordan Truby, DNP, CRNA
Dr. Michael Prejean, DNP, CRNA
Dr. Patrick Thomas, DNP, CRNA
Dr. LaQuittta Shai Wilkins, DNP, CRNA
Imagine showing Black nurses their new workspace can be an anesthesia machine and delivering anesthesia to our communities can be realized.
Notably, all are products of the Immersion Model for Diversifying Nurse Anesthesia Programs with improved health outcomes as a result!
From LPN to doctorate CRNA journey…
Diversity CRNA Info & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop University of Pittsburgh
Dr. Aaron Davis, DNP, CRNA as preceptor at the epidural placement station with ICU RNs. Notably, Black men CRNAs represented at all Diversity CRNA Events, intentionally & purposefully.
“You can’t be, what you can’t see”
~Marian Wright Edelman
Of course, he attended a Diversity CRNA Event in 2015 when he was a critical care nurse. A long incredible journey since he was a LPN, now a doctorate prepared CRNA.
One year ago...a CRNA was born and set free to live her own best life!
“You are your own best thing”
~Toni Morrison
And, just like that, Dr. Ambria Reid, DNP, CRNA (University of Pittsburgh Nurse Anesthesia Program) passed boards!
DNP Project: Evaluation of Stressors for Students of Color in a Nurse Anesthesia Program: Exploring the Need for Development of Resources to Improve Transition to the Clinical Setting
There is more to come...
Johns Hopkins University DNP Nurse Anesthesia residents supporting while lifting each other up through this journey! Black women CRNAs in the delivery of anesthesia, essence of excellence!
Before their 2024 graduation, I had the pleasure of joining them for lunch to feed my soul waiting on this moment!
Notably, this is what happens when you remove the GRE requirement and allow more nurses of color to interview equitably for nurse anesthesia programs and passing boards on the first attempt
Welcome to the Diversity CRNA Wellness & Joy Collective!
CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, Nurses & Nursing Students...Please join us for the Diversity CRNA Wellness & Joy Collective!
Learn more about it
on our website and be about it at Diversity CRNA 2025 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop Events, Diversity CRNA HBCU School of Nursing Tours & Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium!!
This platform emerged for our Diversity CRNA Community, with a mission to foster joy, wellness, and a sense of belonging among underrepresented CRNAs and future CRNAs.
Thank you, Levia Sutton, MSN, CRNA, University of Pennsylvania PhD Student & Robert Wood Johnson Policy Scholar for leading this initiative!
Thuan Truong, CRNA, MSN (Alumni, National University Nurse Anesthesia Program)
Thuan attended a Diversity CRNA 2013 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop as a critical care nurse before applying to nurse anesthesia programs.
Now, when Vietnamese nursing students and RNs see pictures like this, a sense of pride and motivation to become CRNAs just got within reach...priceless.
In Nurse Anesthesia & Divine Nine News…
Dr. Meshelle Lynch, DNP, CRNA and proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
“You are your own best thing”
~Toni Morrison
Dr. Marcus Wilson, DNAP, CRNA mentoring next in line
Got the opportunity for an ICU nurse to shadow me for the morning to get a better understanding of what we do as CRNAs. Hopefully I convinced him to pursue the path!
Besides,
They’ll see how beautiful I am
And be ashamed
I, too, am America
In Divine Nine & Nurse Anesthesia Advanced Pain Management News…
I am so proud of Captain Dr. James Winters, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C
First, he is a proud active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
In 2017, as a nurse anesthesia student, he served on the panel for the launching of the Diversity CRNA Doctorate Symposium on the campus of Howard University.
In 2017, Dr. Winters graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi Nurse Anesthesia Program. Dr. Winter’s DNP capstone project title, The Use of Culturally Sensitive Education to Influence to Attitudes of Ethnic Minorities in Southern Mississippi Towards Organ Donation.
In 2023, Dr. Winters trained at Texas Christian University as an Advanced Pain Management Fellow and one of 8 Black CRNAs I the country with the specialty credential of NSPM-C.
And, he is a Board Member of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program
Service…Commitment…United States Air Force & Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated with the highest honor and distinction.
All Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop weekend event start with a Friday Meet & Greet with a CRNA Panel
This is Jamilla Churchill, CRNA speaking at the Diversity CRNA 2024 Meet & Greet at Midwestern University. She is speaking about non-support in nurse anesthesia trajectory. Check that voice!
On Sunday, she was a preceptor at the Airway Workshop for diverse ICU RNs interested in applying to nurse anesthesia programs across the country.
Just a daily reminder, nurses reflecting the community belong in this space...and we intend to continue changing the face & culture of Nurse Anesthesia
“You can’t be, what you can’t see”
~ Marian Wright Edelman
Once upon a time, a 2012 Morgan State University HBCU nursing student reached out to me and asked how he can get into a Nurse Anesthesia program.
Fast forward, this video from a Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop weekend at VCU in September 2023.
Dr. Moncy Mathews, DNP, CRNA as preceptor to future CRNAs, paying it forward in mentoring the next generation.
In 2023, Dr. Mathews mentoring in safe spaces with early professional socialization that only Diversity CRNA provide consistently with full circle moments like this, quite honestly.
Or, better stated, a product of grace & mercy.
Repeat after me...I will be a CRNA!
Diversity CRNA 2024 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Duke University
Critical care nurses across the country interested in applying to Nurse Anesthesia Programs with hands-on simulation with CRNAs and senior nurse anesthesia students as preceptors.
I see you...
Anthony Bayya, DNP, CRNA
Everett Moss, DNP, CRNA
Diondra Penland, DNP, CRNA
Kristian Damian, RRNA (Duke)
Next up, these same ICU RNs uploading personal statements for nurse anesthesia admission consideration. Watch this space grow with intention.
And, for the win, historically excluded nurses anesthesia students of color and well-being in this published article.
This Georgetown University Nurse Anesthesia Program Alumni with publication in AANA Journal and much needed dialogue in this space.
I see you, Dr. Yosmel Serrano, DNAP CRNA!
Title of AANA Journal published manuscript:
Racial and Ethnic Discrimination During Clinical Education and its Impact on the Well-Being on Nurse Anesthesia Students
BRAVO!!!
Keynote Speaker…
Dr. Yosmel Serrano, DNAP, CRNA, Alumni of Georgetown University Nurse Anesthesia Program
Diversity CRNA 2025 Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop hosted at Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia (April 4th - 6th)
This is filled to seated capacity event! We have a Zoom option for April 5th (Information Session) for access & learning.
Dr. Serrano will present on his AANA Journal published manuscript:
Racial and Ethnic Discrimination During Clinical Education and its Impact on the Well-Being on Nurse Anesthesia Students
Notably, an open dialogue with marginalized RNs from across the country interested in Nurse Anesthesia will follow after presentation. Bravo!
Did you know…
I am one of two Black CRNAs as book chapter authors in the Nurse Anesthesia 7th edition textbook assigned widely in doctorate CRNA programs across the country?
In 2002, as a nurse anesthesia student in Philadelphia, there were no chapter authors of color in the same book.
Intentionally, placed a photo of a Black CRNA, HBCU School of Nursing Alumni, Southern University, Dr. Fred Reed, DNP, CRNA.
This captured the attention of then, UAMS Nurse Anesthesia Resident, Steffen Lewis, and Alumni of Southern University School of Nursing.
Representation of chapter authors in nurse anesthesia books matter!
Honor & glory to CRNAs who proudly served in the military
(Ret) Captain Rachael Drayton, CRNA, MSN in a tactical environment administering anesthesia. Truly, we honor our CRNAs overseas assuming care of our military men and women.
Captain Drayton is a graduate from the Army's program United States Graduate Program in Anesthesia Nursing (USAGPAN) in 2009.
A prayer for military service members and those who served: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9, NIV)
Thank you for your service.
And, just like that, Dr. Raven Davis, DNP, CRNA recently graduated from South College and passed boards!
Morning light
Silken dream take flight
As the darkness gives way to the dawn
You've survived
Now your moment has arrived
Now your dream has finally been born
~ Deniece Williams
And, just like that, Kevin Davis, graduated from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Program and passed CRNA boards!
Dr. Davis was the ‘only’ Black graduate resident in the entire cohort!
I've finally passed my boards and have ascended to the ranks of Board Certified CRNA!
I've surpassed all the odds against me; poverty, living in shelters as a teen, being a single parent, surviving cancer and dealing with complications from the surgery, pivoting career paths and starting CRNA school in my 40s.
Boards were a struggle for me, but I've completed all my requirements.
And, now I'm officially Dr. Kevin Davis DNAP, CRNA.
Oh, and yes, I cried.
Planting seeds in Nurse Anesthesia…
A mighty diverse CRNA matters from mentoring at its very best!
Both of these two Black men as critical care nurses attended a Diversity CRNA Event in 2009 & 2022, respectively.
In 2025, Chris Scott, CRNA (Alumni, Villanova University) as preceptor to Kyle Joseph Credle, Virginia Commonwealth University Nurse Anesthesia resident.
Full circle.
Last year, we introduced future CRNAs to anesthesia consideration on gender affirming care for trans & non-binary patients by a dynamic PhD CRNA educator.
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, Texas Wesleyan University) 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.
Did you know…
I am one of two Black CRNAs as book chapter authors in the Nurse Anesthesia 7th edition textbook assigned widely in doctorate CRNA programs across the country?
In 2002, as a nurse anesthesia student in Philadelphia, there were no chapter authors of color in the same book.
Intentionally, placed a photo of a Black CRNA, HBCU School of Nursing Alumni, Southern University, Dr. Fred Reed, DNP, CRNA.
This captured the attention of then, UAMS Nurse Anesthesia Resident, Steffen Lewis, and Alumni of Southern University School of Nursing.
Representation of chapter authors in nurse anesthesia books matter!
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!