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Testimonials
SRNA
Drexel University Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Class of 2014
The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program has opened a door for me to realize my dream. Thanks to the founder, Dr. Wallena Gould, who would do her best reaching out to me and anyone that need help, whether it is academic, emotional, or financial support. The connection I have built through DNAMP is incredible. DNAMP feels like a big family to me, and what’s more important is that as a SRNA, I am no longer pursuing my dream of becoming a CRNA all alone.
RN, BSN, CCRN, CSC, SRNA
University of Maryland Nurse Anesthesia Program, Class of 2015
I first met Dr. Lena Gould in 2010 when I attended the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program Workshop at the University of Maryland. In 2012, I attended the Airway Workshop held at Drexel University. I was able to gain so much valuable information and advise from Dr. Lena Gould, Mr. John Bing, and numerous other CRNAs and SRNAs. As a Registered Nurse and before I applied to a nurse anesthesia program, I attended the AANA Mid-Year Assembly Meeting and was engaged in the process of advocacy of nurse anesthetists across the country. It was at this meeting, Dr. Gould and John Bing introduced me to many CRNA colleagues and leaders of the AANA.
DNAMP has given me the support and encouragement I needed to succeed. I have always felt that both Dr. Lena Gould and Mr. John Bing were wholeheartedly dedicated to helping guide me through this challenging process. As an SRNA, I look at my fellow classmates and I am able to see and feel the strong presence of The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program. I am sincerely grateful for all that Dr. Gould and Mr. Bing have done to help prepare all of us to become strong CRNAs.
SRNA
University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program
Class of 2015
After graduating with my BSN, I began exploring which graduate degree would best suit me. I searched the internet, read books and met with various nurse practitioners and nurse managers to explore my options. While researching I stumbled on the profession of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. I had a general understanding of the role of a CRNA, however; I was unaware of the process of becoming one. A friend told me to look into the Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program and luckily for me, I did just that.
I attended the Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab at the University of Pittsburgh in 2011. I was able to get hands on experience and practice Adult/Pediatric Mask Ventilation, Adult/Pediatric intubation, spinal placement on a lumbar model, Fiber-optic and glide scope intubations and basic review of an Anesthesia Machine. Though I enjoyed having the hands on experience, it was the warm and friendly environment that Dr. Lena Gould and other Diversity CRNA members created that made the lasting impact for me. READ MORE
As a Registered Nurse, I attended the NJANA Fall Symposium where Dr. Gould who also attended and introduced me to Dr. Arthur Zwerling Chief CRNA at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC) who then invited me to shadow him at FCCC and in which I did. Then, I attended the New York Association of Nurse Anesthetist Meeting in the Fall and met Lynne Reede, CRNA, DNP (AANA Region Director) who embraced me as if I was currently enrolled in a program. A few months later, I applied and was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Nurse Anesthesia Program and in my opinion it was because of Dr. Gould and Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program. Amazing journey so far…
MS, CPNP-PC, RN, AE-C, SRNA
Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care
Certified Asthma Educator
As a pediatric nurse practitioner in the middle of a career change towards becoming a nurse anesthetist, I was thoroughly impressed at the professionalism and depth of information presented at the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program (DNAMP), which I attended at the Samuel Merrit University on March 21-22, 2014. Dr.Lena Gould and Mr. John Bing’s curriculum promotes diversity and under represented minority individuals for successful selection and completion of CRNA schools. The guided format allowed for open discussion with active and current leaders of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), various academic program directors,current CRNAs and student ambassadors. Informative sessions reviewed academic requirements for program admissions, challenges of the interviewing process, and a graduate level anesthesia lecture was even presented to the attendees as a guide for the academic rigors expected of nurse anesthesia students. READ MORE
RN, BSN, CCRN-CMC-CSC (New York)
CMC (AACN Cardiac Medicine Certified)
CSC (AACN Cardiac Surgery Certified)
The weekend of June 13-15, 2014 was life changing and priceless! It was the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program’s June session hosted at the beautiful University of New England campus in Portland, Maine. My short getaway has certainly propelled my confidence and has given me a rich professional impact! In fact, it has been hard to put down my phone since due to all the people I have come to know. As with previous sessions, there was an opportunity to meet CRNAs from around America and pick their brains about the entire selection process, academic rigors, along with personal and professional experiences. Through personal anecdotes, panelists recounted their honest and vivid clinical experiences, the positive, the humorous, and other times that were great learning opportunities. Some shared the bigger meaning within the profession and the global impact of nurse anesthesia, which definitely tapped a nerve for me.
READ MOREOn one hand I could also see how this program can serve as a rescue mission for thosestudents with great potential that for whatever reason felt discouraged about their previous pursuits. Some people touched on the idea that for one reason or another, whether it was lack of support, money, application rejections or other hindrances have held a lot of people back from reapplying. Those individuals found hope and those are the stories that are truly inspiring to me and I feel that if people with much bigger obstacles can succeed than I have no excuses.
There is an implicit promise in this organization and the movement is real. This is an avenue for potential candidates to complete the application process, enter school, graduate, and make a meaningful mark within the profession. I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the pure existence of this program and it has its place right now as the format of nurse anesthesia programs are only getting more competitive.
I have struck oil here and there is some irony to my personal story over the last few weeks besides consuming volumes of knowledge about the profession, ordering a copy of Watchful Care, and meeting tons of CRNAs. Firsthand, I have already experienced how small the community is and in fact I have just shadowed one of the panelists formerinstructors. I applaud Dr. Wallena Gould, her family, and her colleagues for their continued hands-on approach in mentorship. By far I feel blessed to meet the terrific people who have left a mark on me. I can project only great things from here!
SRNA
University of Mississippi NAP
My first exposure to Diversity CRNA was as a nursing student, I attended the 2012 Fall Session hosted by Duke University. This was an impactful experience as it allowed me to interact with a dynamic group of Anesthetists, SRNAs and RNs; all of who looked like me. Everyone at the conference was just as much encouraging as they were informative. I took the information provided and established contacts. One of the contacts, Mr. John Bing, was extremely helpful in constructing a plan of action for admission into Anesthesia School. Mr. Bing made himself readily available, thoroughly answered questions, and offered great advice throughout the entire application process. The plan of action proved to be effective as I was just admitted into the University of Southern Mississippi’s NAP! Thank you Mr. Bing and Diversity CRNA!
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