I am applying to your distinguished program because nothing satisfies me as much as seeing a smiling face prior to surgery; and the calm serenity of a confidant patient following surgery. Still only 26 and with 8 years of ICU nursing under my belt, my application to your competitive program is strengthened by the fact that I have also served on three medical/surgical missions to the Caribbean. While admittedly I am only a beginner at learning Spanish, I am off to a very good start. I am a universal citizen and I feel strongly that we have a moral obligation to help suffering people outside of our borders, in addition to our own citizens. I have my heart set on being a CRNA not just because I want the title but because I want the role. I want to be recognized for the rest of my life as the woman who is the master at taking away pain.
My long term goal is to practice as a CRNA in either a hospital or outpatient setting. Central to my destination in life is the continuation of my volunteer work in the Developing World. In my case, I fully intend to continue building ties in the Dominican Republic that I will nurture for the rest of my life. On my first went to the DR I was looking for a beautiful beach. My next three trips to the island, however, would be as a team member of medical/surgical missions. On the other side of the island from the tourist havens, my consciousness was raised radically, especially with respect to the Haitian migrants, most particularly, the most recent arrivals who fled the aftermath of the earthquake: dirt floors; little to no running water. Along with a Dominican MD, we set up a clinic in a hospital, about a 4 hour drive from the capital, to dispense medications. It was like entering a different world: open, used needles lining the corners of the hospital floor extending into the parking lot. The most fetid trash was piled up right outside the back entrance of the ER. Patients have to bring their own bedding and food for the duration of their hospital stay; with no AC all the windows are open with dust and dirt pouring in. I fell in love with this part of the DR because the Dominicans are the most pleasantly amazing people that I have ever met; humble, they ask for nothing. Yet, they are also the most appreciative people that I have ever known; providing me with a pleasant contrast to what I am accustomed to with many of my patients in the USA who tend to take their health care for granted.
I am a hard worker with a deep passion everything I believe in, especially the gift of anesthesia. When I first shadowed a CRNA on a couple of cases I found it to be the most exhilarating experience of my life, to savor my future. I intubated 5 patients under the supervision of a CRNA and was ‘hooked’ forever. On both my second and third missions to the DR, I shadowed more CRNAs and became highly accomplished at intubating patients. These have been my critical life experiences up to this point. This is how I see myself, in the achievement of my greatest goals and contribution to humanity; I want to return to the DR and continue my missions there as a CRNA.
I have worked in an Intensive care unit for 8 years, first as a CNA and the last 4 years as an RN. I have developed a special interest for the last several years in ventilators. I am looking forward to doing extensive research in your distinguished program about the special challenges and opportunities that we have with respect to ventilated patients.
Your MSN Program at UXX is by far my first choice since it is one of the finest programs in the country and it is close to my family, which would provide me with the support base that I need for ultimate immersion in my studies, so that I might excel in your program.
I thank you for considering my application,
