Introduction:
A personal statement is a critical tool for showcasing the journey, skills, and aspirations that make an applicant a strong candidate. For those transitioning from roles like EMT to CRNA, a personal statement reflects a commitment to clinical excellence and a desire for deeper patient care. This example provides insight into the journey of an EMT turned ICU nurse seeking to specialize in nurse anesthesia, using foundational experiences and a genuine passion for patient advocacy.
EMT to CRNA School Personal Statement Example
Homeostasis was one of the first and most fundamental concepts that I studied in nursing school. The ability of the body to self-regulate and maintain equilibrium serves as a model for how I imagine my career in nursing. Nursing, like homeostasis, requires building proper foundations, ongoing education, refining communication skills with patients and families, and paying attention to the myriad details upon which optimal outcomes for our patients depend. Now, as I seek to advance my career in Nurse Anesthesia, I find myself gearing up for the complexity of homeostasis on this next, more advanced level of nursing. I see excellence in Nurse Anesthesia as requiring the optimal synchronicity of problem-solving skills with communication abilities; along with the fullest exercise of compassion and empathy, enabling and inspiring us to serve as determined advocates for our patients.
I began my career in healthcare in 2012 as an EMT, going on to spend six years on an ambulance for a level one trauma center in New Jersey, building a solid foundation for nursing, especially because of my extensive study of resuscitation measures. I was promoted to a supervisory role and obtained several certifications related to EMS Rescue. When I graduated nursing school, I stepped right into a small intensive care unit at a level two trauma center, beginning a lifetime devoted to critical care. After a little over a year, I transferred to a cardiac intensive care unit at a major teaching hospital where the learning experience intensified by my joining the ICU Float Pool and serving on the Rapid Response Team. Working with the Rapid Response Team played to my cultivated strength in Emergency Medicine, from responding to emergencies to stabilizing and caring for critical patients prior to transfer to an ICU.
After five years as a bedside nurse, I began taking some graduate level classes to test the waters for further pursuit of a graduate degree to become a nurse practitioner. I was given the opportunity to shadow a CRNA who allowed me to spend her entire sixteen-hour shift with her; answering all my questions, teaching me about the ins and outs of different surgeries and cases, and showing me how she cared for her patients. One stood out, a twenty-three-year-old case of gender reassignment surgery, male to female. The patient was understandably excited, nervous, and terrified all at the same time. I watched as my CRNA sat with the patient, held her hand, and explained the procedure in its entirety followed with a big hug, letting her know she would be there when she woke up. The relief on the patient’s face hearing that was obvious, and she soon fell asleep with a smile on her face.
I most enjoy giving medication to my patients, especially observing and monitoring as it results in the desired physiological response. Equally satisfying, however, is to successfully elicit the positive thinking that is also critically important for achieving optimal treatment results. I excel at holding a hand, lending an ear, or giving a hug. CRNAs are there by the patient’s side during some of their most difficult moments when they have the greatest need, emotionally as well as physically. Ultimately, I would love to work as a CRNA in a large hospital, spending some shifts in the OR, helping put patients at ease prior to surgery, while also spending some shifts in obstetrics, helping expectant mothers manage their pain and helping to make their most life-changing moment of childbirth a most beautiful experience. I believe that earning the DNP Degree in Nurse Anesthesia at ____ University will prepare me to work in anesthesia in any care setting: hospitals, surgical centers, obstetrics, etc.
With anesthesia board pass rates of 100% in 2019 and 2020, as well as clinical sites located in some of the best hospitals in Philadelphia, I feel confident that I will obtain a state of the art education in Nurse Anesthesia at ____ University from some of the finest faculty in the world and also benefit from the enormous health care resources of the greater Philadelphia area.
Thank you for considering my application to Nurse Anesthesia at ____ University.
Detailed Analysis:
This personal statement effectively portrays the journey from EMT to ICU nurse, and now CRNA aspirant, underscoring a commitment to patient care and a deep understanding of clinical practice.
What works well:
Personal Connection to Nursing Fundamentals: The introduction using homeostasis is unique and creative, connecting foundational nursing knowledge with personal career philosophy.
Clear Progression and Growth: The narrative flows naturally, showing a logical progression from EMT to CRNA, highlighting growth at each stage.
Specific Goals and Program Fit: The applicant is clear about career goals and has researched the CRNA program, specifically mentioning board pass rates and clinical sites.
What could be improved:
Enhanced Detail on ICU Experiences: Adding specific examples from the ICU Rapid Response Team experience could further strengthen the applicant’s qualifications.
Further Personal Connection to CRNA Role: While the shadowing experience is strong, further elaborating on what resonated with the applicant regarding the CRNA’s responsibilities could deepen the impact.
FAQs:
What should I include in a CRNA personal statement?
Focus on your journey, motivations for pursuing CRNA, relevant healthcare experience, and why you’re a good fit for the specific program.
How personal should I get?
Is it okay to mention shadowing experiences?
How can I demonstrate a connection to a CRNA program?
Additional Resources:
For personalized assistance or to have your personal statement reviewed, feel free to
EMT to CRNA School Personal Statement Example
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