When I had to have my tonsils out, at the age of nineteen, after consenting to the procedure because I was assured that it would not be painful, I was grabbed and restrained by two exceptionally large men, as the surgeon did his work. Now, as I am applying to study towards becoming a CRNA, I look back at these experiences with horror, and forward to a future where this little African boy, now 32 years old, trained as a research scientist, and giving his all to a career in nursing, will be able to make a significant contribution to Global Nurse Anesthesia.
After completing my undergraduate degree in Nigeria, in 2015, I was awarded a scholarship by Oldenburg University in Germany to earn my master's degree in molecular biology. I learned German quickly, adding fluency in this language to my professional tool kit, along with Yoruba, English, and Arabic.
In 2017, I accepted a position as a research scholar in the Department of Marine Science at the University of North Carolina. My host was a lady who was getting ready to have a baby. I was with her at the hospital when the CRNA first introduced herself. From that day forward, I became mesmerized by Nurse Anesthesia, leading me to participate in forums such as Diversity CRNA and the CRNA Prep Academy. By the time that I first shadowed a CRNA, I was hooked. After earning my BSN in 2020, I joined the team in the medical ICU at Rose Medical Center in Denver where I now serve as co-chair of our hospital ‘s code blue team.
____ University is my first choice among CRNA programs, as I appreciate your stellar emphasis on diversity and inclusion. I attended the virtual information session held by Dr. Johanna Newman, and her presentation stole my heart. I look forward to authoring a DNP Capstone Project in non-addictive pain management and I hope to engage in translational research into the long-term benefits of phasing out the use of opioids, replacing them with non-addictive methods of pain management in effective and cost-effective ways.
My short-term goal is to become a CRNA. My long-term goal is to complete a fellowship in pain management and eventually start my own, non-addictive, pain management center. As a Black Muslim immigrant from Africa, I look forward to serving as a role model for Black and African youth, especially men, and spending my vacation time going on missions in support of surgeons, especially helping refugees and putting my Arabic to particularly beneficial use.
Thank you for considering my application to Nurse Anesthesia at ____ University.
Immigrant Black Male Nurse MS to CRNA Program