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I survived nursing school! I didn't think all the dummy practice would prepare me well enough for real humans so I accepted an internship at Abbott Northwestern over the summer before my senior year. With that experience and graduating with my BSN, I felt ready to tackle being a "real" nurse. It didn't prepare me for being a new grad on night shift though..

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I studied so hard to get "the most correct" answers. After graduating I passed my boards in the summer of 2018.

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I started my career as a Registered Nurse on the same medical-surgical floor I had interned on. I worked night shift as many new grad nurses do. We specialized in GI/GU/Breast. Over the 2.5 years I was there, I was a preceptor and charge nurse. I learned essential fundamental nursing skills.

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I started my ICU journey during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 30-bed medical-surgical ICU I worked in converted to an all COVID ICU. Every patient was vented so I became closely acquainted with ventilators and proning. I also learned CRRT and IV US. After 2 years in the ICU and some nightshift burnout I transferred to PACU.

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PACU was a welcome change of pace for me. I had a great work/life balance but I also discovered an unexpected passion: anesthesia. I work closely with CRNAs and Anesthesiologists every shift. I have opportunities to learn more about anesthesia and the CRNA profession that I savor. Working in the surgical area made it easy to find CRNAs to shadow. After 1.5 years, it was clear my career path needed to include nursing anesthesia, so I transferred back to ICU.

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Completing my chemistry requirement is part of my preparation for the CRNA school application. DNP 800 is unique because it includes the chemistry requirement but also topics on CRNA school and Saint Mary's program. It's been valuable for me as an applicant and prospective student.

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I am currently studying to my CCRN and plan to have it completed before the program start date. I know the information I am studying will make me a more knowledgable critical care nurse and more prepared at the start of the CRNA program.

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Saint Mary's has been a top choice for CRNA programs. I know many current and former students. The sense of community and support are invaluable. I interviewed in hopes of acceptance, but was not accepted this round. I plan to try again next round, along with other programs.

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I've worked hard to build myself a strong and trusting support system. I started therapy during my time in the COVID ICU to help process and prevent burnout. Therapy has given me tools to be a better communicator and work with difficult people and situations, as we often do as nurses. My friends, coworkers and family have been essential in my journey to the CRNA career path. In financial preparation, I renovated the lower level of my house into a rental space to provide income and help pay my mortgage during the program. Owning my house and doing so on a single income was a financial barrier that had prevented me from pursuing this path earlier. I do realize that I will still have significant debt upon graduating.

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My preferred school is Saint Mary's. I would be ecstatic to be accepted into the program. However, ultimately I would be honored to be accepted into any such program. Because I own a home in the Twin Cities, it is more practical to be accepted into a program in close proximity. I have also discussed alternate options with my family if I would need to attend a program elsewhere.

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Once admitted into the program, the real work begins. I'm prepared to venture into the most difficult topics I've ever learned in my life. I know the majority of my life will be committed to studying. There will be a difficult adjustment to being a student full time again but with my support system and determination, I know I can do it. There will be tears, laughter and relief, among many other emotions throughout the program. I hope to support others in my cohort going through the same!

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During the program, I am already starting to study for boards. With St. Mary's excellent first time pass rate, I feel confident the program will help prepare me in addition with my hard work. After graduation, I aim to pass the boards on my first attempt.

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After passing my boards, I plan to stay in the Twin Cities area and start my work as a licensed CRNA. It would be ideal to return to my current hospital to work if the conditions are desirable. I look forward to working with SRNAs and staying involved in the St. Mary's program. At this point in my journey I aim to gain experience as a new CRNA and to start paying off my loans.