Where are you from? Why did you choose to attend FSU

I am from Dothan, AL. I chose FSU because I love the small campus, it is close to home, and it is hard to beat the beautiful view on campus. 

What inspired you to choose your degree program?

I became a nurse with the intention of wanting to be a nurse anesthetist. After working in the ICU and being around many nurse anesthetists, my desire to be apart of this profession became even clearer. Nurse anesthetists are very intentional about everything they do and that inspired me to want to understand the “why” behind the things that we do for patients.

What has your experience been so far in the program?

This program has been challenging so far, but it is rewarding learning information on a subject I am passionate about. It is amazing to look back at everything I have learned and how much I have grown over the past year. Sacrificing so much of my free time has been the most difficult thing, but I have to remind myself all the time I have put into the program will be worth it after graduation. 

What aspect of your area of study do you find most fascinating?

Nurse anesthesia is a fascinating profession. It is fascinating knowing you are putting someone to sleep while understanding how the drug is working down to the cellular level. I love the science base of anesthesia, and that it will be a profession where I will continue to learn far past graduation. I hope to take everything I have learned, and be able to make a patient’s experience for surgery as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

Who are the faculty or staff members that have helped or inspired you?

All of the faculty here at FSU have been very inspiring. It is obvious they want their students to not only be proficient after this program, but to be the best in their profession. Our instructors pour so much time and energy into this program to prepare us for the clinical environment. Although going into the operating room in August is intimidating, I know that the faculty have done everything they can to prepare our cohort for real experiences that will happen. 

What do you like to do when you’re not doing school work

When I am not doing school work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Colby, and our dog, Miller. Since moving to Panama City, we have been able to spend most of our free time out on the beach which we love. I also enjoy working out and doing anything I can outside. My free time is few and far between, but I try to make the most out of any time that I have. 

After you graduate, what are your plans?

After graduation, I hope to get a job near home, and I am looking forward to having more time off to spend with my family and friends. I also want to spend time traveling with my husband before we start growing our family.

What advice do you have for fellow students?

I would advise fellow students to go after their goals. The goal may seem out of reach, but if you put forth time and effort anything is possible. Before applying to anesthesia school, I worried I was not ready. After thinking things over, I decided that I should take the jump and if it was meant to be I would get in. Taking that jump was one of the best decisions I have made. Big changes can seem intimating, but they are worth it in the end.

Nurse Anesthesia