Nursing Dreams: From Compassion to Anesthesia by Destiny

Nursing Dreams: From Compassion to Anesthesia by Destiny - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

My route to becoming a nurse anesthetist has been influenced by a blend of personal experiences, goals, and a strong desire to positively impact my community. I am a young, black student pursuing this career path. I was able to observe personally the differences in healthcare access and the disproportionate cost of illness that marginalized people bear, having grown up in a community that is predominately black. These encounters sparked a desire for healthcare equity in me and motivated me to seek a nursing profession. I became aware of the transformative potential of medical practitioners who work to address the underlying systemic causes of health disparities in addition to treating patients and advocating for social justice.
One crucial event that cemented my choice to become a nurse was my grandmother's catastrophic illness. I became aware of the significant influence that medical personnel may have on patients' and their families' lives when I saw the skill and compassion exhibited by the nurses caring for her. Their persistent commitment, compassion, and professional expertise made a lasting impression on me and inspired me to pursue a career in healing.
I have actively looked for opportunities to get hands-on experience and immerse myself in the nursing sector throughout my academic career. I've had the opportunity to engage with patients from a variety of backgrounds and obtain understanding of the obstacles they have in obtaining high-quality healthcare by volunteering in neighborhood clinics and hospitals. These encounters have strengthened my resolve to support marginalized populations and expanded my knowledge of the vital role nurses play in advancing health and wellbeing. During the course of my nursing study, I came across many difficulties and roadblocks. I looked for mentors and role models who could help and encourage me, giving me the strength to push through hardship and finish my education.
As I moved through my nursing program, I developed a special interest in anesthesia and realized how important it is to surgical care. My interest in becoming a nurse anesthetist was sparked by the complex balancing act of science, critical thinking, and patient advocacy that is inherent in anesthesia. My intrinsic drive to significantly improve the lives of others was piqued by the chance to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, offer complete anesthetic care, and guarantee patient safety throughout surgical procedures.
I have given my all to my academic and professional development in order to achieve my goals. I've done really well in my courses, taken part in research projects, and actively sought out clinical encounters to increase my knowledge of anesthetic practice and expand my skill set. I firmly believe that professional development and lifelong learning are essential to nursing quality, and that adaptation to novel situations and developments in the field calls for these qualities.
In the end, a strong sense of purpose and a desire to help people drive my path to become a nurse anesthetist. My vision is of an inclusive, caring, and egalitarian healthcare system where everyone has access to high-quality care, regardless of their circumstances or background. As I commence this subsequent phase of my profession, I am motivated by the prospect of significantly influencing patients' lives and propelling healthcare progress for future generations.