My job is the best profession on Earth - Especially at Nebraska Medicine

My nursing career started in Labor and Delivery.

I loved working in this area, helping moms through a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding process. I worked alongside two nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who happened to be married to each other. They talked to me about going back to school to pursue a degree in Nurse Anesthesia. After transferring to the intensive care unit and gaining experience there, I was accepted into the Nurse Anesthesia program at Texas Wesleyan University.

In 1999, I was also commissioned into the United States Navy Nurse Corps. There was a special program for students pursuing degrees in critical wartime specialties that allowed me to focus on school without additional Navy training requirements. Once I finished my degree, I worked for many years in the Dallas/Fort Worth area before deciding to move back to Nebraska. 

Growing up, the “Med Center” was “the place for care.” Even in Texas, Nebraska Medicine is known for cutting edge care. I researched positions and submitted a resume as soon as an opening was available.

I have never been happier that I made the decision to work at Nebraska Medicine.

In the past year, I was mobilized to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa as the sole anesthesia provider for over 5,000 military and civilian personnel. The support I received from the Anesthesia department, my co-workers in surgery, as well as Human Resources was second to none. It is that support that has made my transition back to civilian employment smooth.

Being a CRNA is the best profession on Earth. It provides the perfect mix of patient care, family interaction, critical decision-making, leadership and teaching opportunities. In the next phase of my career, I hope to continue my education and refinement of anesthesia delivery. Hopefully, Nebraska Medicine will be where this all happens.