For

several years, a career in the field of nurse anesthesia has interested me. I was first introduced to
the profession as a nursing student on my OR rotation. It amazed me that during a two-hour case, the
patient never looked distressed and there was not one beep from the monitor. When I found out that
the man at the head of the bed was not a physician, but a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), I
was intrigued. From that day on, I have continued my path to becoming a CRNA. Through shadowing
CRNAs and working with them regularly in an ICU setting, I have become increasingly aware of the roles
of a CRNA, which has reinforced my desire to enter this profession. From emergent intubations to the
initiation of arterial lines, the CRNA is involved in vital aspects of patient care, and it would be fulfilling
for me to be part of a team caring for patients in this way. The skills, knowledge, professionalism, and
responsibilities, coupled with the autonomous nature of the CRNA role, make me strive to enter the
profession.

The Mount Marty College (MMC) Anesthesia Program has come highly recommended to me through
conversations with current and past students of the program. After researching the program, there are
many reasons I wish to gain admission. First and foremost, MMC is a well renowned local program with
a long-standing history of excellence. Being from South Dakota, I would embrace continuing my
education here as well as practicing within the state upon graduation. Additional reasons I desire
admission to the MMC Anesthesia Program include the diverse clinical experiences offered and the
variety of career opportunities that will be available to me in the future as a graduate of the program.
Clinical rotations that span from a large facility such as Avera McKennan University Center to smaller
rural hospitals allow students to become well-rounded in practice, which is valuable to any CRNA.
Lastly, I would like to attend the Mount Marty Anesthesia Program based on the long-standing history of
exceptional academics and curriculum. This is evident to me when reviewing the graduation rate, board
passing rate, and employment rate, as well as speaking with student of the program. Overall, the MMC
Anesthesia Program would be a great fit for both my personality as well as my future goals.

My goals for graduate study at MMC are to advance the skills I already possess, as well as learn new
skills that are imperative to the nurse anesthesia profession. I want to gain useful knowledge during my
graduate study and broaden my scope of practice in order to grow professionally. I will strive to gain the
education necessary to better utilize research and implement evidenced-based practice throughout my
career. Largely, I want to advance the profession as well as excel in clinical care.

Three qualities I possess and can offer the nurse anesthesia profession are a comprehensive science
background, proficient leadership abilities, and strong communication skills. My science background
encompasses anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, physics, and chemistry, which will give me a solid
foundation to build upon as well as allow me to utilize my knowledge in these areas. My leadership
skills are being utilized and strengthened weekly as a charge nurse in the ICU. I can use my critical
thinking and precise assessment skills to manage a variety of stressful situations. My communication
skills allow me to have a meaningful conversation with a stranger, which makes the patient trusting of
me and comfortable with my care. These skills will also allow me to function as a vital aspect of the
medical team caring for a variety of patients in and out of the operating room. As a CRNA, it would be a
privilege to provide care for my patients knowing that I am truly making a difference in the lives of those
I care for, and I would be honored to begin my career at Mount Marty College.