I look forward to studying towards pursuing a terminal degree in my field, the DNP, Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nurse Anesthesia, and serving as a most dedicated CRNA for decades to come. I seek complete immersion in lifetime education and improvement, pushing creative frontiers to maximize my contribution. A Latina calling Miami home, the University of XXXX is the only program I am applying to. Nearing fluency in Spanish and basic competence in French, I seek the privilege of helping the underserved in our city, especially since Miami has a large population of French in addition to Spanish speakers. I am living for an acceptance letter from the DNP Program in Nurse Anesthesia at XXXX University.
If selected for your program, it would be the absolute confirmation of what I have accomplished and the key that will unlock the most important doors in my future. Ever since I can remember, I have found great strength and healing power in music. Thus, I have always given an essential part of myself to music appreciation and therapy. As a devoted ICU nurse with extensive experience, reflecting on music therapy in the ICU has long been one of my favorite pastimes. I have made progress in helping my patients fully enjoy and profit from the healing power of music in the ICU.
While introducing music as therapy into the ICU comes with special consideration, others like me are also working in this area and meeting with incredibly positive outcomes. I follow those examples closely in my spare time. I see this as a lifetime interest and something I will continue to focus on – among my other challenges - once I earn a doctoral degree in my field and become a CRNA.
We hope to be able to use fewer anesthetics and analgesics in the battle against pain and find other ways to treat pain and anxiety. I was able to bring music therapy to the bedside at a very dark time during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now I am putting what I have learned to beneficial use for the second wave that is upon us. Implementing music therapy for the Comfort Measures Only patients in my ICU has allowed me to experience the fullest and most beautiful potential of sound/music in alleviating pain, stress, and anxiety.
I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to gain extensive experience and competence in ECMO, CRRT, balloon pumps, pacemakers, and total care of fresh open-heart patients. I have taken on multiple leadership roles in my unit after only one year of experience: initiating music therapy and a nurse support group with the unit’s ANM and the hospital CNO and serving as a clinical resource nurse. As a new graduate, I was offered a job in an ANCC-accredited hospital in one of the top ICUs in Florida - selected fresh out of nursing school without an interview. In December 2020, I was offered an 8-week local travel contract as an RN at the University of Miami Hospital’s ICU, which I could not accept due to a previous commitment. I would also be offered a position as a CVICU nurse at XXXX University Medical Center, which I interpreted as an essential honor, bolstering confidence in my ability to excel.
During my OB clinical as a nursing student, I was able to shadow a CRNA while giving epidurals and medicating mothers in preparation for a cesarean section. Introduced to various anesthetics and blocks used in different clinical situations, I was mesmerized by the subtle art, especially as the baby was born and the mom heard her first cry. This was one of the inspirations behind my desire to eventually work towards additional specialization in serving the pediatric population and neonates undergoing cardiovascular surgery for congenital anomalies. One of the highlights so far was the experience of shadowing the anesthesiologist and director of pediatric cardiovascular surgery at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. Dr. XXXX invited me to watch various open-heart repairs on children at various stages of development. He even called me to the operating table as the induction of anesthesia began and had me place my hand on the baby’s chest as the heart rate slowed under the anesthesia. As the baby’s cries subsided, I was educated about the complex heart condition and how the anesthesia was appropriate for this infant's development level.
Finally, I have long been interested in searching for alternatives to opioids. I see music therapy as having significant potential for helping patients wean themselves off potentially addictive pain medication - sooner rather than later. I hope to continue research in this area throughout my professional life.
Thank you for considering my application to Nurse Anesthesia at XXXX University.
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