James Ukena is a nursing student at the Central Queensland University, Australia. He is nearing graduation and will be moving to the New York/New Jersey area and plans on working at the University of Columbia network hospitals in preparation for Nurse Anesthesia School there. He has started a weblog for students at the Central University of Queensland where his latest goings on can be found.
Hi Gina,
In reply to your question “I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue Nurse Anesthesia, given that your country apparently does not utilize them? ” I must say I had to think about that question carefully. I think the pathway to get me interested in NA was after my first year undergraduate results were revealed. I was blessed with exceptional grades, in fact I am currently holding the highest GPA for my year level at my University. The Head of nursing sent me a letter to pat me on the back and suggest I start considering postgraduate studies (I think you call it just graduate study over in the states).
My research took me to many different areas of interest. Then my wife reminded me that the program I choose must be available in the States. Why? Because we intend to immigrate to New Jersey/NewYork to be closer to my wife’s family who live in the Jersey suburbs. So I began examining the U.S options for graduate study in Nursing. I knew NA was for me and not neccessarily because of the money, although it is a nice reward.
My main reasons was the autonomy; the increased chance of daytime shifts (I prefer daytime shifts and most weekends with family……if possible); and an opportunity to exercise the brain muscles a little. An old high school buddy who is now an anesthesiologist and has trained at Mt Sinai in New York has also given me encouragement to follow this career path. The MSN in anesthesia is for me! The opportunity to continue in human services but also challenge my own abilities, pushing the envelope.
David’s site was an accidental suprise. I stumbled across his site as he was beginning describing the life of a NA student. Already I feel less apprehensive having read all of your posts.
I continue to read your posts regularly with interest.
James Ukena
Central Queensland University
Queensland Australia
One Response
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Hey there James.
Thank you so much for your interest and enthusiasm for Nurse Anesthesia. We will be looking forward to seeing you someday at one of the National AANA meetings here in the States.
Good luck to you and study hard, its a life long habit.
David Godden
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