Hobbies and interests
Spending Time With Friends and Family
Reading
Academic
I read books multiple times per week
Amanda Paterson
1,095
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FinalistAmanda Paterson
1,095
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FinalistBio
Excela Health School of Anesthesia in conjunction with Saint Vincent College
Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Class of 2023
Education
Saint Vincent College
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies
Mount Aloysius College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Career
Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Nurse Anesthetist
Registered Nurse
Travel2016 – 20204 years
Sports
Equestrian
ClubPresent
Public services
Volunteering
Dreams Go On — WalkerPresent
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Pay It Forward CRNA Scholarship
My SRNA journey has not been an easy one. My husband was critically injured overseas while on his sixth deployment to Afghanistan as an Army Ranger. I was a stay-at-home mother with two children, with a fragmented college transcript that I had put on hold to support my husband's military career. When it became clear that he would no longer be able to work due to his disabling injury, I took a page out of his book and pulled myself up by my bootstraps, enrolling back into college. Caring for him during his multiple surgeries while putting myself through nursing school, I was able to meet many current CRNAs who inspired me to pursue this career field. Never once did they make me feel as if my at-home responsibilities would impede my success.
By the end of nursing school, I had my third child, was my husband's legal caregiver, and still graduated top of my class with a 3.98. Once I began working in the ICU, I tried my best to put myself into the sickest rooms and earn my way into leadership positions, working towards my goal of one day being accepted into CRNA school. Later, I worked across the country in needy communities to aid in the fight against Covid-19, spending most of my time on the Mexican border in low-income hospitals.
I am proud to say that I am currently finishing my second year of SRNA school at Excela Health School of Anesthesia at Saint Vincent College. I currently have a 4.0, but more importantly, I am learning the necessary information to become a safe and proficient anesthesia provider.
After graduating, I will be able to provide my family the future that they deserve as their sole provider, showing my three children that if you truly want something, hard work will push you towards your goals, no matter the circumstances. I've never seen my responsibilities as a mother and caregiver as a handicap to my success. It motivates me to complete this program to the best of my abilities and show my loved ones that you can do anything that you set your mind to. When your dreams become actions, they become reality.