Comments on: Open Letter to James http://averageman.org/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/ Just another WordPress weblog Fri, 24 Apr 2009 04:45:11 -0400 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: james http://averageman.org/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/comment-page-1/#comment-69 james Mon, 07 Mar 2005 03:26:45 +0000 http://www.nurseanesthetist.org/blog/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/#comment-69 Hi Gina, In reply to your question "I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, 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, infact 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 Hi Gina,
In reply to your question “I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, 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, infact 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

]]> By: giners http://averageman.org/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/comment-page-1/#comment-68 giners Thu, 03 Mar 2005 06:44:08 +0000 http://www.nurseanesthetist.org/blog/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/#comment-68 James, I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, given that your country apparently does not utilize them? It is interesting to me. Talk about thinking outside the box! You're thinking outside the hemisphere! Great job on contacting Tim Leahy. Let us know when you visit the states so we can arrange for you to hang in the OR while you're here. My husband just visited Australia for the third time in December, and is in love with the place. He will be crushed to discover that CRNAs do not yet have a place there.... I say YET. How far are you from completing your degree? James,
I am curious as to how you came to the decision to pursue NA, given that your country apparently does not utilize them? It is interesting to me. Talk about thinking outside the box! You’re thinking outside the hemisphere! Great job on contacting Tim Leahy. Let us know when you visit the states so we can arrange for you to hang in the OR while you’re here. My husband just visited Australia for the third time in December, and is in love with the place. He will be crushed to discover that CRNAs do not yet have a place there…. I say YET. How far are you from completing your degree?

]]> By: james http://averageman.org/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/comment-page-1/#comment-67 james Mon, 28 Feb 2005 08:22:28 +0000 http://www.nurseanesthetist.org/blog/2005/02/25/open-letter-to-james/#comment-67 Thanks Gina, Your post illuminates the world of the Nurse anesthetist student. More accurately it demystifies the NA world for the uninitiated. I truly thankyou for this insight and advice. I informed David Godden of my contact with Columbia University MSN Program Director, Timothy Leahey. Timothy was more than co-operative with my enquiries. So I have taken your advice, as well as David's advice, and have been so bold as to chat with the PROGRAM DIRECTORS of MSN Anesthesia. I am on track and intend to continue immersing myself into the world of the NA while I continue to fulfill my academic obligations. Thanks again, James Ukena Central Queensland University Queensland Australia. Thanks Gina,
Your post illuminates the world of the Nurse anesthetist student. More accurately it demystifies the NA world for the uninitiated. I truly thankyou for this insight and advice. I informed David Godden of my contact with Columbia University MSN Program Director, Timothy Leahey. Timothy was more than co-operative with my enquiries. So I have taken your advice, as well as David’s advice, and have been so bold as to chat with the PROGRAM DIRECTORS of MSN Anesthesia. I am on track and intend to continue immersing myself into the world of the NA while I continue to fulfill my academic obligations.
Thanks again,

James Ukena
Central Queensland University
Queensland Australia.

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