Happy CRNA Week to our hardworking CRNAs! Jackson Health System has 112 CRNAs on staff, a benefit to our members and patients. Our CRNAs are central in some of Jackson’s most complex cases. We are proud to acknowledge all the hard work that you do every day. Yesterday, Martha Baker, RN, Joseph Flahie, RN, and Diane Poirier, RN met with Gina Corbett, CRNA, Lili Rodríguez, CRNA, Christian Meza, CRNA, and Yuney Rodriguez, CRNA to address solutions to improve retention. We are preparing to meet with management to discuss these strategies to address retention, and we’re looking forward to a victory. When we win, our patients win!
Featured CRNA
“Within the Jackson Health System, CRNA’s are pivotal in managing complex and urgent cases requiring advanced anesthesia expertise. I am very proud to be a part of the CRNA team at Jackson.”
1. Why did you become a CRNA?
My journey to become a CRNA began when my friend, Rick Cabrall, asked me to come join him in the operating room. I had been recovering open hearts at Broward General, and he felt a career as a CRNA would be a good fit for me. It was love at first sight. From that day forward, my goal became to peruse this great career move.
2. How long have you been a CRNA?
I graduated from Florida International University with a Masters of Science in Nursing Specializing in Anesthesia on December, 2006. I worked for Anesco at Broward General for one year. Then, in 2008, I came to work at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and I have been here ever since.
3. Has there been a mentor for you in your CRNA journey? If so, who?
I really cannot credit one single person for being my mentor throughout my career. I do give a massive amount of credit to all of the CRNA’s at Jackson Memorial Hospital, who took me in, nurtured me, and helped develop my current practice. Most are now retired, but I never forget their professionalism, and willingness to develop us newbies into the best we could be. I strive every single day to do the same for our students and new practitioners.
4. Share a moment of pride from your CRNA journey.
I experienced a recent moment of pride while reading a historical fiction novel named “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. It specifically mentions CRNA’s by name, and it gives us credit for having provided care to soldiers in the Vietnam war. I feel this is a book every nurse should read.
5. Share a tip, trick, or method you use to deliver exceptional care or lead with innovation in your practice.
I wish I had something more fancy to offer than warm blankets. But in 2020, I was thrust into experiencing the other side. As a patient, one of the most important things anyone
offered me was a warm blanket. It was like a huge hug at a time of need. I am a stickler about giving my patients a nice warm blanket on the way into and out of the OR.
6. What would you like people to know about CRNA’S?
CRNA’s are well trained and highly skilled anesthesia providers. Very frequently, we are the sole anesthesia providers in rural areas. We serve in the military, and we provide care for our wounded shoulders. Within the Jackson Health System, CRNA’s are pivotal in managing complex and urgent cases requiring advanced anesthesia expertise. I am very proud to be a part of the CRNA team at Jackson.
To all of our health professionals, please let us know your specialty’s recognition dates so we can highlight you!