In American history, many of the first nurse anesthetists were nuns. (Evans, 2004) This connection between spirituality and the profession shows that a patient undergoing anesthesia must be physically safe, and feel safe -- in the body and soul, before undergoing the physical and psychological shock of an operation under anesthesia. And even if the anesthesia is only a locally or partially administered drug, the nurse must be equally as sensitive to the patient's fears, needs, and reactions. Flexibility of reaction is key to the profession -- and indeed, flexibility in terms of one's projected working environment and patients. One of the exciting things about the profession is that a nurse anesthetist can work for a hospital, in the service of outpatient surgery center at a local surgery, dental, or a specialist's facility, for a group practice, or even practice independently. The choices seem limitless.

Regardless of the variety of paths my profession may lead me in the future, my ultimate professional aim has always been to deploy my variety of skills and personal attributes into becoming the best certified registered...

Even though demand for this expanding profession may shift, and to different areas of the ever-evolving heath care system, I hope to skillfully and compassionately combine my training as licensed professional nurses (RN) with the training provided by an anesthesiology school, so I then may be able to provide the services of an nurse anesthesiologist, combined with my faith's understanding and the core values of the nursing profession.
The aging of the population means that there will be more demand for competent surgical practices and procedures in the future -- but combined with the current cost-cutting emphasis upon health care today, I believe that many nurses will be called upon provide anesthesia care once provided by physicians. I also believe, that with the current demand for spiritually infused care and kindness that the need for a faith-based nursing practice will be forever in demand

Works Cited

Evans, Thomas. (2004) "What is a Nurse Anesthesiologist?" Anesthesia nursing and medicine website. Retrieved 24 Mar 2005 at http://www.anesthesia-nursing.com/wina.html