University of New England

School of Nurse Anesthesia

My name is Adam. I am 29 years old, and I grew up in Providence, Rhode Island. I am in the master of science in nurse anesthesia program, class of 2003.

I graduated from Boston College School of Nursing in 1997. Staying in the Boston area after college, I took my first staff nurse position at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center on a vascular floor. I then became interested in critical care, and worked in intensive care and with the department of anesthesia in cardiac surgery for the next few years, before graduate school.

Since graduation from nursing school, my interest in critical care has been building. I've enjoyed taking care of critical patients and making a difference in their lives. I also love technology and equipment;anesthesia gives me the opportunity to embrace both of these.

After applying to several programs, I accepted the offer of admission by the University of New England. Accepting admission at the UNE over the offer made by Columbia University was one of the best choices I've ever made.

I am very happy with the M.S.N.A. program at UNE. The admission process was prompt and efficient. Everyone has been very friendly and helpful. The instructors are all on a first name basis with the students, and are available for help at any time.

The directors of the program at UNE are very willing to listen to student concerns, and are extremely approachable. In fact, the administration has added a student position to the curriculum/evaluation committee at the suggestion of the students. I am the student representative on this committee and have always been treated as an equal. At the first meeting, I was told that as the student representative, I have equal say in decisions being made by the committee as any other member. It is an outstandingly progressive and amazing program that suggests that the student rep has as much say as any member, including the director. I have been very happy with the University of New England in general because of the friendliness, flexibility and focus on the health sciences.

I've had great experiences as a result of UNE. The classes have been insightful and interesting. My clinical placement is at a major city teaching hospital, and has provided me with outstanding learning opportunities. I've become quite comfortable with managing general anesthesia. I've had the chance to do multiple regional anesthetics, as well as central and arterial line placements. It has been a great rotation, and I'm very happy to have the chance to be exposed to these challenges.

When I graduate, I plan to stay in the Boston area. I'd like to work for an anesthesia group that encourages a team approach and offers a broad range of CRNA practice. I look forward to graduation in November and will miss UNE - it is one of the best choices I've ever made.