NURSE ANESTHESIA 

Graduated in 1969 

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State? 

A: It was close to home and I was impressed with the university individuals I interacted with. 

Q: What inspired you to pursue Nurse Anesthesia? 

A: I needed a challenge. I loved nursing but felt there was more for me to learn and do by becoming a nurse anesthetist. 

Q: Who was your most memorable instructor? 

A: John Garde, CRNA. It would be impossible to describe all of the qualities John exhibited that made him an outstanding program director. He was intelligent, compassionate and had an intuitive nature that enabled him to understand human behavior. John made sure everyone had the opportunity to further their education and made every effort to support us in this endeavor. 

Q: What was your most challenging class? 

A: Chemistry — I had difficulty drawing formulas. 

Q: Share some reflections about your time at Wayne State:

A: It was a wonderful time. I had a group of friends from the anesthesia program, and we took classes together in the evening. 

Q: In your opinion, what is one of the biggest changes that has occurred in your profession since graduating? 

A: Being accepted as a provider of anesthesia services by the physicians. There are many articles and books describing this challenge. 

Q: Share a career highlight or summary: 

A: My 12 years at Detroit General Hospital paved the way for me to become involved in my profession. I was recruited by the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists to join as their first Director of Continuing Education in 1978. Later, I was appointed Director of Certification and Recertification in addition to my continuing education role. For the next 29 years, I was responsible for the certification and recertification credentials for over 30,000 nurses. 

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WSU Applebaum’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program is led by exceptional faculty and clinical instructors dedicated to the profession and the teaching of students using state-of-the-art teaching facility and anesthesia classrooms. The DNAP degree is 36 months, designed to offer registered nurses an advanced education and full scope of practice as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Graduates will also meet the requirements for the National Certification Examination. Learn more about the application process and make plans to attend a college information meeting, held for prospective students at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.