Sarah Brumbaugh-Baker
U.S. Anesthesia Partners, affiliated with AdventHealth
Orlando, FL USA
"As long as I'm doing better today than I did yesterday, I'm making improvements."
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Sarah's work combines: Medicine, Science, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Nursing
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Doctorate
Nursing Anesthesia
AdventHealth University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
While in nursing school, I discovered the CRNA profession during an operating room rotation and was immediately intrigued.
2.
I worked five years in the ICU, where I honed my skills in critical thinking, patient care, and complex interventions.
3.
Attending a CRNA program open house and standing at the head of the OR bed confirmed that I was meant to do this.
4.
I earned my CCRN, took the GRE, and completed over 2,000 clinical hours in CRNA school to become board certified.
5.
CRNA school was the hardest academic and emotional challenge of my life—but I kept showing up and stayed focused.
6.
I’ve tailored my CRNA career to fit my life, choosing flexible shifts that support both my work and time with my kids.
7.
Teaching anesthesia students allowed me to give back to my program and reaffirmed my love for the science behind the work.
8.
My worst day as a CRNA is still better than my best day as an ICU nurse—I finally found the right fit for me.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
CRNA school is too hard and scary.
How I responded:
A lot of nurses are scared away from becoming a CRNA because the schooling is notoriously difficult. It's true that CRNA school is very hard and you have to really be committed. But it's a few challenging years that lead to a career of fulfillment and stability. Just buckle down, stay strong, and get through it. And when you graduate, CRNA is one of the only careers where you're guaranteed a good salary where you can live and pay off your loans. This is a dream job and the schooling is worth it.