Meet David.

What made you initially consider nursing as a program of study?

I considered nursing as a degree because of the many avenues nursing can take you. I knew I wanted to be a CRNA when I applied to nursing school, but having a career that allowed me many ways to get there, or have alternatives if my life altered its course, was something I found intriguing!

Can you tell us more about your previous degree(s)?

I have an associate’s degree in health science and an ASN degree in nursing from Santa Fe College in Gainesville, Florida. I completed my BSN in Nursing at the University of Central Florida.

Why did you choose WVU School of Nursing for your graduate-level education?

When looking into CRNA programs, I valued a program that offered a wide variety of clinical experiences across its service area. My wife (originally from Keyser, WV) and I moved to West Virginia shortly before I applied to school as traveling nurses; having a variety in my training environments as a CRNA was a key reason I chose WVU.

Could you share a positive experience from your time at the SON?

A positive experience I had during my time at the School of Nursing was as a student nurse anesthetist, when I was able to help teach and educate underclassmen SRNAs through a variety of simulations in the WV STEPS Lab.

Another positive experience I had clinically during my time with the SON was as I wrapped up my clinical training and performed a successful epidural independently for a laboring mom. When I went to consent her, she was in 10/10 labor pain, and just a mere 15-20 minutes later was smiling, pain-free, and so grateful for her relief. To wrap up my clinical training in that way when 2 years prior I had never performed a neuraxial anesthetic was a very rewarding and positive experience during my time with the WVU Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Are there any obstacles you’ve been able to overcome in your pursuit of any of your nursing degrees?

I’m a first-generation college graduate amongst both sides of my family tree. My biological father passed away a few days before my first birthday, and I was raised primarily by my stepfather, who served as a single dad for most of my teenage years when my mother was removed from the picture during her battle with substance abuse disorder. On top of this, we lived in extreme poverty. I was fortunate to take advantage of government assistance, grants, and student loans, along with working two jobs during my undergraduate training to accomplish my goals.

Today, I write this as a soon-to-be doctorally prepared nurse anesthesia student from West Virginia University. I’m proud to announce that my father, a now 2-time cancer survivor, with his most recent win coming during my training here, will be present for graduation. As the great Aubrey Drake Graham once put it, “Started from the bottom, now we’re here.”

How do you feel WVU prepared you for your next chapter?

As I’ve previously mentioned, one of the strong points of the CRNA program here at WVU exists well beyond the confines of Morgantown. The ability to see and practice anesthesia in a variety of anesthesia models and settings in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland was monumental in preparing me to succeed in my career. Key mentions are the group at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, WV, Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser, WV, and Berkley Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. To answer the question directly, I believe WVU did an excellent job preparing me for my next chapter of providing anesthesia in West Virginia and beyond!

What are your plans after graduation?

I’ve accepted a job as a CRNA with Northstar Anesthesia at Mon General Hospital here in Morgantown. Before the credentialing process concludes, my wife and I will resume our favorite hobby (world travel) with trips to swim among humpback whales in French Polynesia and an African safari in Tanzania.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’m proud to be a Mountaineer. I look forward to representing WVU well wherever my career takes me. A special shoutout to our faculty who worked hard to create this program at WVU and give us the ability to care for tens of thousands of patients undergoing anesthesia in West Virginia and across the United States. Also, I'd be remiss to not mention the class of 2026; I’m forever grateful for having such an amazing group of classmates to go on this journey with.