BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Jefferson’s career in health care never in doubt

For LaJasmine R. Jefferson, BS, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA, a career in health care was never in doubt.

“Potentially cliché but absolutely genuine, as a young child I knew I was going to be in health care providing care for individuals,” said Jefferson, who is attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia program, with plans to finish in 2024.

“At a very young age, my mother was also struggling with a medical ailment, and being extremely attached to her all I wanted to do was protect and care for her,” she continues. “I also really loved science, so I combined my natural two loves and the decision to become a nurse was easy.”

Jefferson chose anesthesia because it requires a great deal of critical thinking and fastidiousness. Having an uncle who is an anesthesiologist to guide and support her aided in her decision to pursue anesthesia as well.

Her biggest inspiration is her mother and making her proud. She was a single parent who raised four children with extremely limited resources but with her strength, resilience, belief and love, she made a way for all of her children and herself.

“My success is being my mother’s first child to graduate from college and her first child to obtain a doctorate education,” Jefferson said.

Black History Month is a celebration of what was, what is, and what is to be for the success and empowerment of African Americans. It represents a culture that Jefferson said she is proud to be part of. Black history is American history and its vitality in this world cannot be stressed enough.

As for plans after graduation? Jefferson said that after becoming a CRNA she wants to focus her efforts on increasing minority representation for nurse anesthetists and providing opportunities for nurses to reach their goals.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Intense interest, passionate mentor fuel Bell to succeed

Ashley Bell, BSN, RN, has always been fascinated by the way patients are put into a state where they are unable to feel and respond to outside stimuli, and then when they awake, they have no recollection of what took place throughout the surgery. That interest in the inner workings of anesthetic treatment has fueled her passion to be a nurse anesthetist. Pursuing that role enables her to continue to advocate for patients and dive even deeper into her interest in anesthetics.

Black History Month offers time for reflection, and Bell says her educational and professional pursuits as an African American student anesthetist at the University of Pennsylvania creates a win-win scenario. One of the challenges she faces is the lack of diversity within her role. It can be overwhelming to be in a work environment that lacks racial diversity. A person can feel like they do not belong within the community, she says. But, as she keeps working to achieve her dreams, she’s changing the dynamic --- and doing her part to ensure people see others of the same background in her profession.

One of the things that has helped Bell navigate these feelings and challenges is her program director, who is also African American. Her program director even inspired her to apply to an Ivy League institution. There’s a real connection, and Bell sees a lot of herself in her program director, who motivates her and helps her see all of the possibilities that are available to her. Bell’s program director motivates her to keep working towards her ultimate goal: Becoming a CRNA and eventually further diversifying the nurse anesthesia profession.

Bell is blessed to have the opportunity to learn from such an amazing role model and hopes to follow in her footsteps, becoming a trailblazer in her profession. When you hear her story, you can tell Bell is already on her way to achieving her dream.

Photos Submitted by Ashley Bell, BSN, RN

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Ogagan honors mentors’ legacies by giving back to others as they gave to her

It all began with a simple conversation.

Michelene Y. Jeter Ogagan, MSN, CRNA, was talking to a family friend when she decided to pursue a career in nurse anesthesia. She wasn’t even a nurse at the time, but Ogagan immediately did some online research.

Michelene Y. Jeter Ogagan, MSN, CRNA

Afterward, her interest piqued, she reached out to Dr. Richard Henker, professor of nurse anesthesia at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nurse Anesthesia. He agreed to meet Ogagam and took the time to address all her questions and concerns. For the time and guidance he gave, she has always been grateful.

Likewise, she remains grateful to Elsie Murray, a true leader in the field of anesthesia. Murray wasn’t just Ogagan’s mentor, she was also a pioneer who helped to advance the profession and give back to her community. During her career, Murray was elected to the local district of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists and served on several American Association of Nurse Anesthetists committees. She ultimately served as president of PANA in 2004-05. Murray passed away on Nov. 15, 2017, after a brilliant life and career.

For Ogagan, Elsie Murray is what Black History month is all about. She paved the way. And now, Ogagan honors her legacy by mentoring student anesthesia providers.

From that first conversation with a family friend, amazing things continue to happen.

EDITOR’S NOTE: For more information about Elsie Murray, CLICK HERE. To read Dr. Henkler’s biography, CLICK HERE.

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