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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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Miller’s wiping away stereotypes about what Black women can do

As an African American female, Black History Month holds a special significance for Lexus Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN, who currently is enrolled in the Bloomsburg University DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. The month gives her --- and others --- the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black people throughout history.

Black History Month provides a space for reflection and conversation about the ongoing challenges Black people still face today, and how these issues impact their lives and experiences.

As SRNAs, Black women have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the health-care field by providing quality anesthesia care to diverse patient populations and increasing diversity in the field of anesthesia.

Being a first-generation college student, and as an African American SRNA, Miller hopes to inspire young Black women to pursue careers in anesthesia and help to break down barriers and wipe away stereotypes about what Black women can and cannot achieve.

She’s already doing her part and promises to be a force for future success.

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Family ignited the fire, now Adames pays it forward with service, inspiration

Darlene Adames’ passion to pursue anesthesia grew intensely after working in a high-acuity pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Her love for critical care, learning in depth about her patients, their physiology, and the medications they were on gave her the opportunity to learn about anesthesia.

The combined practice and science of anesthesia and patient care is what drove her to this path. Though this journey is rough --- and the hours are long and exhausting --- she is grateful to be doing what she absolutely loves.

Adames, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania.

Watching her mother, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic at age 9 and who worked hard and struggled to provide Adames and her sister with a better living, is what ignited a fire in her to continue dreaming big. She has worked extremely hard to be where she is today, and her goal now is to provide her mother and grandmother with the life they truly deserve.

As a Latina SRNA, Adames wants to be a representation of her cultural heritage and her community. Black History Month is not really mentioned or taught in many Hispanic households.

“I think it’s important for us to learn that the only difference is where our African ancestors landed during slavery,” Adames said. “To me, Black History Month is a celebration of how far we have come, all our successes and our future contribution to this world.”

After CRNA school, Adames plans to move back home and serve her underrepresented community. She would like to contribute her time with mission work in South America, the Caribbeans, and Africa. She wants to inspire and influence others that dreams do come true.

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