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: In a life filled with promise, Lester Anim studies hard, works harder

It shouldn’t be surprising that the in-depth understanding of pharmacology as well as airway management required of CRNAs would pique the interest of Lester Anim, BSN, RN CCRN-CMC-CSC. He’s a lifelong learner. He’s also someone who remains calm, even under intense pressure, a trait common among nurse anesthetists.

Anim also has drive. “Imposter syndrome is still a problem for me,” he said. Changing careers in health care was a big step, and he remembers feeling like he didn't know as much as some of the other students in class who were nursing aides, paramedics, etc. Instead of deterring him, it only encouraged him to study and work even harder. He still feels that way today as a SRNA at the Geisinger Health System/Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Graduating from nursing school was a memorable event for Anim --- not so much because of graduation itself but because of life lessons along the way. Two friends who wanted to become nurses unfortunately lost their lives during that journey. Those events occurred at various points in Anim’s own nursing journey, too, and graduation gave him the sense that he did it for them.

Just as Anim did for them, others have done for Anim. He remains eternally grateful for the overwhelming support he has received from a variety of individuals.

“As cliché as it may seem, I look up to my parents,” he said. “They are both Ghanaian immigrants who worked extremely hard to get to where they are now. They instilled in me the importance of hard effort and doing things the right way.”

Anim wants to graduate from the Geisinger Health System/Bloomsburg University Nurse Anesthesia Program and continue to develop his abilities as a provider. His goal eventually is to participate in mission trips and help provide anesthesia for those less fortunate across the world. He promises to remain an advocate for the profession anyway he can, anywhere he is.

To Anim, Black History Month means celebrating the achievements and contributions that African Americans have given to this world. It involves telling the unsung stories of brilliant people who, despite challenging circumstances, served an inspirational cause with their abilities and talents. For us, it’s time to celebrate people like Lester Anim.

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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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