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.