Tenzin Lobsang was interested in pursuing an advanced degree in nurse anesthesiology long before she entered the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Saint Mary’s University.
Having met numerous competent CRNAs who graduated from Saint Mary’s in surrounding hospitals served to fuel her interest in digging further into Saint Mary’s doctorate program.
“I also wanted to be close to my family, so Saint Mary’s was a great option,” Tenzin shared, “and the program’s cost was much better compared to the other programs.”
The nurse anesthesiology program provides exceptional clinical experiences at over 35 sites, with options ranging from small rural and community facilities to big urban hospitals. This format allows students to choose a site that best fits their learning needs.
This year, a student government, the Student Advisory Council (SAC), was established. Composed of program faculty and representatives from each class/cohort, it allows students and faculty to work together to improve the educational experience of all students in the program. Tenzin currently serves as the diversity and inclusion chairperson of SAC.
When interviewing with the director and associate director of the nursing anesthesiology program, she remembers being impressed by the quality of the education offered at Saint Mary’s and how dedicated the faculty was to student success. Now a third-year student in the program, Tenzin’s perspective on her experience at Saint Mary’s hasn’t changed.
“Saint Mary’s provides a supportive learning environment that encourages our success. The faculty works so hard to provide a safe learning environment, which is what I love about this program,” she said. “They are available anytime we need to sit down and discuss school or our wellness. They put the students at the forefront and are ready to provide the best educational experience.”
Through the didactic education provided in classrooms and clinical hands-on experience in labs, Tenzin feels that Saint Mary’s is preparing its students to become the best clinicians they can be. She looks forward to using her advanced degree to support the community as a certified registered nurse anesthetist upon graduation.
“I have a passion for education and community engagement, and I hope to encourage and introduce this amazing profession to a younger generation of students.”