BLACK HISTORY MONTH: First-generation American one-of-a-kind achiever

It was Perpetua M. Auguste’s cousin who introduced her to the fact that she can go beyond bedside nursing and specialize. Her choice? Nurse anesthesia.

“I chose to pursue a graduate degree in nurse anesthesia because I believed I could do it,” said Auguste, BSN, RN, CCRN, who is on pace to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania in 2025. “Don’t get me wrong: The thought was scary and overwhelming, and I didn’t exactly know how or when. I just knew I wanted it.”

Fast forward to 2020 and she was well positioned and prepared to apply after overcoming some of the challenges of being a first-generation American.

As the first born to two Haitian immigrant parents who don’t have college degrees, Auguste had to navigate all the systems on her own. She didn’t have the blueprint or the resources many of her classmates had as undergraduates, or even some of her former colleagues who moved on to school before her.

But, through determination, persistence, being resourceful and asking plenty of questions, she is now in the final semester of her first year as an SRNA --- and she couldn’t be prouder.

“I can feel the approval of my late grandmother and all of those who fought for Black people to be where I am right now,” Auguste said. “I can sense their pride and I draw from that. Their legacy is helping me create mine. Because they did, I can, and I will.”

Auguste said their part in Black history has created her opportunity and she wants to keep working to make her own contributions.

Now, her future in anesthesia looks bright as she is ready to continue to learn as much as she can while earning her degree.

“I’m excited to see where this journey leads me and to continue to build on this foundation and grow in my practice,” she said.

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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: Thankful for mentors, Brown wants to give back – professionally and personally

Vaunique Brown, BSN, RN, CCRN, still remembers her first intubation. She and her classmates were in clinical for a week at this point, and she had not intubated anyone yet. After seeing the vocal cords and observing the ETT go through, she whispered aloud, “Oh my, God, I got it.” And with that excitement and growing confidence, she knew she had made the right decision to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

In fact, Brown chose the profession because she wanted more opportunities for independence in patient care. She loved working in critical care, but she also wanted to advance her career. The autonomy and quick critical thinking she witnessed during her shadowing experiences made her certain she was going to pursue anesthesia.

Her first shadow experience was in 2012 at her local hospital, where she met Dr. Wallena Gould, Ed, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, founder & CEO of Diversity CRNA who actually encouraged Brown to pursue nurse anesthesia. “Thank you, Dr. Gould,” Brown says.

She also looks up to best friend and peer Ryan Davis, MSN, CRNA, a recent graduate of Columbia University. Davis and Brown met during nursing school at Drexel University. They both shared their aspirations of becoming CRNAs one day. Well, if you’re keeping track at home … that’s one down and one to go! (Brown is studying at the University of Pennsylvania.)

Brown’s current mentor is her program director, Dr. Dawn Bent, DNP, MSN, CRNA, who also serves as a trustee of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists. “If you know her, you know she’s great,” Brown says. “Definitely want to be her when I grow up!"

Brown is taking this educational journey day by day, week by week and embracing each moment. Not that she isn’t thinking about what the future holds. She says she would love to help establish a nurse anesthesia program at one of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

“Black History Month is a time to reflect on the achievements we have accomplished, an opportunity to educate current generations of the sacrifices our ancestors had to make and a moment to remind ourselves of the continued work we still have to hurdle,” Brown said. “I also see this as an opportunity for others to take action on how they can eliminate the disparities that African Americans experience in the various industries that were constructed without us in mind."

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