Harris College’s School of Nurse Anesthesia is home to several faculty members who have served our country in various branches of the military. They recently shared how they utilize their military experiences beyond their service, what led them to education and research, advice they have for students considering a military career and more.
Robyn Ward
Director, Associate Professor of Professional Practice
U.S. Navy, 20 years served (15 years active duty, five years Reserves)
Rank at Retirement: Commander
How did your experience serving as an RN/CRNA in the military shape your approach
to patient care and leadership in high-stress environments?
My military service provides the foundation for everything I have done in my career
and is the basis for future leadership roles. Serving as the sole CRNA on an aircraft
carrier was a high-stress role in that I was the only anesthesia provider for 7,500
Naval personnel amongst nine ships in the battlegroup. I had to rely on myself, my
own decision-making, and my skills. The scope of practice for CRNAs in the military
is broad, and all are trained to be 100% independent. That has shaped my ability to
practice and serve as a leader in my profession, and as director of the TCU School
of Nurse Anesthesia.
How has your military background influenced the way you mentor nurse anesthesia students,
particularly when it comes to handling challenges or adversity in their training?
I train future CRNAs in a similar manner to the way I was trained in the military:
to be independent thinkers and decision-makers in their care of patients undergoing
anesthesia.
Monica Jenschke
Professor of Professional Practice
U.S. Air Force, 23 years served (four years active duty; 19 years Reserves)
Rank at Retirement: Lieutenant Colonel
How has your military background influenced the way you mentor nurse anesthesia students,
particularly when it comes to handling challenges or adversity in their training?
Students are always encouraged to seek deeper knowledge. The ability to understand
concepts is paramount for critical thinking skills about situations that are similar
yet have notable differences. Be curious. Ask questions. And always have a rationale
for actions no matter how minor it may be. Rationales are based on evidence, knowledge
and skills learned as RNs, resident registered nurse anesthetists and from life experiences.
The ability to think through situations allows one to handle unexpected challenges.
How did your experience serving as an RN/CRNA in the military shape your approach
to patient care and leadership in high-stress environments?
The principles of teams and teamwork, communication and knowing team members’ roles
and responsibilities formed the basis for effectively providing highly specialized
care to patients in the intensive care units and perioperative environments. Esprit
de corps from the military carried to my civilian practice as a CRNA and educator.
We are strong when we all pull together toward a common goal. A team that works well
together can overcome many obstacles or challenges.
Each patient I provide anesthesia to receives individualized attention and is treated as a family member or personal friend. The military fostered this approach because I cared for friends, colleagues, fellow service members and their families. Every patient is treated with kindness, regarded with respect and given professional anesthesia care. The personal, individualized care of patients is inherent in my work.
Dru Riddle
Professor of Professional Practice
U.S. Army Reserves, 10 years
Rank: Captain
Can you share a specific moment from your military service that had a lasting impact
on your decision to transition into teaching and research?
I had the opportunity to take care of a young woman who was delivering her first baby.
Her husband, an Army soldier, was deployed and not with her. This was before Facetime/Zoom
was as easy to use, so I spent part of my morning rigging together a make-shift video
unit and cell phone linkage so her husband could see/talk with her during her labor
and ultimate c-section. That moment made me realize that we all have an obligation
to go above and beyond what we are “supposed” to do as nurses/CRNAs to really care
deeply for others.
What advice would you give to nursing students or CRNAs who are considering a career
in the military, based on your own experience?
Do it. It’s a great way to serve your country, serve your fellow person and build
lasting friendships all while being able to do some pretty cool things!
Greg Collins
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice
U.S. Army Reserves, 18 years
Rank: Captain
How has your military background influenced the way you mentor nurse anesthesia students,
particularly when it comes to handling challenges or adversity in their training?
Absolutely … it has provided a level of resilience that I hope is contagious to my
students and has, oddly enough, helped me develop levels of compassion and empathy
for those who are struggling.
In what ways do you incorporate the skills and lessons learned from your military
career into your current research in nurse anesthesia?
Since my first deployment, I have made a concerted effort to research the resuscitation
of massive hemorrhage. I now primarily practice obstetric anesthesia and have presented
on the topic of postpartum hemorrhage to anesthesia providers across the country.
What advice would you give to nursing students or CRNAs who are considering a career
in the military, based on your own experience?
A military commitment is a profound, all-in endeavor. Make sure that you are willing
to sacrifice appropriately to uphold such a meaningful promise.