CRNA of Distinction
We recognize that our diverse members work hard and dedicate themselves in exemplary ways and we want to celebrate you! The MANA "CRNA of Distinction" honors members with outstanding dedication to the CRNA profession. "CRNAs of Distinction" are featured on the MANA website, via email and in the MANA e-newsletter. Nominate yourself, a peer, or an employee who has gone above and beyond to be a MANA "CRNA of Distinction".
MANA's April 2019 CRNA of Distinction
Sian O'Leary, CRNA
Sian O’Leary received her Master’s in Nurse Anesthesia in 2013 from Northeastern University, and currently works at Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a CRNA and a clinical coordinator for the SRNAs. Her experience prior to entering anesthesia school was over 10 years in the cardio-thoracic ICU setting. During her training, Sian was the recipient of the Agatha Hodgin’s Award for Excellence in Academics and Clinical Anesthesia. Sian is now working on her Doctorate of Nursing Practice at Northeastern University.
Sian’s area of interest includes student and peer mentorship, which motivated her to take on the clinical coordinator position. Since she had experienced first hand the SRNA perspective at BWH, her primary clinical site, she felt she was in an ideal position to lead and support the SRNAs through the vigorous clinical training that Brigham and Women’s offers. In addition to working clinically, Sian has guest lectured at Boston College for their nurse anesthesia program.
Sian lives in Winthrop with her husband of 15 years, Nathan, and her three-legged rescue cat. She enjoys travel, snowboarding, and yoga in her spare time.
Questionnaire:
What made you choose CRNA as a career path?
As an ICU nurse, I was seeking a new challenge to build upon the skills I already had. Someone that was in training to be a CRNA suggested I look into the field, the rest is history… I had never heard of nurse anesthetists at the time!
From your experience, what are the best things about being a CRNA? The worst?
Best thing: being able to comfort and instill trust in my patients during possibly one of the most terrifying times of their life
Worst thing: When despite all best efforts, I’m not able to provide comfort and pain relief to my patient.
Using a single word or short phrase, how would you describe yourself?
Empathetic
If money/time was no issue, what hobby would you get into?
Photography
What job would you be terrible at?
Sales (of anything)
What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?
A yoga retreat in Bali
What small things make your day better?
Kindness and coffee
What is your claim to fame?
I can sing “Ice, Ice Baby” word for word while doing the dance moves
What is the best single day on the calendar?
Thanksgiving
Most annoying question people ask you?
“Why do have a boy’s name?” (It’s actually Welsh for Jane.) And people really do still ask me this as an adult!
What are your most looking forward to in the next 10 years?
Going to Bora Bora for my 20th Wedding Anniversary. (Somebody please tell my husband to get going on that..)
What is the best way to start the day?
Sleeping in. (I’m not a morning person)
What do you hope never changes?
My ability to find gratitude
What movie or book title best describes your life?
Eat, Pray, Love
What are you most likely to become famous for?
My three-legged cat, Starfish (She has her own Instagram page!)
What is the best compliment you’ve received?
This nomination.
Who inspires you to be better?
My sister. She is my biggest cheerleader in life, the person I look up to most.
What are some of the events in your life that made you who you are?
• A 6-week cross country camping trip in middle school that inspired my love for travel
• Unsuccessful fertility treatments
• Moving around the country for my husband's job, experiencing other places, and ways of living.
There are 2 types of people in this world. What are the 2 types?
Those who love the ocean and those who love the mountains
What is your favorite smell?
The salt air of the ocean…. I’m an ocean person
If you had to change your name, what would you change it to?
I wouldn’t - as an adult, I truly appreciate its uniqueness.
What risks are worth taking?
Those that follow your heart
What do you take for granted?
My health
What gets you fired up?
Entitlement
What irrational fear do you have?
Crabs pinching my feet in the ocean
What is the last adventure you went on?
Snowboarding in the Austrian Alps last March
What were some of the turning points in your life?
• Spending a month traveling on my own in Great Britain
• Meeting my husband - my other biggest cheerleader
• The loss of my mom to esophageal cancer
What are 3 interesting facts about you?
• I started as an art major in college before going into nursing
• In the ’80s, I had a punk hairdo with the left side of head shaved
• I have a guilty pleasure of watching Judge Judy - she reminds me of my mother!
What do you want to be remembered for?
Being a kind and fun-loving person
What is the best thing about you?
My empathy
What bends your mind every time you think about it?
How people can be cruel to animals
What are the top 3 things you want to accomplish before you die? How close are you to accomplishing them?
• Obtaining my DNP (only one year away!)
• To be able to do a handstand (a work in progress in my yoga practice)
• To go to Australia and New Zealand - (not quite on the radar yet)
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
Not to judge those around you, you never know their struggles.
Inspired to share your story? Click here to complete a nomination form.
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