This month’s spotlight features Dr. Feven Measho, a Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist working at Duke University Hospital. Read more to learn about Dr. Measho and her work.

Could you briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)?
I am Certified Nurse Anesthesiologist and I have a Doctorate in Nursing. I am currently employed at Duke University Hospital fulltime and I own PLLc that provides anesthesia. CRNAs are licensed, advance practice independent practitioners who practice both autonomously and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The main focus of the CRNA job is to provide high-quality, evidence-based anesthesia and pain care services at all acuity levels, for all patients, and for a number of different reasons in a variety of settings. Although CRNAs are primarily focused on the clinical aspect of their job which is in the operating room/ ICU/ procedural rooms, many are graduate-educated advanced clinicians also serve as researchers, educators, mentors, advocates, and administrators.

How did you come to decide that this was the right career path for you?I actually had no idea what the profession was and what it entailed. I worked in busy Cardiothoracic ICU as a nurse and charge nurse after my undergraduate degree. After working for five years I knew I was ready for change, growth and more responsibility. I happened to talk to my former undergraduate instructor who spoke very highly about the training required to be CRNA and the responsibilities that come with the job. I was intrigued. I shadowed a CRNA at the hospital I worked at. I knew that day this is what I want to do. The profession is the best kept secret in the medical profession surprisingly because advance practice nurses have been providing anesthesia care for a very long time. We’re usually the last people patients see before a procedure begins and the first to greet them when they awake. That’s because we are there by their side for every heartbeat, every breath.

What was your path to becoming a nurse anesthetist?
I have four year nursing degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I worked as an ICU nurse and charge nurse for five years and attended a three year program where I earned a Doctorate Nursing Practice.

What are the most challenging and rewarding aspects of your career?
The most challenging aspect was the path through school. Most programs require that you do not work during the time in school, I did work because I could not afford not to work. I was a full time student and
worked every Saturday for three years through school. I missed out on having a social life. The most rewarding is the one on one patient care I can provide during some of the scariest and challenging
times people go through. Our profession offers a lot of flexibility. Work setting is flexible, our schedules are usually great and the pay is not bad either.

Is there a philosophy that drives your career?
Being a caring and compassionate person is a must. At times it’s a very stressful job. Perseverance and resilience are important.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? During my training I took part in a mission trip to a very rural part of Kenya. I learned to do a lot with very little resources. It was very rewarding to provide care in areas that are underserved and lack
resources.

What is some advice you would give to someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Speak with someone that is in the profession and defiantly have a shadow day. I think this is good advice for every profession.

Can you share some of the different career options in the nursing profession?
This is a loaded question because I think the possibilities are endless. It truly a profession where you can do a lot where it is in the clinical setting, research and academia.

Outside of all of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun?
Hobbies?
I love trying new things! I am an avid reader and a long and short distance runner. I did my first full marathon while I was in graduate school (bad idea). I also like spending time with friends and family!