If you’ve ever caught CRNA David Rebello in UNMC’s main campus hallways, he likely had a spring in his step, a slight smile on his face, and a bright red lanyard with bold, white block letters forming the words “Portugal” and “Ronaldo.” The former honors Rebello’s heritage, the latter honors the world’s best soccer player—at least according to Rebello.
Rebello’s father, Joseph, was born on a Portuguese Island and immigrated to Massachusetts as a teenager with his family in the 1960s. Rebello’s grandparents were happy to leave behind the sunrise-to-sunset working hours of village life to provide better opportunities for their children and future grandchildren.
Rebello, a first generation American, brought the dreams of his parents and grandparents to life. He studied and worked up and down the East Coast, first earning a bachelor’s degree in sport and exercise science, teaching school and coaching soccer. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and a master’s degree from Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia in Nashville. While earning his first nursing degree, Rebello initially worked as an operating room technician, scrubbing operating room floors, and eventually progressed to work in various intensive care units and emergency departments throughout North and South Carolina.
After meeting Tim Glidden, director of nurse anesthesia, at a conference in Seattle and visiting campus, UNMC was atop Rebello’s list to start his nurse anesthesia career. He joined the department in March 2019.
“I was very impressed with the personalities of everyone at Nebraska Medicine, and how the work was getting done,” Rebello said. “On my shadowing visit with Tim, we would meet people in the hallway everyone was friendly and personable. I couldn’t necessarily tell if they were a nurse or chief of their department. It’s not always the norm for everyone to be on the same playing field like that.”
Additionally, Rebello sought opportunity to care for high-acuity patients, remain in an academic environment, and to have his education valued in a team environment.
“My background is trauma, so some of my most proud moments on the job are being able to receive a trauma patient at their most vulnerable state, get them stabilized, through their operation and to our ICU teams,” Rebello said.
Another draw to UNMC for Rebello was the family-friendly culture of Midwest living. Rebello and his wife, Bridget, have an 8-year-old daughter, Natalia, and a 4-year-old son, Mateus. The family enjoys frequenting the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Wildlife Safari Park, traveling to scenic recreation areas, as well as kicking the soccer ball around the house.
“David has been a wonderful addition to our department,” said Glidden. “We benefit not only from his well-rounded and diverse experience with trauma medicine, but also with leadership and teamwork.”
CRNA Week Spotlight: David Rebello
