Long before CRNA Erin McDowell has to arrive at the medical center to begin caring for her patients, she’s out of bed and lacing up her running shoes. Exercising every day before work is important to her. She gets to fill her cup before pouring into those around her.
As she runs through the miles on the treadmill in her basement, she runs through the day in her mind. What’s always on the agenda is providing anesthesia care in some of the most complex cases in the region.
“I learn something new every day, and I am humbled in some way every day,” McDowell said.
She also thinks of the student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) who come to UNMC for training. McDowell is a member of the CRNA Education Committee, and is responsible for scheduling the SRNAs who complete clinical program requirements at the hospital. She also enjoys finding teaching moments to mentor the students.
“When I was a student, I really appreciated the preceptors who were involved,” McDowell said. “In turn, you want to be a good preceptor to someone else. We are ultimately responsible for the CRNAs who trained with us, whether they stay at UNMC or not. How we trained them is a reflection on us, so I want to do the best I can.”
When McDowell was training at Bryan College of Health Sciences, UNMC was her assigned hospital for clinical training. Having enjoyed the challenging cases and multidisciplinary collaboration, McDowell stayed in her hometown of Omaha to join the Department of Anesthesiology after graduation in 2013.
“Erin delivers a very high quality of work in all of her roles at Nebraska Medicine, and has really excelled in her responsibilities on the Education Committee,” said Tiffany Olson, associate director of nurse anesthesia. “She is a source of calmness and is the type of employee that makes our work environment so enjoyable.”
Outside of work, McDowell enjoys time with her husband, Eric, and children, Kira, 15, Scarlett, 6, and Eric Jr., 4. The family looks forward to traveling again once it’s safe.
CRNA Week: Erin McDowell
