Annette Ellis, CRNA, was initially drawn to a career in nursing from her personal experience with her terminally ill brother, which fueled in her a deep sense of compassion and a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others facing health challenges.
Her desire to merge advanced medical knowledge with compassionate care was the catalyst to pursue a career as a CRNA.
“Becoming a CRNA has been instrumental in broadening my medical knowledge, equipping me with the expertise and advanced skills needed to provide comprehensive care to patients,” Ellis said.
After she attended Mount Marty College in Sioux Falls, where she earned a Master of Science (Nurse Anesthesia), Ellis also served as a member of the Army Reserves from 2000 to 2005 as a 66F or nurse anesthetist.
“I was deployed in March of 2003 for Operation Iraqi Freedom and had the privilege to take care of our soldiers and their family members at Madigan Army Medical Center in Lakewood, Washington,” Ellis said. “I was honorably discharged at the end of 2005.”
Her career at Nebraska Medicine started in 2014, which, for Ellis, seemed a natural choice. “I witnessed the exceptional teamwork and camaraderie between CRNAs when I job-shadowed for a day,” she said. “I decided that is exactly the type of environment I want to work in.”
When not working, Ellis’s greatest joy is spending time with her family, traveling to new places and hanging out with her dog, Lilly. “I can also be found on the golf course either filled with joy or rage, depending on how my game is going,” she said.
Ellis encourages anyone thinking about a career as a nurse anesthetist to embrace their passion for health care and anesthesia.
“Pursuing a career as a CRNA is a challenging journey, but your dedication and commitment will lead to making a significant impact on patient care,” Ellis said. “Stay focused, keep learning and believe in your ability to make a difference in the field.”