CRNA Spotlight: Jeffrey Bedoya

Jeff Bedoya, CRNA

National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week is January 19-25. To celebrate, the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology is shining the spotlight on a few of the CRNAs in the department.

Name: Jeffrey Bedoya

Education background:

  • Bachelor of Science, exercise physiology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 1996
  • Bachelor of Science, nursing, Creighton University, 2005
  • Masters, nurse anesthesia, Bryan School of Nurse Anesthesia, 2014

What inspired you to pursue a career as a CRNA? 

My motivation to become a nurse anesthetist came from shadowing a friend of mine who was an anesthesiologist at Creighton University Medical Center. He was aware that I wanted to make a career change and encouraged me to shadow him. During that experience, I met a couple of CRNAs and discussed their career paths and options for me if I was interested. Needless to say, I was blown away. I immediately started to plot my goal.

Why did you choose UNMC and Nebraska Medicine?

During my training, UNMC was my home hospital. I learned so much working with so many incredible people. I knew this is where I wanted to work and become an anesthesia professional. The challenging populations we take care of bring out the best in you.

What is your greatest joy? Or what makes you proud?

My greatest joy is my family. Watching our two boys grow up to be respectful kind humans makes my wife and I very proud.

Any words of encouragement for anyone thinking about a career as a CRNA?

My advice to individuals seeking a career in nurse anesthesia is to embrace the challenge with everything you have. It is the most humbling yet rewarding thing I have ever accomplished.

Where can we find you when you’re not at work?

You can find me on a bicycle of some sort. I enjoy riding the road, gravel roads and mountain bike trails. Long hours of suffering in the saddle bring me joy.

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