Michael Bragg, CRNA, was a junior at University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying professional golf management when his mother was diagnosed with leukemia.
“I moved home to care for her, and it changed my life’s trajectory,” he said. “She won her battle with leukemia, and I went into nursing.”
Bragg was further motivated to pursue a career as a CRNA while working in the cardiac intensive care unit with recovering surgical patients. “The complexities and challenges of ensuring their well-being piqued my curiosity,” he said. “That spark ultimately propelled me towards anesthesia and becoming a CRNA.”
His career at Nebraska Medicine started in 2020, after earning both a BSN and MSN at Clarkson College. Bragg chose UNMC and Nebraska Medicine because of the medical center’s renowned reputation in health care. Another source of pride is being an inspiration to his children and witnessing their understanding of the hard work and sacrifices that go into becoming a CRNA.
“They were old enough to see the dedication required, not only in terms of time but also the impact on our family unit,” Bragg said. “It’s my hope that they’ve gained a sense of grit and determination through this experience, learning that with perseverance, one can achieve their goals and make a meaningful contribution to the world of health care. Their growth and resilience bring me immense pride and satisfaction.”
Bragg said his greatest challenge is finding a work/life balance, made more difficult because of the dynamic schedule of the OR and labor scarcity. “The worry and stress about patients and the ‘what ifs’ can be heavy,” he said. “It requires constant vigilance, quick decision-making and good communication.”
Bragg encourages anyone pursuing a career as a CRNA to embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. “Know that with every setback, you have the chance to come back even stronger and more capable,” he said.
When not at work, Bragg can be found in his role as a personal chauffeur for his four children, shuttling them between practices and games. “My dad instilled in me a passion for coaching basketball, and I do just that for my two boys,” he said. “It keeps me busy, but I love it. Home remodeling is another passion of mine, so I often spend my free time working on renovation projects.”
Bragg hasn’t given up his love of golf, and if there’s a chance to unwind, he can be found on the golf course, enjoying some quality time outdoors.