Few people in our profession represent what it means to be a CRNA more than Yana Krmic, MSN, CRNA, APRN. Born in Ukraine and raised in Siberia before moving to the United States 25 years ago, Krmic overcame many challenges to become a CRNA and eventually rise to the position of president of the New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists. Her story is an inspiration to us all and one we’ll share on the podcast today along with her feelings on what’s happening in her home country.

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Today's Key Topics: 

4:02 – Introducing our guest

5:24 – Yana’s professional background

6:58 – Growing up in Ukraine

10:22 – Mom moves to New York

12:21 – Yana moves to Siberia

15:43 – Getting into healthcare

17:50 – Green card lottery 

19:21 – Determination and assertiveness

20:18 – Her mother’s upbringing

22:08 – Arriving in America 

24:56 – Adjusting to a new world

28:08 – Getting a degree and moving into healthcare

35:21 – Experience during COVID

39:53 – Driving more advocacy

46:00 – Her perspective on Ukraine

52:24 – Ukrainian resilience

57:17 – Her identity became clear

1:02:15 – Final thoughts