Jacob Bonnema, BSN, RN
My name is Jake and I’m a junior SRNA at the NorthShore University HealthSystem School of Nurse Anesthesia. I grew up in Chicago, IL and spent time in Michigan completing my undergraduate nursing studies. When I returned to Chicago, I worked in the CVICU at University of Chicago before I was accepted into anesthesia school. I was inspired to become a CRNA by a family friend, who pointed out the autonomous role we play in the OR. I found the emphasis on critical thinking, technical skills, and communication to be exciting components of this job.
Receiving the NAPF Scholarship is not only financially helpful to me, but an honor to represent the LGBTQ+ community in our profession. I am proud to represent one small section of our colorful community; diversity has always been important to me, both personally and professionally. I am very grateful to the Nurse Anesthesia Pride Foundation for their support of students like me and hope to give back to the next generation of LGBTQ+ SRNAs in the future.
After graduation, I am planning on getting involved in the state association here in Illinois. Advocacy is a passion of mine and I want to learn new ways to get involved to advance our profession.
When I’m not in the OR, I like staying active along the lakeshore trail in Chicago, baking, and taking care of my plants. I also love traveling – a fun fact about me is that I visited Antarctica right before I began anesthesia school, which was my seventh and final continent to visit.
Bronsen K. Orta, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CEN, SRNA
My name is Bronsen Orta, and I am originally from the small town of Mililani, Hawaii. I first learned of CRNAs back in high school. The thought of being able to one day provide general anesthesia to people undergoing surgery fascinated me. I started my nursing career as an aide while completing my undergraduate studies. After graduating, I spent a few years working as a registered nurse at a small community hospital on Oahu before leaving the island in 2018 to gain the critical care experience needed to qualify for a nurse anesthesia program. Since then, I have worked in critical care units in Phoenix, New York City, and finally, Los Angeles. Currently, I will be starting my senior year at Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia, where I will be graduating with my DNP in August 2023.
I have been chosen for an NAPF scholarship this summer for writing about the importance of advocating for my fellow LGBTQ+ community both within the healthcare system and the CRNA profession. Far too often, I hear of fellow LGBTQ+ friends withholding information from their healthcare providers out of a fear of being judged. Much of this fear stems from communication issues and a lack of awareness of our community's unique challenges and lifestyles.
I am so grateful to have been selected for this scholarship, as it will alleviate some of the tremendous financial burden that receiving this education carries. As graduation nears, I hope to continue this advocacy and representation in my future practice.
Thank you for this amazing opportunity,
Bronsen K. Orta, BSN, RN, CCRN-CMC, CEN, SRNA
