The Role of a CRNA: “Being the Pilot for Patients”,

A Conversation with Dr. Brian Bougard, DNP, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)

“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.” -Mother Teresa

Being the Pilot for Patients

In this episode of All One Nurse, host Nurse Shenell Thompkins, MSN, RN sits down with Dr. Brian Bougard, to unpack his journey from Memphis roots to the operating room; the calling, courage, and compassion the work demands; and why representation matters – especially for young men of color considering anesthesia.

“Before every case, I tell patients, thank you for letting me take care of you. I’m your pilot from point A to point B.” — Dr. Bougard

What CRNAs Do?

CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who assess patients, develop anesthesia plans, deliver anesthesia, manage airways and hemodynamics, monitor throughout surgery/procedures, and ensure safe recovery – across hospitals, surgery centers, rural sites, pain clinics, and more as defined by AANA Scope of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.

The Journey: Faith, Grit, and Service

Dr. Bougard shares how faith and family anchored him through biology studies, nursing school, ICU experience, and a grueling doctoral anesthesia program- balancing didactic work, 3,000–5,000+ clinical hours, and board prep. (See NBCRNA for the certification exam – “the boards.”)

His message to students and new nurses: start where you are, serve well, stay patient, and keep going – even if you hear “no” the first time.

Brian’s takeaways on the All One Nurse episode,

• CRNAs are among the highest paid nursing professionals.
• Compassion is essential in healthcare roles.
• Education and experience are critical for aspiring CRNAs.
• Challenges in nursing school can be overcome with perseverance.
• Community engagement is vital for personal and professional growth.
• The role of a CRNA involves significant responsibility and autonomy.
• Mentorship and support from educators can shape a career path.
• Young men, especially from diverse backgrounds, can succeed in nursing.
• Networking and community service can enhance career opportunities.
• Faith and motivation play a crucial role in overcoming challenges.

How to Become a CRNA (at a glance)

BSN + RN license → 1–3 years of ICU experience (competitive applicants often have 2–3+ yrs; CCRN helps) → Doctoral CRNA program → Pass the NBCRNA National Certification Exam (NCE). Programs include extensive coursework in physiology, pharmacology, and anesthesia principles, plus high-volume clinical training.

NURSE Pay & Practice Settings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurse anesthetists are among the highest-paid APRNs. BLS’ Occupational Employment data (May 2023) show very high mean wages across settings and states; check the state-by-state table for current figures.

Representation: Men of Color in Nurse Anesthesia

Nursing remains female-majority, but CRNA gender balance is notably closer to parity. A 2024 digest from the Center for the Future of Health Professions cites CRNAs as ~47% male and 53% female (atsu.edu).

By race/ethnicity, the profession still has substantial gaps. Diversity among CRNAs highlights an estimated U.S. workforce of ~60,000 CRNAs, with about 4% Black, 4% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 0.7% Indigenous representation. These numbers underscore the need for continued outreach and mentorship. Underrepresentation of minorities in the CRNA profession is a long-standing and well-documented issue. Despite progress in nursing overall, racial and ethnic diversity among CRNAs remains disproportionately low is historic among CRNAs (aana.com).

Why this matters: patients benefit when providers listen, slow down, and communicate clearly and many communities report increased trust and improved experiences with a more diverse workforce. Therefore, increasing diversity among CRNAs helps with health equity, builds trust in underserved communities, and strengthens the profession’s ability to serve a changing population. (See AANA resources below.)

🎧Listen & Take the Next Step

Listen to the episode: All One Nurse – “The Role of a CRNA: Being a Pilot for Patients with Dr. Brian Bougard”

🟣Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-role-of-a-crna-being-a-pilot-for/id1755700754?i=1000669808345

🟢Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/episode/2tMkfpxk1eptvhMceAFM2d?si=H6BiB81fSVysUxjMEpRb3g

🔴YouTube → https://youtu.be/kaBqstLzfZ0?si=ut7h_QyeMVjmij7G

Meet Dr. Brian Bougard, DNP, CRNA

Location: Tennessee. Passions: Family, faith, mentorship, and clinical excellence. Community: Service and outreach with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Fun fact: Brian took his CRNA boards one week after graduation. He is laser-focused and faith-driven.

Connect with Brian

📘Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/brian.bougard

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