This May, Missouri State University’s Danny Vlasin’s goal of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) will come to fruition.
After coming to Missouri State in 2022 to pursue the CRNA program, Vlasin will graduate with his Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice.
The path to MSU
Originally from Romania, Vlasin’s family won the Diversity Visa Lottery and immigrated to the United States when he was five years old. They settled in Seattle, Washington, where Vlasin studied nursing at Seattle University.
“Nursing started as a backup plan, but during my senior rotation in the pediatric intensive care unit, I was captivated by the challenge of caring for critically ill babies,” Vlasin said. “That experience completely changed my path and solidified my decision to continue working as a registered nurse after graduation.”
He started his career in March 2015 in the pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After that, he moved to an adult ICU where he worked as a CVICU registered nurse and mixed ICU.
While working in the ICU, Vlasin learned about CRNAs. Their depth of knowledge, skills and responsibility in the operating room fascinated him. He knew he wanted to pursue this specialty area in nursing.
After almost seven years as an ICU nurse, he chose to pursue a CRNA program. A friend recommended Missouri State’s program, so he checked it out, applied, got accepted and moved to Springfield with his wife and two children.
Learning by doing
For Vlasin, his time at Missouri State and in the McQueary College of Health and Human Services has been a positive one.
“I think the program has prepared me exceptionally well,” said Vlasin, who has been involved in the Student Council for the graduating class in the School of Anesthesia.
“As students, we’ve had the opportunity to practice anesthesia techniques to the best of our ability. The coursework, simulation labs and regular labs gave me everything I needed to practice real-world skills in a safe, controlled environment.”
He notes his favorite part about the program has been getting to know all his classmates.
“The anesthesia program is very daunting and requires a lot of work. So, having good friends to study with, especially during those late nights and to support each other throughout the journey is something I’ll always cherish,” Vlasin said.
Competition success
In fall 2024, Vlasin participated in and won the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition with help from his teammates. Hosted by Missouri State’s Graduate College annually, the competition showcases graduate students’ research. They have to present their research orally in three minutes or less.
His research highlighted the potential of a new drug called Remimazolam. For winning, he got to represent Missouri State at the regional competition during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools conference in Indianapolis on April 4.
“It was a great experience. I found it inspiring to hear from so many different types of researchers and see their passions on display,” Vlasin said.
The next chapter
After graduation, Vlasin will move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to work as a CRNA at Atrium Health.
“I want to grow as a CRNA, make the most of my time as an anesthesia provider and then potentially get into some real estate investing,” he said.
To current and future CRNA students, Vlasin offers this advice: take your learning seriously.
“One thing I’ve learned from my preceptors and providers I’ve worked with in the last three years is this: ‘Study like your life depends on it, because someday, somebody’s life will depend on all you’ve studied,’” Vlasin said.
“Take the time to learn everything because when you’re providing anesthesia for surgery, a patient’s life is in your hands.”