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Name: Christopher Craver, MSNA, CRNA (BSN’01 – TRAD)
Current job: Retired! But I used to work at the School of Medicine in the Department of Anesthesia at Children’s Hospital Colorado
Current residence: Westminster, CO
Q: What inspired you to become a nurse?
A: I had an ACL reconstruction at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. The nurses I encountered during my stay inspired me to seek a career in nursing through their kind care, calm demeanor under pressure, and they took time to talk about the joy of the job. I was also able to talk with male nurses, a few of whom had started as an enlisted soldier like me.
Q: Why did you choose to come to CU Nursing?
A: CU Nursing was my first choice, as many of my friends and co-workers either graduated from the nursing program or encouraged me to attend due to its reputation. I was completing my prerequisites at Red Rocks Community College and called the nursing admissions office for guidance on transferable credits. One of the staff members, Ms. Cavanaugh, offered to check grades each semester, took the time to meet with me to plan my schedule, and helped me throughout the process. Each time I would visit, I would try to ask questions of the nursing instructors or the students. I must admit, I fell in love with the people of the school, and that’s what makes it great!
Q: What was your favorite part(s) about attending CU Nursing?
A: My favorite memory was when I had to take OB clinical during the summer due to my third ACL reconstruction. I was on crutches that entire rotation, working nights, limping around, trying to help these mothers in their vulnerable time. I had so many new moms look at me funny when I gimped in and said, “My name is Chris and I’m here to help take care of you tonight!” Thank goodness the L&D nurses took pity on me and allowed me to sit on a stool during birthing!
Q: How did CU Nursing prepare you to become a nurse?
A: Our program gave me the education and skills necessary to perform as a skilled nurse and leader in whatever nursing environment I found myself. The foundation in critical care that I built at CU enabled me to quickly integrate into the intensive care environment as a new graduate. I was able to build on my experience, skills, and leadership education for successful admission to nurse anesthesia school.
Q: What is the most rewarding part about becoming a nurse?
A: The most rewarding part of being a nurse is helping a person during the most vulnerable periods in their life. From responding to my neighbor in hypertensive crisis, to helping a young man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, asking me to help save him, to the six-month-old having ear tubes, all of them just want someone to help ease their pain or suffering. I miss this most as a retired clinical practitioner.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to CU Nursing’s current nursing students (at any degree level)?
A: Take advantage of all the opportunities afforded to you! If you’re given the chance to participate in an unfamiliar procedure, do it. If you get the chance to network with someone in your chosen field, take it. If you get the opportunity to lead, say “I’m on it!” You never know when you will miss that opportunity that will set your life on a wonderful path.
Q: Why did you want to join the CU Nursing Alumni Association Board? What are you looking forward to about being on the board?
A: I wanted to join the CU Nursing Alumni Association Board to take an active role in supporting my CU Nursing community through recognition of student/alumni achievement and promoting the virtues of the College of Nursing. I’m looking forward to continuing to mentor students while working with the alum members to promote the diverse care environments and the scope of practice that we offer as nurses.
Q: Anything else you’d like the CU Nursing Community to know about yourself?
A: A CU thread is intricately woven throughout my education and career. After graduating from the CU BSN program, I pursued advanced classes at the UCCS CU Nursing program to gain admission to my anesthesia program. During my anesthesia residency, I trained alongside CU Medicine residents and faculty at Denver Health Hospital. Years later, I accepted an appointment at the School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia for Children’s Hospital Colorado, where I continued to collaborate with and train our CU peers until my retirement. Although I had to retire due to a brain tumor, I still relish mentoring and teaching whenever possible. I hope my children will soon attend CU Boulder as they prepare to graduate from high school.
The CU Nursing Alumni Association Board of Directors is the governing body of the college’s alumni community. The board honors alumni with its Alumni Association Awards every June and hosts other events throughout the year. The board also plays a crucial role in mentoring students and other alumni, as well as providing professional development opportunities.
