Alumni Spotlight | Susan Bennett

What are you doing now?

I am currently working as a CRNA (Certified Nurse Anesthetist) at Kaiser South Sacramento. 

What is your fondest memory from your time at SMU?

My fondest memory is the group of family and friends I made with my classmates during the 27-month program. I spent more time with them than I did my own family. 

What was the most important thing you took away from your time at SMU?

The knowledge that I can do and accomplish anything with hard work. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced during school?

Commuting from Chico, CA and being a single mom, I put over 70,000 miles on my car while commuting to school and our various clinical sites. Being away from home five days a week was tough. 

If you could change one thing about your time at CSPM/PCN/SMU, knowing what you know now, what would it be?

I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything, as the time I spent at SMU in the CRNA program was probably one of the toughest things I have done and accomplished.

If you could give new students one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be flexible and work hard, remember that every day in the clinical site is a job interview. Your education and experience are what YOU make of it, not anyone else. Seek out any opportunity to learn or see anything new.