The journey Everett Moss II, DNP, CRNA, NRP, took to becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), also known as nurse anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist, is as inspiring as it is unconventional. From starting his career as an Atlanta firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT) to thriving in the nurse anesthesiology field, his story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and a passion for patient care.
Moss’s path began with a defining moment in a crawl space. As a young college student exploring his options, he signed up to do some residential electrical work with some college friends. He found himself under a house, cramped, dusty, and questioning his future. “I realized right then,” he recalls, “there is a house on top of me and my back is against the dirt. This is not the job for me.” This epiphany led him to becoming an EMT with the City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, inspired by his father who had built a stable life as a firefighter.
However, it wasn’t long before Moss’s ambitions extended beyond fighting fires– immersed in the high-stakes environment of emergency response, he discovered a love for healthcare. “I wanted to do more,” he shares, “and be the person you could turn to in critical moments.”
Moss was stationed with a seasoned paramedic and a paramedic school student who were always calm under pressure, and he recalled being impressed with their knowledge and skills. “They both always knew what to do when we were on calls helping people. I was impressed. I wanted to be like them,” he said. Their mentorship and his own growing curiosity led him to pursue paramedic school, where he continued to hone his skills and cultivate a love for healthcare.
It was during his hospital rotations in paramedic school where he was exposed to the nurse anesthesiology field and he set his sights towards becoming a nurse anesthetist. Despite setting his sights towards becoming a CRNA as a paramedic student, Moss’s path took him down a winding road where he first began working as a flight paramedic before completing his nursing program and transitioning to flight nurse and then pivoting to working in the emergency room and intensive care unit.
Returning to school was not an easy decision for Moss, despite his determination to become a CRNA. With a family to support, the financial and emotional strain weighed heavily on him. “It was a challenge having to shut down our primary income to go back to school, and there’s definitely a lot of uncertainty and fear,” he admits. “But at the end of the day, I didn’t want to reach retirement and wonder, ‘What if?’” Moss approached his nurse anesthesiology program with grit and tenacity, drawing on a mindset that has become his guiding principle: “Stop trying to find reasons why you can’t. Start focusing on reasons why you can.”
This philosophy created a focus that carried him through the rigors of CRNA school and continues to guide his practice as a nurse anesthetist today. Moss recalls experiencing doubt from others about his decision to pursue CRNA school. “Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do and how you should do it. It’s just noise,” he says. “When things get tough and the noise starts to get too loud, you have to listen to what matters most: your dreams and your goals.”
As a CRNA, Moss is now working in a Level 1 Trauma Center where his role is as diverse as it is demanding. He manages everything from high-risk obstetrics to emergency surgeries, each case requiring precision and composure. Among his many responsibilities, he finds the greatest joy in providing anesthesia during labor and delivery. “There’s nothing like witnessing the moment a new life enters the world,” he says. “It’s an honor to be a part of that.”
An AANA member since 2020, Moss’s extensive background has shaped his approach to anesthesia. He believes in demonstrating excellence while also creating an experience for his patients that goes beyond clinical care. During labor and delivery, Moss is honored to be asked to take on the role of impromptu photographer, capturing the first moments of families meeting their newborns. “It’s not what I went to school for,” he laughs, “but it’s something I love doing. Those memories matter.” While working on general surgeries, Moss likes to set his patients at ease. “Before surgery, I tell them, ‘We’re going on a first-class flight to your favorite destination. That little bit of humor makes all the difference.”
Moss’s influence extends far beyond the operating room. He is a passionate advocate for diversity in healthcare, working with organizations such as the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” he emphasized. “I want to ensure that aspiring nurses and CRNAs, especially those from underrepresented communities, know that this path exists and is open to them.”
Moss also takes pride in mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. As an adjunct faculty member at Emory University, he finds joy in teaching and inspiring students. Additionally, he is exploring opportunities to shape the future of anesthesia through consulting roles, where he collaborates with medical companies to improve equipment and innovate techniques.
“Every experience I’ve had has shaped who I am today,” said Everett. “From the fire service to CRNA school to where I am now, it’s all connected.” Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes that success does not have to be linear and that the most meaningful paths are often the ones filled with unexpected turns.
For those hesitating to pursue their dreams, Moss offers this advice: “If you think you’re not smart enough, too old, or not good enough, stop telling yourself no. Give yourself a chance and tell yourself yes. Sometimes, all it takes is one good reason to succeed.”