CRNA entrepreneur encourages other nurse anesthetists to pursue their passions

After several years in leadership positions at surgery centers, Amanda Fowler, MSN, CRNA, knew she wanted to explore an entrepreneurial path in her career as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

“Through my work experience, I got a good grasp of different areas that you can practice as a CRNA, whether it’s in leadership or as a clinician,” she said. “Then I started diving into the question of ‘What else outside of the box is a CRNA capable of doing as an entrepreneur?’”

Fowler, who practices in Georgia and occasionally in Florida, sought mentorship from CRNA entrepreneurs. As she considered starting a business, she began thinking critically about her role in the field of nurse anesthesiology and finding her passion.

“As an entrepreneur, it’s important to look at what you are excited about, what you’re passionate about, and what you can eventually teach others once you’re successful,” she said.

She found her passion, and a deep connection with patients, in aesthetics. She’s currently on the path to opening her own aesthetics business. The field of aesthetics includes any procedures that involve improving a patient’s satisfaction with their appearance. This includes non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures.

Fowler said she knew the field of aesthetics was where she could make a difference and be a voice for the profession. That wasn’t always the case, though.

“I used to view this practice business model in a very different light. I was a little judgmental, and I viewed aesthetics as superficial and unnecessary at times,” she said. “I didn’t think it was the best way I could be helping someone as an anesthesia provider.”

Working with aesthetics patients convinced her otherwise — and she saw what a difference she could make in the aesthetics field in her role as a nurse anesthetist. CRNAs work in every setting in which anesthesia is delivered, from traditional hospital surgical suites to ambulatory surgical centers; ketamine clinics; the offices of dentists, podiatrists, ophthalmologists, and pain management specialists; and more, including aesthetics practices.

“As I went through some life experiences and gained more critical experience in the plastic surgery setting and branching out into the aesthetics business, I started really realizing I was connecting with these patients to such a high extent,” Fowler said. “It was so different compared to other settings I have been in, whether it was pediatrics, oral surgery, trauma, or any other practice I’ve experienced in the past. It was nothing at all like what I was anticipating this kind of practice to be like.”

She found many of the patients had been through emotional or traumatic events that led them to seek aesthetic services. “I started realizing these patients have stories, they have experiences, and they have life lessons to offer. I was connecting with my patients on such a different level where I was able to speak to them, relate to them, and figure out why their insecurities led them to where they were that day.”

Since a number of aesthetics patients are addressing insecurities about their appearances, Fowler said a newfound sense of confidence is the most important thing she can provide them.

“I can help make another person feel confident about themselves and their appearance. In talking to patients, I see that usually leads to being more confident in their abilities and in life in general.”

Fowler’s bond with her patients and passion for helping people feel better about themselves made her want to launch her own aesthetics business. She’s currently working with a plastic surgeon mentor, as well as a CRNA mentor, to make that vision a reality. As a future business owner, she also wants to encourage other CRNAs to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities — and understand taking risks is a necessary part of the process.

“As an entrepreneur, you’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to learn from them as long as you can always continue to move forward, believing in yourself and having confidence in your abilities.”