seasons

IDA V. MOFFETT SCHOOL OF NURSING
Alumna Jennifer Snee
When Jennifer Snee moved to America from Germany in 1999, she never imagined that her journey
would lead her to the U.S. Army. She spoke very little English, and relied on financial aid and a lot of
hard work to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. She successfully completed her undergraduate
degree and began a career in pediatric intensive care. In 2014, she enrolled in Samford’s Nurse
Anesthesia program — a decision that would prove to be life changing.
Service is a key component of
Samford’s program and one that has
resonated with Snee since her first
days. She completed the Nurse
Anesthesia program in May and will
now apply her heart for service to a
career that she refers to as “both
mentally and physically challenging,
but incredibly rewarding.”
Snee will join the U.S. Army as an
active-duty captain and certified
registered nurse anesthetist.
“Serving in the army is an
opportunity for me to give back to a
country that has given so much to me,”
said Snee. “If I do get deployed, which
I feel is inevitable, I believe I can make
the greatest impact there on the
greatest number of people. I want to
help make sure those soldiers come
home to their families.”
According to Snee, anesthesia in
the military is much different than in
the civilian world. Her day-to-day
work will vary greatly depending on
where she is stationed, but she knows
she will be expected to practice much
more independently than civilian
CRNAs. Snee will care for soldiers,
their families and veterans.
“My role is first as a soldier, and
then as a CRNA. I will be expected to
wear the hat of both nurse anesthetist
and captain. I could be the only
CRNA at a post, and I will have
additional administrative and physical
responsibilities that will make the job
even more of a challenge. I’m certain it
will be difficult, but I find that anything
worth doing usually is,” said Snee.
Snee hopes to spend her career in
the military, but if circumstances
change, she is confident that this
experience will make her an even
better nurse anesthetist.
“Military CRNAs have incredible
skills and mental capacity; they don’t
sweat anything,” she said. “They are
excellent clinicians who communicate
and handle situations calmly and
strategically. I am confident that
wherever I practice, this experience will
serve me and my patients well.”
Snee will begin her service this
summer following successful completion
of the National Certification
Examination. She is confident that she
is prepared for this endeavor. “The
faculty in the nurse anesthesia department
invested countless hours teaching
me this profession, and I’m ready for
the next step,” she said.
“I am honored to have this
opportunity to serve this country,”
Snee continued. “Everything you do is
what you make of it, and I plan to
make the most of this career and
experience.” ◗
Jennifer Snee receives her
hood at commencement.
samford.edu • 35