Vlasin grew up in Seattle, Washington. He graduated from Seattle University and started his career in the pediatric Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital and then moved to an Adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where he worked as a CVICU registered nurse as well as mixed ICU.
He was a nurse for almost seven years total, prior to starting Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiology (CRNA) school at Missouri State University.
Deciding to become a CRNA
Vlasin learned about CRNAs while working in the ICU and was fascinated by the depth of knowledge, the skill levels, and the responsibility that CRNAs had in the operating room.
He was highly motivated in the ICU to learn everything he could about ventilators from the respiratory therapists and intensivists.
“Two years into my training, I have not regretted my decision at all! Best career ever!”
He would watch the Intensivists place lines in critical situations and be proactive in discussion with them about patient plan of care and changes.
When Vlasin learned that he could have a career where he got to do all those things personally and really increase his knowledge to be able to provide a high level of care to people, he said it was a no-brainer that he had to pursue this career.
Vlasin’s advice for future CRNA students
“Never forget that there are hundreds if not thousands of people who would love to be in your position when you start CRNA School.”
Vlasin added: “Study like your life depends on it, because eventually someday someone else’s life will depend on you and all the time you put into studying and preparing to be an anesthesia provider.
“When it gets hard, remember how blessed you are to have the opportunity to learn to be a CRNA when others couldn’t. Be teachable and humble because the learning curve is steep, and you will not learn everything you need to in three years of anesthesia school to be an expert provider. The learning continues well after graduation!”
Vlasin is in his senior year of his Doctorate of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree within the Missouri State School of Anesthesia.
