Member Spotlight: Georgia Young, DNAP, CRNA
Member Spotlight: Georgia Young, DNAP, CRNA
Educator, Clinician, Humanitarian, Lifelong Learner
Georgia Young, DNAP, CRNA, brings a rich blend of experience, compassion, and commitment to both her students and patients. As a faculty member in Wayne State University’s graduate program of nurse anesthesia and a practicing CRNA at Harper University Hospital in Detroit, Georgia plays a vital dual role—educator and clinician. However, her true passion lies in her humanitarian work.
Georgia’s journey into nurse anesthesia wasn’t a traditional one. After years working in the fast-paced environment of the emergency room, she made the bold decision to return to graduate school at the age of 40. “I wanted a broader scope of practice,” she explains. “I was drawn to the mix of science, autonomy, and hands-on care that nurse anesthesia offers.”
That leap of faith has turned into a deeply fulfilling career. What Georgia enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to support and teach students throughout their rigorous program. “I love seeing our students grow, and I also really enjoy my clinical practice and the diverse patient population we serve here in Detroit.”
Among her many accomplishments, two stand out as particularly meaningful. She considers receiving the “Guiding Light” award from her students one of the greatest honors of her career. Equally, if not more, impactful has been her ongoing participation in medical mission trips to Honduras, a commitment she’s held since 2012. “I love using my skills to help people with limited access to healthcare,” she says. “It forces me to think differently about my anesthesia practice and continues to push me to grow clinically. Bringing students along adds another layer—it’s an incredible experience for all of us.”
Georgia has been a member of the Michigan Association of Nurse Anesthetists (MANA) since 2012, drawn initially by the organization’s advocacy for the profession. While she doesn’t currently hold a leadership role within MANA, she values the networking opportunities the association provides, particularly through its conferences.
When asked what advice she’d give to those new to the profession, Georgia doesn’t hesitate: “Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate. Take the challenging cases, keep reading, and remember you’ll learn as much—if not more—in your first year of practice than you did in school. And above all, be nice.”
Georgia sees a positive trend in the profession with the move toward doctoral programs. “The transition is producing well-prepared new graduate CRNAs in our market,” she notes. As for professional resources, she recommends Prodigy as a useful tool for CRNAs and students alike.
Outside of work, Georgia leads a vibrant life. Many may be surprised to learn she and her husband have a blended family of five children and eight grandchildren. Her time away from the hospital is filled with outdoor activities, travel, game nights with friends, and cherished moments with her grandkids. She also has a hidden talent for home improvement—she taught herself to build a deck, tile, and even tackle plumbing projects.
If she could share a meal with any historical or influential figure, Georgia says she’d choose the Dalai Lama. “I’d love to learn more about his thoughts on tolerance, nonviolence, collaboration, and contentment.”
In every facet of her life, Georgia Young exemplifies resilience, compassion, and a deep dedication to service. She’s not only shaping the next generation of CRNAs but also making a lasting impact well beyond the classroom and operating room.