Kelsey A. Nelsen, APRN, CRNA, DNAP (NA ’19), wasn’t entirely certain of her career path until she needed jaw surgery at 15 and felt the reassuring presence of a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) who cared for her.
“The CRNA made me feel at ease during an anxious time before undergoing surgery. I vividly remember their reassuring smile and caring attitude,” Nelsen said. “Through the lens of a patient, that experience made me want to become a CRNA and ease my patients’ anxiety before surgery and treat their pain during and after surgery.”
With that path in mind, Nelsen attended Winona State University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with honors. It was also during nursing school that she was first introduced to Mayo Clinic, where she worked as a summer nurse intern between her junior and senior years.
From there, Nelsen began working as a registered nurse in the thoracic surgery progressive care unit at Saint Marys Hospital and later transitioned to the cardiovascular surgical and transplant intensive care unit, moving her closer to the goal she set in her teens.
“These experiences put me on the path to apply to the Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences (MCSHS) Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program (DNAP),” Nelsen said. “After 42 months, I was excited to finally achieve my dream career of becoming a CRNA!”
Nelsen reflects fondly on her time in the MCSHS DNAP program, noting that it offers a rigorous didactic and clinical schedule that prepares learners to become confident, competent CRNAs. From exceptional clinical experiences in the operating room to ongoing support from MCSHS faculty and staff, the program is structured to help learners succeed.
From a learner-to-practitioner perspective, Nelsen said she was prepared to practice successfully from day one.
“I vividly remember my first day as a CRNA in the operating room. I felt prepared and confident to take care of my patients,” Nelsen said. “At Mayo Clinic, we work so well as an anesthesia team, and I felt fully supported and knew all of my resources. I was grateful for the amazing education and clinical opportunities I experienced.”
Since then, Nelsen has worked in a variety of roles across the Rochester Mayo Clinic campuses, including serving as a resource CRNA at Saint Marys Hospital and Rochester Methodist Hospital, and working in the outpatient setting in the Gonda Building. But she found her home in the Jacobson Building, where she provides anesthesia for patients undergoing robotic surgeries across gynecological, urological, colorectal and endocrine specialties.
Finding her specialty home base has also opened opportunities for Nelsen to educate student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) through lectures, during a regional anesthesia workshop day, and in the operating room. Her educational outreach also earned her the CRNA RMH Educator Award—voted on by the MCSHS DNAP class of 2025A—in January 2025.
In addition to her educational roles, Nelsen serves in CRNA leadership positions in the OR and beyond. She is currently a CRNA Lead in Jacobson and a CRNA Late Lead at Rochester Methodist Hospital. She has also chaired the Mayo Clinic Nurse Anesthesia Alumni Association for six years and has served on the MANA Communications Committee for nine years, inspiring others to lead.
Reflecting on her career, Nelsen says that the more involved she becomes in her profession, the more rewarding it becomes, especially when she can provide compassionate care to patients during their most vulnerable moments.
“Coming up on my 15th work anniversary at Mayo Clinic in July 2026, I have so many memorable patient interactions and moments that I am reminded daily that I was meant to be a CRNA,” Nelsen said. “It is simple moments when my patients wake up, smile and say thank you, knowing I was able to help them through a scary time in their lives and that I provided the best care I could.”
For those interested in becoming a CRNA or considering the DNAP program at Mayo Clinic, Nelsen encourages studying hard in undergraduate nursing school, gaining diverse experience, and embracing leadership and research opportunities. Her words motivate perseverance and dedication in aspiring healthcare professionals.
“Patients come to the Mayo Clinic hopeful for a diagnosis during a stressful and troubling time in their life,” Nelsen said. “Providing compassionate care and always putting the needs of the patient first is how we can offer them hope and healing. We strive to provide excellent care for our patients every day.”
