Biographical Sketch
Originally from New Orleans, Casey Polk earned a B.A. in Human Biology with a focus on
health policy and child advocacy from Stanford University in 2003. She then obtained a
postgraduate degree in Public Health from the University of Western Australia while on a
Rotary Foundation International Ambassadorial Scholarship in 2004 before attending nursing
school at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. A survivor of childhood leukemia herself, she
started as a hematology-oncology RN at Arkansas Children’s Hospital where she developed
interests in critical care and pain management, which prompted her to move into a Resource
RN position working in all ICUs, PACU, and the emergency department. Mrs. Polk started in the
Duke Program of Nurse Anesthesia in January 2012 and has since been elected Vice President
of the Duke SRNA Association and joined the AANA. She is passionate about education,
teaching, and promoting an environment of mutual respect between students, preceptors,
faculty, and colleagues. Professional interests include pediatric oncology, pain management,
global and community health, and learning the art of anesthesia.
Position Statement
As we face major changes in health care, we need to ensure the safety of our patients
and the resiliency of our profession by maximizing educational potential and creating the
best CRNAs possible. A major part of this is facilitating good communication between
educators and students, between CRNAs and SRNAs, and between all parties and our
governing body, the AANA. I want to help close the gap between students, educators, and
practitioners, to be the voice of students in the AANA, and ultimately to assist in creating a
solid, successful future for our profession while supporting the core values of the AANA.
As an undergraduate at Stanford University, I studied human biology and health
policy. I continued with graduate studies in public health at the University of Western
Australia followed by nursing at the University of Arkansas Little Rock. My education
provides me with a solid foundation of knowledge related to health care, nursing, and health
policy. While the student representative will not be directly addressing these issues, the
educators and AANA will, so I believe understanding these issues is essential to the student
representative role.
In addition to being a student, I have also served as an educator in many roles, including
as a teaching assistant in health policy at Stanford and as associate director for a summer
residential program focused on medicine and navigating the college entrance process for high
school students. As an RN, I was a preceptor to new RNs and students, taught at new RN
orientation, and helped teach other courses within the hospital. As a member of the Resource
Team, I assisted other RNs on all units in clinical practice when requested while also educating
RNs on hospital policies and procedures so that they could work more independently in the
future. Being able to cross between units allowed me to better understand how everyone could
work together to provide optimal patient care, with communication being of utmost
importance. Now, as Vice President of the Duke SRNA Association, I am a leader for my fellow
SRNAs and assist in communication with faculty on important issues.
While my biggest passion in health care is caring for my patients, a close second has
become communication. I have seen how lack of communication can easily destroy patient
care, whether it is communication directly with the patient or between providers. This is why I
am so passionate about communication and why I feel so strongly about serving in the role of
Student Representative to the AANA Education Committee. Education is vital in protecting
patient care and our profession, and without open lines of communication, educational
potential cannot be maximized. I appreciate your consideration and hope that I, Casey Polk,
receive your vote so that I can help bring your ideas and concerns on improving our current and
future education to the AANA Education Committee. I look forward to serving you, our patients,
and our profession.
CASEY GODELFER POLK
EDUCATION
2012
2008
2004
2003
Duke University, MSN, Nurse Anesthesia, Durham, NC, GPA 4.0, In progress
ADN, University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR, GPA 4.0
Graduate Diploma in Public Health, University of Western Australia, Perth
BA Human Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, GPA 3.9
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE
2011
PALS & BLS Renewed, Pediatric CCRN, RN License, State of NC
2010
Chemotherapy Bioprovider Certification, CPHON, CPN
2009
RN License, State of Arkansas
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES & MEMBERSHIPS
2012
Vice President of Duke SRNA Association
2012
AANA Member
2010
AACN Member, APHON Member
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2008-2011 Registered Nurse, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR
Special Services Team Member, working in PICU, CVICU, NICU, ED. Primarily
responsible for care of critically ill children ages 0-21+. Responsible for invasive
hemodynamic monitoring, assisting with placement of central & arterial lines,
managing vasoactive drips, sedation, ICP monitoring, and post-op recovery.
Previously Team Leader on oncology unit caring for pre- and post-transplant
patients, patients receiving chemotherapy, oncologic emergencies, septic
shock, and patients with complications from hematologic disorders.
2007-2008 Patient Care Partner, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR
Helped provide care to inpatient pediatric patients, completing duties as
assigned by RNs. Monitored vital signs, I/O, and urine parameters.
2003
Teaching Assistant, Human Biology Department, Stanford, CA
Followed curriculum, attended lectures, lead discussion sections on course
about health care policy. Graded students on participation and coursework.
2002
EMT/Trip Medic, Longacre Expeditions, Newport, PA
Led summer wilderness expeditions for pre-teen/teenage youth. Managed
medical emergencies and basic medical needs of participants and staff.
2001-2002 Research Interviewer, Research Triangle Institute (Durham), New Orleans, LA
Located and interviewed respondents for third wave of congressionallymandated longitudinal study on adolescent health.
2001
Associate Director, Stanford Medical Youth Science Program, CA
Managed staff of 10 and budget, chose 24 participants through
applications and interviews. Created 5-week curriculum for residential
program, booked lecturers and field trips, and mentored students.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2011
Second Daisy Award Nomination
2009
Daisy Award Nominee at Arkansas Children’s Hospital
2008
2007
2004
2003
2002
Academic Award for Top Nursing Student upon Graduation, GPA 4.0
Walker Scholarship Award for UALR Nursing School
Rotary Foundation International Ambassadorial Scholar Award
Graduated with Distinction at Stanford (top 10% of class), GPA 3.9
Cap and Gown Honor Society at Stanford University
VOLUNTEER EFFORTS (HEALTH-RELATED)
2011
Candlelighters of Arkansas, Gallery of Hope Organizer; CureSearch Walk
Committee, Little Rock, AR
2010
RN at Camp Aldersgate for pediatric oncology week
2009
Mass Flu Clinic, Arkansas Department of Public Health, North Little Rock
2008
Wild about Wellness Health Fair for Arkansas Children’s Hospital
2006
Good Samaritan Clinic, English-Spanish Translator, Redwood City, CA
2004
National Heart Foundation, Qualitative Research Project, Australia
2002
AIDS Treatment Action Initiative, City Director, Palo Alto, CA
2000
Stanford Advocates for Children, Publicity Coordinator, SCHIP Mass Enrollment