user profile avatar

Melina Maple

1,805

Bold Points

9x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Curiosity and a relentless pursuit of “why” have defined my journey, propelling me from humble beginnings and significant obstacles to becoming a dedicated ICU nurse and aspiring CRNA. Rather than a “miracle,” my path reflects grit, sacrifice, and an unwillingness to let circumstances define me. I’ve witnessed the profound impact of anesthesia, from life-saving moments in the OR to critical interventions in the ICU, reinforcing my passion for this field that melds science with compassionate care. My career as an ICU nurse and community service with the American Red Cross has deepened my commitment to advocacy and excellence in patient care. These experiences fuel my desire to serve underserved populations through both clinical work and research. My path may be unconventional, but it’s given me the authenticity to know I’m precisely where I’m meant to be. Becoming a CRNA isn’t just a career goal—it’s the culmination of my dedication to making a meaningful, life-changing impact through anesthesia.

Education

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
    • Medical Clinical Sciences/Graduate Medical Studies

Chamberlain University-Georgia

Master's degree program
2021 - 2022
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Middle Georgia State University

Bachelor's degree program
2019 - 2021
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Medicine

    • Dream career goals:

      Work with under-served populations, engage with philanthropy and policy development, and make lasting impacts through meaningful research and education.

    • Surgical-trauma Intensive Care (STICU) Registered Nurse

      Grady Memorial Hospital
      2022 – 20242 years
    • Medical-surgical Intensive Care (MSICU) Registered Nurse

      Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
      2021 – 20221 year

    Research

    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

      Chamberlain University — Lead researcher
      2022 – 2022
    • Medicine

      University of Tennessee at Chattanooga — Lead researcher
      2024 – Present

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      American Red Cross (ARC) — Disaster Management Expert
      2021 – 2024

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship