Andrew Durbin, DNAP, CRNA

Andrew Durbin, DNAP, CRNA, joined the surgical care team of Amberwell Atchison in June 2023. One aspect that Andrew enjoys about being a CRNA is the ability to customize anesthesia for each patient. He tailors each treatment specifically to the patient and their needs. His goal is to keep the patient relaxed and ensure their comfort throughout the process. He considers the whole patient and provides patient-centered care.

On choosing Amberwell…

“I love the tight-knit sense of community in Atchison and was excited to become a part of it,” said Andrew. “During my CRNA training, I had the opportunity to do a rotation at Amberwell Atchison and watch the anesthesia team in action. They provided such excellent care to their patients, and I learned a lot from them. I still learn a lot from David Hart, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, and Micah Reece, DNP, CRNA. They’re both experienced CRNAs with so much knowledge to share.”

On becoming a CRNA…

“I’ve been in the healthcare field for most of my working life, starting as a CNA in high school and continuing through nursing school,” said Andrew. “Initially, I wanted to be a doctor, but after a couple years going down that path, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I then moved back home to Ottawa, Kansas, and got a job as a scrub technician. There, I met two CRNAs who inspired me. At that point, I had reached a crossroads and had to make a decision about my future. I chose to pursue nursing school. I continued to work as a scrub tech while going through nursing school and got to know the anesthesia providers. Their role fascinated me, and I saw the impact they made on patients’ lives. That’s when I decided to become a CRNA.”

On his patients’ experience…

“When it comes to helping my patients feel comfortable before surgery, I’ve learned that trust is key,” said Andrew. “Within those first few moments, I do my best to establish a connection and put them at ease. Humor plays a big role in diffusing tension because surgery can be difficult. With my experience in healthcare, I’ve become pretty good at reading people and knowing when to crack a joke and when not to. So, when I enter the room, I introduce myself as Andrew, the certified nurse anesthetist for the day, and then I take it from there. Ultimately, my goal is to make my patients feel comfortable and confident in the care they’ll receive. We’re in it together, and I’m here to support them every step of the way.”

About Andrew

In his spare time, Andrew enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Whether it’s mountain biking, hunting, fishing, or clay shooting, he loves being in nature. Andrew’s wife Jessica is an ER nurse, and together they share a home with their two cats. Beyond his personal interests, Andrew also has a passion for community service. He has dedicated his time to volunteering for organizations like DARE and Habitat for Humanity Restore.