Cari Meats, DNAP, CRNA

Cari Meats, DNAP, CRNA, has been a member of the surgical care team at Amberwell Atchison since July 2023. Cari is fascinated by the complexity of anesthesia. The intricate nature of the field satisfies her scientific brain. Every patient and every case are unique, which keeps her mind engaged and excited about the work she does.

On choosing Amberwell…

Cari was initially encouraged to choose Amberwell by David Hart, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, who taught one of Cari’s nursing school classes and is also an Amberwell anesthesia provider.

“Then, I did a clinical rotation at Amberwell Atchison. When I experienced firsthand what Amberwell had to offer, I knew that this was where I wanted to be.

“Additionally,” Cari continued, “my husband and I had been searching for the perfect plot of land for about ten years. Despite numerous attempts, we couldn’t find one that met all our criteria. However, destiny seemed to intervene when we discovered a piece of land in the Atchison area. It was the very first one we visited, and miraculously, it fulfilled all our requirements. It felt like a sign that it was meant to be.”

On choosing to become a CRNA…

“In high school, I loved science and math,” said Cari. “I knew I wanted to do something with the sciences and healthcare was one of the options. Being a CRNA is an amazing profession. It allows me to help people and contribute to their care and well-being through anesthesia. It is rewarding to be a part of the healthcare community.”

On her patients’ experience…

“Fortunately, anesthesia providers are trusted by many patients,” explained Cari. “The profession takes a proactive approach by carefully evaluating individuals before recommending surgery. In emergency situations where surgery is necessary to save a life, we are honest about the challenges patients may face. However, when it’s not an emergency, we prioritize patient well-being. We strive to optimize the patient’s health before proceeding with surgery. This ensures safety and instills confidence in the process.

“Additionally, I establish trust with my patients by being approachable and friendly. Introducing myself, breaking the ice, and understanding the patient’s demeanor allows me to adapt my approach accordingly. If someone is lighthearted, I’ll engage in jokes and friendly banter. For those who are serious or scared, I take on a more nurturing role, providing reassurance and explaining each step of the process to alleviate anxiety. By establishing trust from the beginning and guiding patients through the experience, I create a sense of comfort and confidence.”

About Cari

Cari and her husband Craig have three young children, two boys and a girl. They share their home with a cat and a dog. Although it’s been a while since Cari had some free time to indulge in her hobbies, she hopes to get back into crafting soon. She enjoys sewing, knitting, and creating jewelry to sell in her Etsy shop.