Alumni Spotlight: Karina Geytsman
Karina Geytsman (she/her)
- Major: PSY BS (Spring 2025)
- Position: Operating Room Anesthesia Aide
- Employer: Fairview Health Services
What is your work like? What are your duties?
As an Anesthesia Aide at M Health Fairview, I assist anesthesiologists and CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) with the administration and maintenance of anesthesia, ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are prepared and functioning properly to support safe patient care. I facilitate operating room turnover by efficiently cleaning and preparing anesthesia equipment and operating rooms for incoming patients, helping maintain workflow and minimizing delays. Additionally, I am also responsible for transporting specimens and blood products as needed, contributing to timely and coordinated patient care.
How would you say your psychology degree has helped you with your current job?
My psychology degree has been really valuable in my role as an Anesthesia Aide because it’s helped me develop strong situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to stay calm in high-pressure environments like the OR (operating room). Understanding how people respond to stress allows me to better support the anesthesia team during fast-paced or critical moments, while maintaining a focused, composed, and empathetic approach.
It’s also strengthened my attention to detail and critical thinking, which are essential when preparing anesthesia equipment and running supplies during emergencies. I’m more mindful of how even small oversights can impact patient outcomes. Additionally, courses like "Psychology of Stress and Trauma" and "Introduction to Neuropsychology" have really helped me gain a better understanding of these concepts and reinforce a patient-centered mindset.
As I work toward becoming a CRNA, the experience from my psychology degree has helped me build both the technical discipline and the interpersonal awareness needed in anesthesia care. It’s given me a deeper appreciation for the balance between clinical precision and understanding the human side of patient care, which I know is critical within that role.
In what way has your major complemented your current job?
The skills I gained in psychology, especially understanding stress and behavior, help me maintain a patient-centered perspective in my role. Even though I’m not directly providing care, I’m mindful that everything I do supports patient safety and comfort, which influences how carefully and efficiently I approach my responsibilities.
How did you find your current position?
I found my current position through the job site Indeed and used referrals from my UMN advisors, as well as a referral from my past supervisor at UMN.
What advice do you have for our current psych students and recent grads?
Remember to use all the resources you can that the school offers, because there's a ton of helpful ones! Most importantly, don't let someone else's success distract you from your own journey, as everyone's path to success may look differently. Remind yourself that your only competition should be the person that you were yesterday.
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