Caring for his grandmother during her final years sparked Josh Adams’, BSN, RN, SRNA, lifelong commitment to helping others. What began as a teenager’s role as a caretaker has grown into a clear calling: To serve patients as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Now, as a Doctor of Nursing Practice–Anesthesia student at Barnes-Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing, Josh is turning that early inspiration into a career defined by compassion, skill, and purpose.
After graduating from nursing school in 2021, Josh gained critical experience in intensive care units, honing the skills and clinical judgment needed for advanced practice. Along the way, he built the expertise and confidence that would make him a strong candidate for Goldfarb’s highly competitive Nurse Anesthesia program, ranked 11th nationally by U.S. News & World Report.
Josh says his decision to become a CRNA is rooted in two goals: Caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments and challenging himself professionally. “Our patients are at some of their most vulnerable during surgery and I want to be there to take care of them and watch over them during this time in their health care journey,” he says.
The application process, while intimidating, was a rewarding step. Josh carefully prepared through clinical work, shadowing CRNAs, and building strong references. By the time his interview arrived, he felt confident and even enjoyed the conversation with Goldfarb’s anesthesia faculty.
Now in the program, Josh points to the balance of rigor and support that sets Goldfarb apart. Faculty maintain high expectations but are readily available to help, and students support one another through cohort study groups and SRNA mentorship. His favorite course so far has been Chemistry and Physics of Anesthesia with assistant professor Sarah Perez, DNP, CRNA, whose teaching style made even challenging material engaging.
Josh’s education has been made possible in part through the Elizabeth Gene Taylor Nursing Anesthesia Scholarship, established in 2020 by Elizabeth and Paul Taylor. Elizabeth, a 1964 anesthesia graduate of Jewish Hospital School of Nursing—one of Goldfarb’s legacy schools—helped inspire a fund that has now supported nine students.
Josh meeting with his donors Elizabeth and Paul Taylor at a recent lunch.
Josh said the scholarship allowed him to start his first year “with intensity and joy,” easing the financial burden of graduate school as he and his wife raise their young son and prepare to welcome a second child in February. He is deeply grateful for the support and hopes one day to “pay it forward.”
Looking ahead, Josh plans to graduate in December 2027 and use his training to expand anesthesia care in underserved communities. His long-term goal is to combine firsthand experience, research, and leadership to improve rural health care.
For more information: DNP-Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) program.