Following in her Footsteps Kathryn Hoerstings Journey Through the MUSC AFN Program and AANA Congress

two women pose between a large lit sign reading AANA and a boxwood style photo backdrop

Wendy Hoersting, DNAP, MBS, CRNA, APRN, CNE (left) and her daughter, DNAP-PB student, Kathryn Hoersting, attend the annual American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) National Congress.

I wanted a holistic environment that would allow me to grow both as a person and as a practitioner

Kathryn Hoersting DNAP - Post-Baccalaureate student

For Kathryn Hoersting, the path to becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) began long before she enrolled in MUSC’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice – Post-Baccalaureate (AFN) program. Growing up watching her mom, Wendy Hoersting, DNAP, MBS, CRNA, APRN, CNE, in the operating room, Kathryn was inspired by the passion and dedication she witnessed daily.

“My mom often recites a version of Mark Twain’s quote: ‘Find a job you enjoy, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ While she didn’t necessarily expect me to pursue a career in health care, I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps,” Kathryn said.

When it came time to choose a program, Kathryn sought one that was both distinguished and personal. “I wanted a holistic environment that would allow me to grow both as a person and as a practitioner,” she explained. MUSC stood out for its specialized clinical rotations, supportive faculty, and a location that balances academics with life beyond the classroom.”

Hearing from her mom’s colleagues about the professionalism and preparedness of MUSC students further confirmed her choice.

Kathryn’s journey took on a unique turn when she attended the 2024 and 2025 American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) National Congress meetings alongside her mom. “Attending Congress with my mom was both eye-opening and deeply meaningful,” she said. “It was a joy to see her in her element: engaging with colleagues, sharing experiences, and continuing to grow in her practice. Beyond that, it was an honor to gain a more personal and immersive perspective on the profession.”

Wendy also reflected on the experience, noting how their shared attendance allowed her to view the profession through Kathryn’s eyes: “I have administered a ‘drop’ technique to introduce the profession throughout Kathryn’s childhood. I have enjoyed the past two AANA Congresses at a deeper level with my daughter because of the opportunity to view this profession from her perspective— first when she joined me as an ICU nurse, then this past summer when she attended as an SRNA.”

Experiencing the profession firsthand with her mom gave Kathryn a new appreciation for its complexity. “Growing up, my dad joked about how ‘cushy’ my mom’s job was. I knew that wasn’t true, but I didn’t fully understand until I experienced the profession myself.