Indra Johansson-Matthews, CRNA

Bio

I was born in Loma Linda, California and lived there while my dad finished school. We then moved up to Humboldt County where my family has been ever since.

I went to college in Nebraska, where I completed my BSN in Nursing. After school my mission was to get experience in high acuity areas that would prepare me for Anesthesia School

I was accepted to Kaiser School of Anesthesia for Nurses in 1987. I completed my anesthesia training with a Masters degree in nursing and a clinical specialty in anesthesia. During school I also became a Navy Reservist.

During the first 10 years of my career I worked at Kaiser Hayward. In 2000 I had an opportunity to move to Sonoma County and work at Kaiser Santa Rosa. I am proud to work in a department that has such high standards and really care about everyone who comes through our operating room doors.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

My interest in becoming an anesthesia provider started in my Senior year of nursing school. I was working in a hospital and observed a young woman in a white coat come and interview a patient the night before surgery. I was curious and asked her if she was a doctor. She said that she was studying to become a Nurse Anesthetist. I didn't know what that involved at the time but thought it was nice for the patient that she would see a familiar face the next day in the operating room.

I did some investigating and learned that Nurse Anesthesia has a very long and respected history which started during the Civil War. Nurse anesthetists administer approximately 65% of anesthetics in the United States today in many varied settings. Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists and podiatrists.

I have never regretted my decision to become a CRNA. I love the variety of people and procedures my job entails.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I enjoy organizing the equipment and supplies for our anesthesia department.

Current projects or research:

I am the assistant clinical coordinater for the Samuel Merrit College Nurse Anesthesia Program.

Great health resources that I refer to:

Harvard's Guide to Women's Health

Interests

My favorite book or author:
Amy Tan, Jan Karon, J.K. Rowling

Great movie:
J.R.R. Tolkien movies

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My partner, Rob, is the best! He has always supported me in every aspect of my career. We have been married for 17 years this October and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I love his sense of humor.

My children and people I care about:

I have one child and yes, I had an epidural! She is entering her teen years and my husband and myself are hanging on to our hats!

An interesting story about my family or friends:

The highlight of our summer for several years had been a houseboat trip to Lake Shasta. Usually there are 7-8 adults and 15+ kids. We have a blast. Lots of water toys and lots of fun. I catch up on reading all the books I have collected during the year.

Remmy - Burmese Cat
Lily - Calico Cat
Dusty - Red Heeler
Sugar Baby - Duck
Peepers - Duck
11 chickens - "The Girls"
2 roosters - "The Boys"

Travel

An adventure I've had:

During Dessert Storm I was called to active duty service for the Navy. I was an anesthesia provider on the USS Ranger for 2 weeks. It truly was an adventure.

Favorite place in the world:

My parents have a summer home at Trinity Lake. I have spent may happy hours there as a kid and now as an adult. It has so many smells and wonderful memories--a great place to get away.

One of my recent trips:

Last spring break I took my 12 year-old daughter and her friend on vacation to Maui. We had a great time. I rented a little convertable and we cruised the island. Lots of snorkling, whales, horseback riding ect. It was probably the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. The girls were great!