In this episode, I sit down with Kiki CRNA Founder & CEO of The Society of Future Nurses Anesthetists for an honest and inspiring conversation about her unconventional path to becoming a CRNA . From cosmetology and engineering to surgical tech and ICU nursing, Kiki’s journey proves that there’s no one “right” way to get into CRNA school.

Kiki shares raw and honest insights about:

✨ Our biggest limitations in becoming a CRNA & the question you should be asking yourself

✨ Incredible Advice for parents in CRNA School

✨ Her unique journey to CRNA school acceptance

✨ Advice on what to do if you're waitlisted

✨ How she handled the toxic culture of nurses eating their young, a CRNA school rejection and how waiting costed her 2 million dollars

✨ Does age matter when going to CRNA school?

✨ Did she enjoy CRNA school and what she wishes she did differently.

✨ The truth about CRNA mentorship—should you really pay?

✨ Balancing CRNA life, family, and running four businesses.

✨How to be competitive applicant in 2025

✨ What do you do if you're facing dismissal or really struglling in CRNA school right now?

If you’ve ever doubted yourself, struggled in CRNA school, or wondered if mentorship is worth it, this episode is packed with powerful insights to help you take control of your journey.

📩 Need support? Connect with Kiki and explore mentorship opportunities at:

📌 Follow Kiki on IG @thecrnachase

The CRNA Chase Blog

Society of Future Nurse Anesthetists Website

FB Page: Your Future CRNA Community

In this episode of The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast, I sit down with Sara Frey BSN, RN, CGRN and clinical shift coordinator of endoscopy, to talk about leadership, teamwork, communication and the power of continuous learning in the perioperative environment.

Sara’s diverse nursing journey has given her a unique perspective on leadership, teamwork, and growth—and she’s sharing practical insights that you can apply now and as a future CRNA, without burning out.

Whether you're an SRNA, RRNA, or experienced nurse, this episode is packed with strategies to help you navigate clinical environments, support your team, and grow into a confident leader.

🎙️ In this episode, we dive into:

✔️ How leadership isn’t just about a title—it’s about how you show up
✔️ Learning from everyone in the OR (yes, even the ones you don’t always agree with!)
✔️ Looking for opportunities to fill the gap and step up as a leader
✔️ Why setting small goals and lowering the bar can actually reduce burnout

✔️ The reality of "you don’t know what you don’t know"—and how to bridge the gap
✔️ Leadership values you can implement now and carry into your CRNA career
✔️ What nurses look for in SRNAs/RRNAs and how to make a great impression
✔️ Communication tips for surgeons—what they actually appreciate in a conversation
✔️ Strategies for handling burnout and stress in high-pressure environments

✔️ The power of check-ins—how small momennts can create big impacts
✔️ Balancing work & motherhood—real talk on managing both worlds

If you're looking for real-world leadership lessons and communication skills that will serve you now and throughout your CRNA career, this episode is for you!

🔗 Listen now and start leading from where you are!

Follow Sara @bshfrey on IG.

In this episode, I sat down with Kate Bekken, SRNA/RRNA, and her husband, Zach, to dive deep into what it really takes to balance love, finances, and sacrifices while navigating CRNA school.

From managing career shifts to staying connected as a couple, they dropped some GEMS you won’t want to miss!

We Cover It All, Including:

❤️ Kate’s journey to CRNA school – from NP aspirations to landing a spot after mock interviews

❤️ How many schools she applied to, her GPA, and nursing experience

❤️ Zach’s career sacrifices and how he balanced his job with Kate’s demanding clinical schedule

❤️ How non-medical spouses can support aspiring CRNAs and key conversations to have with employers and each other

❤️ Communicating expectations and setting a shared vision for the future

❤️ Handling multiple moves for school and staying flexible as a couple

❤️ How Kate manages relationships inside and outside of CRNA school

❤️ Staying connected as a couple – avoiding burnout and prioritizing quality time

❤️ Is a 4.0 GPA really worth it? Shifting priorities and adjusting expectations

❤️ Finances, marriage, and the realities of CRNA school – budgeting and planning for success

❤️ Managing resentment and navigating the emotional burdens of school

Kate and Zach’s transparency and wisdom offer incredible insights for couples who are considering—or currently facing—the challenges of CRNA school together. Whether you’re an aspiring CRNA or a supportive partner, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in both marriage and school.

🎧 Tune in now and take notes – your future self will thank you!

LINKS MENTIONED in the Episode:

My LIVE on IG @amandakcrna

Kates IG: https://www.instagram.com/kate_srna/ @kate_srna

#CRNA #MarriageGoals #CRNASchool #Relationships #SRNA #WorkLifeBalance #FutureCRNA #NurseAnesthesia #LoveAndSacrifice

Are CRNA recruiters really as bad as people say? 🤔

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Evola, President of KTE Services, an anesthesia recruiting company with 24+ years of experience, to spill all the tea on CRNA job hunting, contracts, and recruiters.

We’re diving into:
✅ The bad rep recruiters get & how Keith handles hate comments
✅ How new grads can protect themselves from bad job deals
✅ The best questions to ask when looking for a CRNA job
✅ Sign-on bonuses, non-compete clauses & contract red flags 🚨
✅ Should you sign a contract in CRNA school?
✅ What really matters in choosing a hospital or practice
✅ Should you work in a surgery center, office, or hospital first?
✅ The must-haves on your CRNA CV ✍️
✅ What if you don’t feel confident in regionals before finding a job?

💡 Keith’s philosophy? Leave people better than you found them and meaningful conversations matter.

Grab your notes and get ready to feel EMPOWERED about your CRNA job search! So many paths exist in this career—let’s explore them together.

📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 KTE Services Website Link

Connect with KTE services on Instagram @ktemedicaljobs

📚Check out my Boards & Beyonds program which gives you real-world career insights to help you choose your first CRNA job without all the overwhelm of contracts and malpractice PLUS tackle test anxiety and self doubt while creating an effective study plan for the SEE & NCE. Get signed up here!

🎧 Tune in now & share this with a fellow SRNA or CRNA who’s job hunting!

💡 CRNA School Didn’t Go as Planned? You’re Not Alone.

In this episode of The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast, we’re diving into a tough but necessary conversation—what happens when CRNA school doesn’t work out? Whether you had to take a leave of absence, withdrew, or were dismissed, I want you to know this: Your journey isn’t over.

🔹 The fear of failing or being found out as an “imposter” is real.
🔹 Social media paints an unrealistic picture of success, but the truth is, struggles happen.
🔹 This episode is here to help you remove the shame, navigate next steps, and find hope.

I’ll cover:
✅ Why this happens and the three main circumstances students face
✅ What you can do to process, pivot, and keep moving forward
✅ How to handle difficult conversations with faculty and plan your next steps
✅ The importance of knowing your program’s policies
✅ Mindset shifts that will help you rebuild confidence and clarity

💬 Need support? You’re not alone. Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help.
📩 Email me: ndakayonline@gmail.com

👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more coaching on thriving in CRNA school and beyond!

#CRNASchool #CRNACoaching #MindsetMatters #CRNAJourney #NurseAnesthesia

Here's the link to my coaching program: The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Coaching

In this episode, I sit down with my former colleague and friend, Nicole Kellogg, CRNA, as she shares her inspiring journey of balancing CRNA school, motherhood, and marriage. Nicole opens up about the challenges she faced, from navigating difficult conversations with her husband to managing the demands of school with two kids—all during a pandemic!

In this episode, we cover:
👉 Nicole’s journey from aspiring lawyer to CRNA
👉 How she brought up CRNA school to her husband and navigated that tough conversation
👉 Should you apply to just one program?
👉 Handling doubts about balancing CRNA school with two kids
👉 Were there fears of damaging her kids?
👉 Transitioning into CRNA school and surviving it during a pandemic
👉 Working ahead with board studying + NCE tips
👉 Should you work during CRNA school?
👉 How she balanced clinicals all day and being a mom at night
👉 Managing marriage, kids, and the heavy demands of school
👉 Her stressful first day as a CRNA and transitioning into her new role
👉 Facing scrutiny from co-workers about going to CRNA school
👉 Choosing yourself so you can better show up for others

Nicole’s story is packed with wisdom, resilience, and practical tips for anyone pursuing CRNA school while balancing family life. She reminds us that sometimes we have to choose ourselves in order to show up well for others.

Connect with Nicole:

Follow her on IG here @_nicolekellogg_

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this episode helpful!

In this episode, I sat down with Angelica Wiggins, an SRNA/RRNA momma, who’s proving that CRNA school and parenting can coexist!

Angelica took time during her break to chat with me about her inspiring journey from pre-med to CRNA student, how she balances school and family life, and her best tips for success.

In This Episode, We Cover:
✅ Angelica’s journey from pre-med to CRNA student
✅ Her top study strategies and how she prepared for the SEE
✅ How many schools she applied to and why she chose hers
✅ Managing CRNA school while raising kids
✅ Why she chose to have babies before school
✅ Transitioning from ICU nurse to SRNA life
✅ Working during CRNA school – is it possible?
✅ Handling mom guilt and setting non-negotiables as a parent
✅ Marriage advice for juggling two busy schedules
✅ Financial planning as a wife and mom in CRNA school
✅ Her biggest struggles and words of wisdom for other parents pursuing CRNA

Angelica proves that being a parent shouldn’t hold you back from CRNA school—it can be the very reason you pursue your dreams! f you're wondering “Can I really do this?”—this episode is for you! Angelica's story is proof that with determination, support, and the right mindset, you can achieve your dreams while being an amazing parent.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired!

Follow Angelica on IG @angelicathesrna

Welcome back to the podcast! I’m thrilled to be here with you again after an unexpected hiatus. Life happens, and sometimes we need to pause, breathe, and reset—and that’s okay.

In today’s episode, I’m tackling one of the most frequently asked questions: “I got into CRNA school—now what?”

We’ll dive deep into:

• The 5 most common struggles SRNAs face in their first semester.
• The journey of entering CRNA school, addressing common feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
• The importance of self-acceptance and the need to manage expectations as one transitions into this new phase of life.
• How to prepare yourself mentally, emotionally, and practically for CRNA school.
• Why managing your mindset is more important than trying to “do it all” before starting.

Plus, I’ll share actionable strategies to:

• Tackle overwhelm, anxiety, fear, perfectionism, and comparison.
• Build your self-concept and resilience as you transition into CRNA school.
• Shift out of imposter syndrome and embrace your worth as a future CRNA.

This episode is packed with insights, tools, and encouragement to help you feel confident and ready for this next chapter.

Whether you’re newly accepted or already in CRNA school, you don’t want to miss this one!

Resources Mentioned:

• Join The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Coaching Program
• FREE Webinar: How to Feel Confident & Competent in CRNA School Clinicals
• Podcast: How to Elevate your CRNA School Applications

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @amandakaycrna
• Website: www.amandakaycrna.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandakcrna