CRNA Mentor

If you're an RN considering CRNA school, getting involved in the nurse anesthesia profession before you're accepted can provide opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, and professional growth. One of the biggest opportunities to do that is AANA Annual Congress—but is it worth attending as an aspiring CRNA? In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Hallie Evans, AANA Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, and Dr. Andy Benson, incoming Chair of the AANA Professional Development Committee, to discuss how RNs and APRNs can make the most of AANA Annual Congress. We discuss why the AANA has become increasingly intentional about creating opportunities for RN and APRN members, what first-time attendees can expect, and why simply showing up isn’t enough. From choosing educational sessions and using the conference app to mock interviews, networking, and the conversations that happen outside the lecture halls, we break down how to approach Congress with intention. We also discuss: Why AANA expanded membership to include RN and APRN affiliates • How to plan your schedule without becoming overwhelmed • RN-specific educational sessions and resources • The Know Before You Go: RN Edition webinar Date: 8/18/26 Time: 6 pm – 7 pm CST Link: https://www.aana.com/event/know-before-you-go-rn-edition/ • Mock interviews and other opportunities beyond the lectures • How to network intentionally with CRNAs, SRNAs, and educators Annual Congress isn’t simply an opportunity to add another experience to your resume. It’s an opportunity to intentionally invest in the profession you hope to join. Whether you’re already planning your trip to Boston or still deciding whether Congress is worth attending, this episode will help you arrive with a plan—and get far more out of the experience than simply showing up. Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Looking for a mentor? Visit www.CRNAmentor.com and explore all the resources within CRNA Mentor!  

Professionalism doesn't begin on your first day of CRNA school—it begins with the decisions you make long before you're accepted. In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I share a recent experience that challenged the way I think about mentorship, professionalism, and the responsibility we all have to protect the future of our profession. What started as conversations about sharing CRNA school interview questions quickly became something much bigger: a discussion about integrity, professional identity, and what admissions committees are truly evaluating. Drawing from conversations with CRNA educators and program directors from across the country, we explore why professionalism starts before orientation, how seemingly small decisions shape your professional identity, and why becoming the right applicant is more important than simply getting accepted. In this episode, we discuss: Why professionalism begins long before your first day of CRNA school What educators and program directors shared about academic integrity and admissions How the application process shapes the kind of CRNA you'll become Why mentorship includes protecting the profession—not just helping applicants get accepted The question every aspiring CRNA should ask themselves: Who am I becoming while I'm pursuing this goal? Whether you're just discovering nurse anesthesia, gaining ICU experience, preparing your application, or getting ready for interviews, this episode is an invitation to think beyond acceptance and focus on becoming the kind of professional that programs are proud to train. If this episode challenged your perspective, please share it with another aspiring CRNA, mentor, or educator. Together, we can strengthen our profession by developing not only competitive applicants—but future CRNAs grounded in professionalism, integrity, and mentorship. Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Looking for formal mentorship? Visit CRNAMentor.com and explore all the resources within CRNA Mentor! New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with the CRNA Mentor Podcast!

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Jillian Moyer, a recent graduate of the University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program, to discuss how one unexpected clinical experience during CRNA school ultimately became a publication in the AANA Journal. What began as a rare unilateral spinal anesthetic quickly became much more than an interesting case. Through the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Jill transformed a challenging clinical experience into a scholarly publication while learning valuable lessons about patient advocacy, professional growth, and the publication process. In this episode, we discuss the clinical case, why it was important to share with the profession, and how strong mentorship can completely change the way we view unexpected challenges during training. We also explore what it takes to publish in a peer-reviewed journal, why nurse anesthesia residents shouldn't underestimate the opportunities available to them during CRNA school, and how curiosity can open doors you never expected. We'll also discuss: -The rare unilateral spinal anesthetic that inspired the publication -The role mentorship played throughout the publication process -Why failed procedures can become some of our greatest learning experiences -What it's really like to publish in the AANA Journal as a nurse anesthesia resident One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that mentorship extends far beyond teaching clinical skills. The right mentor doesn't simply help you become a better clinician—they help you recognize opportunities, build confidence through challenges, and see possibilities you may have never considered on your own. Whether you're preparing for CRNA school or currently in training, I hope this conversation reminds you of the lasting impact great mentorship can have on our profession. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out additional CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor Tune in to the CRNA Mentor Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091 New episodes drop every Monday—start your week with clarity, confidence, and intention.

If you've spent any time exploring nurse anesthesia online, you've probably heard people talk about locums, 1099 practice, and the freedom and flexibility they can offer. But what do those terms actually mean? And how do they differ from traditional W-2 employment? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nijma Yusuf, CRNA—founder of Direct to Locums, entrepreneur, and national advocate for the nurse anesthesia profession—to break down one of the most talked about and often misunderstood career models in anesthesia. We start with the basics, discussing the differences between W-2 employment, 1099 contracting, and locums practice before exploring the advantages, challenges, and common misconceptions surrounding each path. We also dive into Nijma's personal journey, including her decision to leave a large academic practice shortly after graduation and how that decision ultimately led her into the world of locums and independent practice. One of the goals of the CRNA Mentor Podcast is to open your eyes to the many opportunities that exist within nurse anesthesia. Whether you're years away from becoming a CRNA, currently in nurse anesthesia school, or already practicing, this episode provides valuable insight into how different career paths can shape your professional growth, autonomy, and lifestyle. Most importantly, this conversation is not about which path is best—it's about understanding the options available to you and learning how to intentionally design the career you want to build. Thank you for tuning in. If you're looking for mentorship, community, and guidance throughout your journey to become a CRNA, join the CRNA Mentor Community and connect with thousands of aspiring nurse anesthetists pursuing similar goals. Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out additional CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

Most anesthesia providers assume that professional growth comes from increasingly complex cases, bigger hospitals, and higher-acuity patients. But what if growth can also come from stepping outside of what's familiar? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. T.D. Carnahan, CRNA, owner of Sandman Slumber Services, incoming Vice President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetists (PANA), and Chair of the AANA Membership Committee. After years practicing at the University of Pennsylvania, TD took a leap of faith and transitioned into a solo CRNA practice providing anesthesia for oral surgery procedures in an office-based setting. We discuss what it means to practice independently, the responsibility that comes with owning every clinical decision, patient selection, preoperative evaluation, office-based anesthesia, and the unique anesthetic techniques he uses every day. We also explore the All-on-4 dental implant procedure, how TD approaches nasal intubation, and why he believes he is a stronger CRNA today than he was when he left one of the nation's premier academic anesthesia environments. Most importantly, we discuss a message that extends far beyond dental anesthesia: professional growth doesn't always come from higher acuity. Sometimes it comes from greater ownership, greater responsibility, and the willingness to pursue opportunities that challenge you in unexpected ways. Whether you're an aspiring CRNA, SRNA, practicing CRNA, or simply interested in the many ways nurse anesthetists impact patient care, this episode offers a fascinating look at a practice model that many people never see. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

Many nurses aspire to become CRNAs. But long before you ever administer an anesthetic, something else has to happen first—you have to begin thinking differently. In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Brueckner, a new SRNA whose experience as a Critical Response Nurse at a Level I Trauma Center helped shape his clinical judgment, leadership skills, and provider mindset before starting CRNA school. Together, we explore how this unique nursing role exposes clinicians to rapid responses, deteriorating patients, high-pressure decision-making, and constant collaboration with intensivists, trauma surgeons, emergency physicians, and advanced practice providers. We discuss: • What a Critical Response Nurse actually does • How repeated exposure to unstable patients sharpens clinical instincts • Learning to anticipate interventions before providers arrive • The hidden lessons gained from observing experienced physicians during emergencies • Why developing a provider mindset matters long before CRNA school begins One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that becoming a CRNA starts long before your first day of anesthesia school. The real advantage comes from intentionally seeking experiences that challenge your thinking, expand your clinical perspective, and help you grow beyond task-oriented nursing into a clinician who understands the bigger picture. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

Most people think of anesthesia as something that happens inside the operating room. But what happens when anesthesia leaves the hospital? In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I sit down with Bonjo Batoon, CRNA, a staff nurse anesthetist at the world-renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Bonjo is a member of the Shock Trauma Go-Team, a hospital-based rapid response team that delivers anesthesia, surgical, and critical care services directly to the point of injury through ground and air deployment. We explore the concept of austere medicine, the role of CRNAs in prehospital trauma care, and how Bonjo's career has taken him far beyond the traditional walls of the operating room. From helicopter deployments and prolonged extrications to disaster response and leadership, this conversation expands the imagination of what is possible within nurse anesthesia. Bonjo also shares his journey into trauma anesthesia, the importance of professional identity, and why aspiring CRNAs should think beyond simply getting accepted into school and begin considering the type of clinician they hope to become. Whether you're a trauma ICU nurse, flight nurse, EMS clinician, military-minded provider, SRNA, or aspiring CRNA, this episode offers a unique perspective on one of the most uncommon and inspiring career paths within our profession. Topics Discussed: • Shock Trauma Go-Team • Austere Medicine • Prehospital Trauma Resuscitation • CRNA Autonomy • Disaster Response & NDMS Tactical Critical Care Teams (TCCT) • Leadership & Mentorship • Professional Identity in Nurse Anesthesia • Trauma Anesthesia Learn about the GO-TEAM: https://www.ems1.com/trauma/marylands-go-team-on-the-go https://www.ems1.com/rescue/articles/etomidate-extrication-and-etsy-VjlMwlLC1hCl7OFX/ Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out my CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor Tune in to CRNA Mentor Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091 New episodes drop every Monday — start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!  

This episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast is focused on one of the most overlooked aspects of professional growth in nurse anesthesia: getting involved early. In this conversation, I sit down with Jake Bonnema, CRNA - Chair of the AANA Political Action Committee and board member for the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - to discuss how mentorship, advocacy, and organizational involvement completely changed the trajectory of his career while he was still a nurse anesthesia resident. We explore why so many nurse anesthesia residents and new CRNAs mistakenly believe they are “too new” to contribute, the mindset shift that occurs when transitioning from RN to CRNA, and why advocacy is essential to protecting and advancing the future of our profession. Jake also shares how early mentorship opportunities at Mid-Year Assembly led him into leadership roles at both the state and national level only a few years after graduation. This episode is ultimately about identity, leadership, and realizing that you do not need decades of experience before you begin making an impact in nurse anesthesia. Topics Discussed: • Getting involved early as a SRNA and new CRNA • The importance of mentorship in nurse anesthesia • Advocacy and political involvement as a CRNA • Why younger voices matter in nurse anesthesia • Leadership development within the CRNA profession Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity   Check out my CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor   Tune in to CRNA Mentor Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091 New episodes drop every Monday — start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

In this episode, I’m joined by Seana Lee, a first-year SRNA at Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss a topic that many aspiring CRNAs misunderstand—networking. But this conversation goes far beyond simply introducing yourself at conferences or collecting contacts. Seana shares how intentional networking, mentorship, and relationship-building helped shape her CRNA journey long before she ever submitted an application. From strategically preparing for AANA Mid-Year Assembly to developing mentors, following up with professionals, participating in classes at her top-choice program, and even leveraging advocacy experiences on Capitol Hill, Seana explains how meaningful connections can create opportunities that many applicants completely overlook. We also discuss: Why networking is really about positioning and reputation Why strong applicants often build connections before they apply The importance of intentional follow-up and professionalism How viewing others as future colleagues—not competition—can change your mindset Why networking can become one of the most powerful parts of your professional growth If you’re an aspiring CRNA who feels intimidated by networking or unsure where to start, this episode will give you a completely different perspective on how relationships, mentorship, and intentionality can shape your future in this profession. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: http://www.facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity/ Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I’m joined by Juliana Washington, a second-year nurse anesthesia resident in North Carolina, class president, and speaker at the North Carolina state anesthesia conference, to discuss her journey from Brazil to CRNA school. Juliana shares the realities of adapting to a new country, overcoming rejection, navigating self-doubt, and ultimately finding belonging and leadership within nurse anesthesia. This conversation is for any aspiring CRNAs who feel like they don’t fit the “traditional” mold — whether because of rejection, cultural barriers, financial struggles, language differences, or a nontraditional path into healthcare. We discuss resilience, identity, confidence, networking, and how some of the most impactful people in this profession are the ones who had to fight the hardest to get here. Juliana opens up about: Growing up in Brazil and transitioning to life in the United States The emotional impact of multiple CRNA school rejections How her mindset, confidence, and strategy evolved over time The importance of mentorship, networking, and community Discussing her book/planner to help other aspiring CRNAs Finding belonging and stepping into leadership during CRNA school One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that success in nurse anesthesia does not require a perfect or linear journey. Rejection does not define your future, and adversity can become a source of strength if you keep moving forward. If you’re currently feeling discouraged, behind, or uncertain whether you belong in this profession, this episode is meant to remind you that there is no single mold for becoming a CRNA. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: CRNA Mentor Community Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: CRNA Mentor Resources New episodes drop every Monday — start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!