Looking for tips on how to start strong as a NEW ICU NURSE? Well, here is the podcast episode you need. Join us as we talk about Aj’s ICU journey who is a current CCRN and travel ICU nurse. 

From being a podcast listener, we will bring him on the hot seat today to discuss how he navigated changing roles and ICU units. He'll also share the knowledge and experiences he gained that allowed him to gain acceptance and achieve his goals as a CRNA student. 

Don’t forget to grab your FREE copy of over 100 REAL SRNA interview questions below!

04:15 - Things that really helped get the ICU position as a new grad and getting the exposure that you need in the ICU

08:15 - Being part of two different residency programs and finding a scholarship opportunity

13:49 - About ICU interview and the gruelling part of CRNA interviews (always staying on your toes and being prepared for different situations!)

19:01 - The factors that can ultimately help in landing your next ICU role

21:28 - How extensive the residency program can get and the biggest challenge as a new ICU nurse

26:46 - The knowledge and skills that you will possess working in the ICU (which you feel you didn't have when you first started)

31:41 - What you can enjoy and dislike about ICU nursing

41:46 - About not getting med surg experience (will you miss out a lot?)

45:49 - Advice to those considering going straight to the ICU as a new grad

Grab your FREE copy of the CRNA School Prep Academy's Interview Questions here!

https://www.cspaedu.com/QuestionsPodcast

Get access to planning tools, mock interviews, valuable math courses, and more! Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy here!

https://www.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join 

Join the CSPA email list here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Join the ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia Social Community here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/community 

Send Jenny an email or make a podcast request!

[email protected]

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Need Interview Prep Help In A Hurry? Fast-Track Your CRNA School Interview Prep with our CRNA Interview Crash Course! https://www.cspaedu.com/4wotmlds

Not so sure what questions you should be asking after your panel interview? It is essential to ask the RIGHT questions to leave a good LAST impression.

Today’s episode will tell you more about which questions you should and should NOT ask during your CRNA program interview. And why it is important to have these questions prepared beforehand.

Let’s dive in!

02:44 - Preparing at least one or two questions for the interview panel is important

04:26 - Why asking about the turnover rate for faculty could be an interesting question 

06:39 - Ask questions that would let them give their personal opinion about their CRNA program

07:39 - How you could creatively ask about the attrition rate in their CRNA program and the reasons behind it 

10:20 - Ask about how their CRNA program promotes wellness for their students and residents

12:12 - Check if they are lecturing about emotional intelligence with their current students

13:22 - Know if their CRNA program provides workshops or sessions for the incoming cohort

Cheers to your success, future CRNA! We're rooting for you!

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Need Interview Prep Help In A Hurry? Fast-Track Your CRNA School Interview Prep with our CRNA Interview Crash Course! https://www.cspaedu.com/4wotmlds

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App

FREE! The Most Affordable CRNA Schools: https://www.cspaedu.com/spmhqyoc

Wondering if CRNA school really as tough as they say it is? Tune in to get a realistic expectation of what it actually looks like to be in CRNA school! 

Don't forget to listen to the end of this episode to learn the three things you can start to do TODAY to make your transition to CRNA school as smooth as possible!

01:35 - Getting clear on your daily routine 

10:42 - Why it is so important to get a good night's sleep and know when you need to take a break

15:52 - Being behind in your ICU knowledge does not mean you can’t gain acceptance

17:37 - Importance of budgeting as a CRNA student

19:38 - Communicating early and often with your loved ones is vital to getting the support you need

21:19 - Setting the right expectations can really ease your transition to CRNA school

23:20 - Three things you can do right now to help you transition smoothly to CRNA school once you get accepted (#1 - Mindset)

27:35 - The study techniques that will set you up for success in CRNA school

31:58 - The keys to managing your time well while in CRNA school

Your future is looking bright! Cheers to you, future CRNA! 

Grab your FREE Cardiovascular Drip Reference Card here! 

https://www.cspaedu.com/cardiovascular

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Get into CRNA School- Guaranteed! Start the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Today! Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App

Wondering if CRNA school really as tough as they say it is? Tune in to get a realistic expectation of what it actually looks like to be in CRNA school! 

Don't forget to listen to the end of this episode to learn the three things you can start to do TODAY to make your transition to CRNA school as smooth as possible!

01:35 - Getting clear on your daily routine 

10:42 - Why it is so important to get a good night's sleep and know when you need to take a break

15:52 - Being behind in your ICU knowledge does not mean you can’t gain acceptance

17:37 - Importance of budgeting as a CRNA student

19:38 - Communicating early and often with your loved ones is vital to getting the support you need

21:19 - Setting the right expectations can really ease your transition to CRNA school

23:20 - Three things you can do right now to help you transition smoothly to CRNA school once you get accepted (#1 - Mindset)

27:35 - The study techniques that will set you up for success in CRNA school

31:58 - The keys to managing your time well while in CRNA school

Your future is looking bright! Cheers to you, future CRNA! 

Grab your FREE Cardiovascular Drip Reference Card here! 

https://www.cspaedu.com/cardiovascular

Get access to planning tools, mock interviews, valuable math courses, and more! Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy here!

https://www.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join 

Join the CSPA email list here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Join the ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia Social Community here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/community 

Send Jenny an email or make a podcast request!

[email protected]

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Are you intimidated by the didactic portion of your anesthesia schooling? You don’t have to be! Join us for this episode where we’re talking with fellow CRNA Jon Lowrance as we tackle different techniques and strategies around the didactic portion of anesthesia training.

We’ll dive into: 

03:00 - How hard anesthesia school can be (And why you should pursue it!)

07:33 - Tips and study techniques for SRNAs as they approach the didactic portion

16:48 - Recommended resources for the didactic phase

23:31 - The importance of writing skills for CRNAs and where to get help

26:06 - Professionalism, balanced life, and overall wellbeing as an anesthesia student

35:06 - Being successful on tests and how to deal with deadlines

40:56 - Be realistic with your expectations and keep moving forward! 

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Get into CRNA School- Guaranteed! Start the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Today! Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App

Are you intimidated by the didactic portion of your anesthesia schooling? You don’t have to be! Join us for this episode where we’re talking with fellow CRNA Jon Lowrance as we tackle different techniques and strategies around the didactic portion of anesthesia training.

We’ll dive into: 

03:00 - How hard anesthesia school can be (And why you should pursue it!)

07:33 - Tips and study techniques for SRNAs as they approach the didactic portion

16:48 - Recommended resources for the didactic phase

23:31 - The importance of writing skills for CRNAs and where to get help

26:06 - Professionalism, balanced life, and overall wellbeing as an anesthesia student

35:06 - Being successful on tests and how to deal with deadlines

40:56 - Be realistic with your expectations and keep moving forward! 

Get access to planning tools, mock interviews, valuable math courses, and more! Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy here!

https://www.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join 

Join the CSPA email list here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Join the ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia Social Community here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/community 

Send Jenny an email or make a podcast request!

[email protected] 

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Think you need to be a straight-A student to be successful in CRNA school? Great news- perfection is not required. In this episode, we debunk this myth about your grades in CRNA school, and discuss how to dial in your focus the right way! Tune in to learn more! 

04:33 - Your GPA matters (but it is not everything)

09:38 - Job shadowing experience is vital (even if it's not required)

13:00 - Getting the right ICU experience that your program prefers

16:19 - Why you should research and thoroughly prepare before taking your GRE & CCRN 

20:53 - Following the requirements for references

21:26 - Why submitting your application early is a huge advantage for you

22:18 - Are you really well-prepared for the interview?

24:38 - Preparation is the key!

Get on the waitlist for the Nursing Student to CRNA Accelerator here!  https://www.cspaedu.com/accelerator

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Get into CRNA School- Guaranteed! Start the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Today! Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App

FREE! 8 Steps to Becoming a CRNA: https://www.cspaedu.com/3m9jgffp

Curious about working independently and autonomously as a CRNA? Join us for this episode as guest speaker Joe Rodriguez covers the topic of CRNA independent practice! 

Sign up for the NRA Bootcamp here!  https://www.cspaedu.com/bootcamp

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Get into CRNA School- Guaranteed! Start the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Today! Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App

Curious about working independently and autonomously as a CRNA? Join us for this episode as guest speaker Joe Rodriguez covers the topic of CRNA independent practice! 

Sign up for the NRA Bootcamp here! https://www.cspaedu.com/bootcamp 

Get access to planning tools, mock interviews, valuable math courses, and more! Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy here!

https://www.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join 

Join the CSPA email list here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Join the ICU Dreaming About Anesthesia Social Community here!
https://www.cspaedu.com/community 

Send Jenny an email or make a podcast request!

[email protected] 

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Streamline your CRNA Success with the CSPA 6-Month Intensive. Get CRNA Faculty Coaching, Access to Exclusive Live Events and more. Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/sixmonthintensive

In this episode, we dive into pursuing CRNA school with less than one year of ICU experience- Should you do it, or should you not do it? Tune in to learn what factors to consider when deciding on the right amount of ICU experience for you and your program!

Sign up for the Nursing School to CRNA Accelerator Course Waitlist here!

https://www.cspaedu.com/accelerator

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped 1,000s of nurses accelerate their CRNA success.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy:

https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Streamline your CRNA success with the CSPA 6-Month Intensive. Get CRNA Faculty Coaching, Access to Exclusive Live Events and more. Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/sixmonthintensive

 Want more support as you prepare for CRNA school? Get 7 days FREE inside CRNA School Prep Academy!

Explore the CSPA community, learning pathways, clinical education, interview prep, and resources designed to help you become a stronger, more confident CRNA school applicant.

👉 Start your 7 days FREE inside CSPA [HERE]

We’re heading to Panama City, Florida for the 2027 CRNA School Prep Academy Conference, hosted in partnership with Florida State University! 

Join us September 10–12, 2027 for an inspiring weekend designed for aspiring CRNAs who are ready to grow, connect, and take the next step toward nurse anesthesia school.

Join the waitlist today and be the first to know when tickets become available.

Get free CRNA school prep resources, guidance, and tools right inside the CSPA app so you can keep moving toward your CRNA goals with more clarity and confidence. 👉Download the App