CRNA School Prep Academy Podcast

Getting into CRNA school isn’t a straight line — and many applicants face rejection, waitlists, and the challenges of a lower GPA before finally reaching their goal. From preparing for interviews, to navigating NursingCAS, to building resilience after setbacks, the RN to CRNA journey requires persistence and strategy.

In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny shares real Q&A from nurses just like you, covering CRNA interview prep, GPA requirements, how to strengthen your NursingCAS application, and how to keep moving forward after rejection or waitlist status.

These real conversations will leave you encouraged and equipped with practical next steps on your path to becoming a CRNA.

Episode Highlights:

• How to prepare for CRNA interviews and CRNA mock interviews
• GPA requirements and strategies for applicants with a lower GPA
• NursingCAS tips and what admissions committees look for
• How to bounce back from rejection or waitlist status
• Encouragement and success stories from those on the RN to CRNA path

Want more CRNA insights? Sign up for a FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA Money Back Guarantee here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Join Us for Gassed Up: Fired Up for CRNA School The CSPA 2026 Conference
June 12th - 14th at the University of Louisville, KY

Ticket and Agenda Information: https://events.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/

Get the Free CRNA School Data Sheet!
Compare every CRNA program’s requirements, deadlines, and interview details—all in one organized spreadsheet. The CRNA School Data Sheet helps you filter programs by ICU experience requirements, GRE, CCRN, last 60 credit GPA, and more so you can build a smarter school list without the confusion.

Access it free here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/crna-school-requirements-spreadsheet

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn how CSPA’s Personalized Money-Back Guarantee sets you up for success: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/6-12-month-intensive

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa

Starting out in the ICU as a brand-new nurse is never easy—especially when you’re balancing life as a dad, navigating the burn unit, and staring down a 3.0 GPA on your way to CRNA.

In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny sits down with Jacob, an experienced ICU and travel nurse, to share his inspiring journey from burn trauma to CRNA school acceptance, recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans.

Whether you’re an aspiring CRNA worried about your GPA, a nurse trying to gain confidence in the ICU, or simply looking for encouragement on your path, Jacob’s story is filled with practical lessons and honest insights to keep you moving forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Jacob’s journey starting out as a new nurse in the burn ICU

-How he built confidence by learning from techs, colleagues, and mentors

-How he overcame the challenge of a 3.0 GPA to get into CRNA school

-The role of resilience, mentorship, and emotional intelligence in interviews

-Why investing in support and preparation made all the difference

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 6 and 12-Month Intensives Here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa

Want more insights? Sign up for my FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school. 

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

Cardiogenic Shock: Clinical Insights with Nicole Kupchik, MN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, PCCN

In this special episode, Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA sits down with critical care educator Nicole Kupchik to unpack practical bedside considerations for managing cardiogenic shock in ICU patients. From vasopressors to mechanical support, this discussion offers real-world insight into how seasoned clinicians think through this complex condition.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Early signs of cardiogenic shock and why timing matters
• Pros and limitations of Impella, balloon pump, and VA ECMO
• Key hemodynamic markers like CPO and PAPI
• Clinical considerations when using norepinephrine, milrinone, dobutamine, and more
• The balancing act of fluid management in left vs. right ventricular failure

Recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans—expect a more candid format and a touch of background conference buzz.

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

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

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

Have you ever wondered why your patient becomes tachycardic during intubation—or hypotensive when the surgeon hasn’t even made an incision yet? These aren't just random fluctuations. They're signals from the autonomic nervous system—and as a future CRNA, being able to interpret them can mean the difference between chasing vital signs and anticipating them.

If you're serious about anesthesia, understanding the autonomic nervous system (ANS) isn't optional—it’s essential. The ANS influences everything from anesthetic depth to hemodynamic management, and mastering its functions gives you a clinical edge both in school and in the OR.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Why understanding ANS function is crucial for interpreting anesthetic depth and hemodynamic trends
• How neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine influence receptor activity
• The physiology of alpha, beta, and muscarinic receptors and how they guide pharmacologic decisions
• Real-world clinical examples that connect ANS theory to intraoperative decision-making
• Why the adrenal medulla plays a key role in the body’s fight-or-flight response
• How this knowledge directly applies to your future practice and board exams

In this special episode, Dr. Sass Elisha—a nationally recognized anesthesia educator and co-founder of The Nurse Anesthesia—walks you through the complex world of the ANS in a way that’s practical, clear, and rooted in real-life anesthesia scenarios.

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the “yin and yang” of autonomic balance—you’ll be able to predict and respond to patient responses like a seasoned provider. This is foundational knowledge that will serve you from the classroom to the OR.

As Dr. Elisha would say, "It's go time!"

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands 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

Learn More about The Nurse Anesthesia, get Free Crisis Checklists and more: www.TheNurseAnesthesia.com

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

Have you ever wondered why your patient becomes tachycardic during intubation—or hypotensive when the surgeon hasn’t even made an incision yet? These aren't just random fluctuations. They're signals from the autonomic nervous system—and as a future CRNA, being able to interpret them can mean the difference between chasing vital signs and anticipating them.

If you're serious about anesthesia, understanding the autonomic nervous system (ANS) isn't optional—it’s essential. The ANS influences everything from anesthetic depth to hemodynamic management, and mastering its functions gives you a clinical edge both in school and in the OR.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Why understanding ANS function is crucial for interpreting anesthetic depth and hemodynamic trends
• How neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine influence receptor activity
• The physiology of alpha, beta, and muscarinic receptors and how they guide pharmacologic decisions
• Real-world clinical examples that connect ANS theory to intraoperative decision-making
• Why the adrenal medulla plays a key role in the body’s fight-or-flight response
• How this knowledge directly applies to your future practice and board exams

In this special episode, Dr. Sass Elisha—a nationally recognized anesthesia educator and co-founder of The Nurse Anesthesia—walks you through the complex world of the ANS in a way that’s practical, clear, and rooted in real-life anesthesia scenarios.

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the “yin and yang” of autonomic balance—you’ll be able to predict and respond to patient responses like a seasoned provider. This is foundational knowledge that will serve you from the classroom to the OR.

As Dr. Elisha would say, "It's go time!"

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands 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

Learn More about The Nurse Anesthesia, get Free Crisis Checklists and more: www.TheNurseAnesthesia.com

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

Join the Free CSPA Community! Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

What if the hardest part of becoming a CRNA… is simply getting into school?

In this inspiring episode, Jenny sits down with Dalton, who recently gained CRNA school admission, proving that you don’t need years of ICU experience to make your CRNA dream a reality. 

Discover how a spontaneous shadowing opportunity sparked Dalton’s passion, what really helped him stand out to admissions panels, and how he overcame imposter syndrome and a lack of support to land that coveted acceptance letter.

You’ll learn:

• Why persistence always beats perfection
• The mindset shift that transformed Dalton’s entire journey
• The underrated “little things” that helped him rise above the competition
• How the CSPA 12 Month Intensive helped him build confidence and strategy
• Why standing out doesn’t mean having a “perfect story” — it means taking action

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “ready” or “experienced enough” to apply, this is your sign to go for it — and this episode will show you how.

Hit play and get ready to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to take the next step in your CRNA journey.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy! Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Click Here: https://cspaedu.com/join

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

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

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Nurse Mentorship is a game-changer for any one in the nursing profession, especially for nurses pursuing CRNA. When done right, it can make all the difference in overcoming the challenges of anesthesia school and advancing in your profession. 

Nurse mentorship and CRNA mentorship programs provide invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom that goes far beyond the classroom. In this conversation, Dr. Woodruff and Dr. Wilson, both key faculty within SNAP’s Nurse Anesthesia Program at Ursuline College, share expert insights on the profound impact mentorship has on both personal and professional growth.

You’ll learn how the right mentorship programs can shape your clinical skills, boost your confidence, and help you navigate the highs and lows of the CRNA journey.

Whether you're seeking mentorship as a student or looking to give back as a mentor, this episode is for you. You'll also discover why developing a new nurses mentorship program or improving an existing one could be the perfect DNP project idea to enhance nurse anesthesia education and foster the next generation of leaders in the field.

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands 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

Learn More About Ursuline College with SNAP DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program: https://www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/dnp-nurse-anesthesia

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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! 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

When it comes to mastering anesthesia, a solid understanding of acid-base balance and blood gas interpretation is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a nursing student, an ICU nurse preparing for CRNA school or already deep into your Nurse Anesthesia Resident training, this topic is essential for clinical decision-making.

In today’s episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Carly Mitchell, DNP, APRN, CRNA, the Program Director of Bellarmine University’s Juneja Nurse Anesthesia Program. With extensive experience in obstetric anesthesia and clinical education, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to break down the complexities of acid-base physiology and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Get ready to boost your critical thinking as Dr. Mitchell breaks down key concepts to help you understand and interpret ABG results with confidence.

From identifying respiratory versus metabolic imbalances to understanding compensation mechanisms, Dr. Mitchell delivers a comprehensive yet practical approach to acid-base management in anesthesia practice. She simplifies the science behind pH regulation, bicarbonate buffering, and the intricate role of the respiratory and renal systems in maintaining homeostasis.

If you’ve ever second-guessed an ABG interpretation or struggled to pinpoint whether an acid-base disturbance is compensated, this episode is for you. So, let’s dive in and elevate your expertise—because as future CRNAs, precision in acid-base management isn’t just important, it’s critical.

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 thousands 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

Learn more about the Bellarmine University Juneja Nurse Anesthesia Program: https://www.bellarmine.edu/lansing/nursing/graduate/dnp-na/

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

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

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

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Legal issues in nursing, and nurse anesthesia practice, are more common than you might think- failing to protect yourself could have devastating consequences for your career. In this can't-miss follow-up to Part One, we’re diving deeper into the proactive steps you can take to shield yourself from legal liability as a CRNA or SRNA.

Our guest expert, Maggie Ortiz—a legal nurse consultant with Advocates for Nurses and a future attorney—shares real-life cases, expert advice, and actionable strategies to help you navigate the complexities of legal risks in anesthesia practice. 

Whether you’re working in a hospital, surgery center or elsewhere, understanding how to advocate for yourself, document properly, and recognize red flags in patient safety is critical.

In this episode, you’ll gain invaluable insights on recognizing unsafe situations, understanding professional liability insurance, and knowing your rights when legal action arises. 

You’ll also hear eye-opening stories about high-risk cases that nearly led to disaster—proving why standing your ground can literally save lives.

If you want to stay ahead of potential legal pitfalls and confidently protect your practice, you won’t want to miss this! Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge every anesthesia provider needs to safeguard their career.

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands 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

Use code CSPA for 10% off courses on www.AdvocatesForNurses.com

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

Get clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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

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

Nursing malpractice is a serious issue that can have life-altering consequences for healthcare professionals, especially CRNAs and SRNAs who work in high-stakes environments. Whether it’s a documentation error, medication mishap, or a failure to adhere to institutional protocols, legal scrutiny can be overwhelming. In today’s podcast, we’re diving deep into proactive measures that can shield you from legal liability.

Special guest Maggie Ortiz, MSN, RN and Founder of Advocates for Nurses, brings her wealth of experience as a legal nurse consultant to discuss real-life cases, common legal pitfalls in anesthesia practice, and how CRNAs can protect themselves before an issue arises. From the importance of meticulous documentation to understanding state-specific regulations, this conversation is a must-listen for any nurse looking to safeguard their career.

Advocates for Nurses was born out of a pressing need to educate and empower nurses to navigate the legal complexities of their profession. Maggie’s firsthand experience as an investigator for a Board of Nursing has given her unique insights into the risks that nurses unknowingly take every day.

Whether it’s understanding the legal implications of medication administration, mitigating the risks of drug diversion accusations, or recognizing how seemingly minor charting errors can escalate into malpractice claims, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to practice smarter.

Tune in to this crucial two-part series to learn how to advocate for yourself, avoid legal pitfalls, and ensure that you’re practicing with confidence and protection in today’s litigious healthcare environment.

Use code CSPA for 10% off courses on www.AdvocatesForNurses.com

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands 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 clearer guidance, live group coaching, and answers to the questions you keep Googling inside CSPA Community+. Try it free for 30 days. No credit card required.

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