What does it really take to make it through CRNA school, and what happens after the boards are over? Today, Kevin reconnects with former classmates Madison Martin and Nicole Strickland to reflect on their long journeys to becoming CRNAs. Every path to an anesthesia career is unique, and the joy is often found in the process of growth and learning. This episode will give you a candid, first-hand look at the challenges and opportunities that await you.  

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

✨ Real stories behind why each guest chose the CRNA path

📚 How to handle rejection in the application cycle (and why “not yet” isn’t “no”)

🧠 Board prep tips: what actually worked, what didn’t, and how it felt

❤️ Balancing family, grief, and life outside of school

🌍 Life goals after graduation: from travel dreams to clinical confidence

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