Episode 10: Was CRNA School Actually Worth It?

In this episode of The Nomadic Clinician, I’m answering one of the most common — and complicated — questions I get: Was it all worth it?

From the grueling years of study, sleepless nights, and financial investment to the reward of autonomy, impact, and career freedom — I’m unpacking the full picture of what CRNA school gave me (and what it took). We’ll talk job satisfaction, pay, lifestyle, and whether I’d do it all over again.

If you're on the fence about nurse anesthesia school or just want a raw perspective from someone who's walked the walk, this one's for you.

Keywords: CRNA school, nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesiology 

Episode 9: What I Wish I Had Known Before Stepping Into the OR as a Nurse Anesthesia Resident

Welcome back to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — CRNA, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and former anesthesia resident who learned a few things the hard way.

In this episode, I’m sharing the unfiltered truths I wish someone had told me before my very first day in the OR as a student. From managing imposter syndrome to learning how to communicate with your preceptor, adapting to OR culture, and building confidence in your skills — we’re covering it all.

Whether you’re gearing up for clinicals or reflecting on your own early OR days, this episode is packed with insights, encouragement, and lessons you don’t want to learn the hard way.

Hit subscribe and stick around — because we’re just getting started.

Keywords: CRNA, nurse anesthesia resident, clinical residency, CRNA school, RRNA

Episode 8: What to Look for When Landing Your First CRNA Job

Welcome to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — a CRNA and Emergency Nurse Practitioner who’s navigated the job market from both sides of the advanced practice fence. In this episode, we’re talking about what really matters when choosing your first CRNA job.

From salary and call schedules to autonomy, culture, and mentorship — I’ll walk you through the key factors that go beyond the job posting. We’ll cover what red flags to watch for, how to evaluate contract terms, and what questions to ask during interviews that go deeper than just "What’s the pay?"

If you're gearing up for your first CRNA role or planning ahead while still in school, this episode is your practical guide to making a smart, sustainable career move.

Subscribe and follow for more real-world advice from someone who’s lived the shift from new grad to practicing CRNA

Keywords: CRNA jobs, CRNA school, CRNA, nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesiology

Episode 7: New Grad CRNA | That Awkward Period Between Graduation and Starting Work

Welcome back to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — dual-certified CRNA and Emergency Nurse Practitioner. In this episode, we’re tackling the weird, quiet, and often overlooked in-between: the awkward period between graduating from CRNA school and actually starting your first job.

I’ll dive into what it’s like to shift from the nonstop intensity of school to the waiting game of credentialing, licensure, and onboarding. We'll talk about the emotional rollercoaster, financial planning during the gap, and how to use that time strategically — from rest and recovery to prepping for day one.

If you’re wrapping up CRNA school or wondering what to expect after graduation, this episode brings clarity, preparation tips, and real talk from someone who’s been through it.

Subscribe and stay tuned for more insights into navigating life before and after the OR.

Keywords: CRNA, CRNA school, nurse anesthesia, hospital credentialing, licensing

Episode 6: My First Shift as a New Grad CRNA | Day in the Life of a CRNA

Welcome to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — CRNA and Emergency Nurse Practitioner. In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my very first shift as a new grad CRNA.

After waiting several months post graduation (licensing/hospital credentialing), here's what my very first day as a CRNA looked like. You’ll also hear how the transition from student to independent provider actually unfolds once the schooling is done.

If you’re curious about what life is like as a new CRNA — or you're nearing graduation yourself — this one’s packed with insight, honesty, and a few hard-earned tips.

Subscribe now and keep following along as we explore the real-life experiences that shape advanced practice nursing careers.

Keywords: CRNA, nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesiology, CRNA school, CRNA independent practice

Episode 5: Working in Wilderness Medicine in Rural Alaska as a Nurse Practitioner

Welcome back to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — CRNA, Emergency Nurse Practitioner, and passionate advocate for non-traditional career paths in healthcare. In this episode, I’m sharing what it’s really like to work as a nurse practitioner in one of the most remote and rugged environments in the U.S.: rural Alaska.

From medevacs and satellite clinics to limited resources and incredible autonomy, I’ll walk you through the realities of practicing wilderness medicine — where your skills are tested, and your resourcefulness matters most. You'll hear what it takes to thrive in this kind of role, how it shaped my clinical decision-making, and why this kind of work leaves a lasting impact.

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting out of the hospital grind, craving adventure, or wondering if remote medicine might be for you — this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe and join me on the journey toward redefining what’s possible in advanced practice nursing.

Keywords: Nurse practitioner, emergency medicine, wilderness medicine, remote medicine, austere environments, locum tenens

Episode 4: Should You Become a CRNA or an NP?

Welcome to another episode of The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — a dual-certified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Today we’re diving into one of the most common questions in advanced practice nursing: should you become a CRNA or a Nurse Practitioner?

In this episode, I’ll compare the paths side-by-side — from education and training to lifestyle, compensation, autonomy, and the day-to-day realities of each role. 

If you’re feeling torn between the two, or just curious about what life looks like on either side, this episode will help clarify your direction.

Subscribe and follow along as we explore the road to a fulfilling, flexible, and intentional healthcare career.

Keywords: Nurse practitioner, CRNA, nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesiology, CRNA school, nurse practitioner school

Episode 3: So You Want to Go to CRNA School in 2025 | What CRNA Schools Are Looking for in Their Candidates

Welcome back to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — a dual-certified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In this episode, we’re talking all things CRNA school admissions for 2025: what programs are really looking for, and how to stand out in a highly competitive field.

From GPA and ICU experience to leadership, shadowing, and emotional intelligence — I’ll break down the components that matter most (and the ones you may be overlooking). 

If CRNA school is your next step, this episode will help you refine your focus and build a strategic plan to get there. In future episodes, we will do a deep dive into the CRNA school interview process. 

Subscribe and join me as we unpack the journey to advanced practice — one honest conversation at a time.

Keywords: CRNA, CRNA school, nurse anesthesia, nurse anesthesiology, CRNA school admissions 

Welcome back to The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — dual-certified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and CRNA. In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know if NP school is on your radar for 2025. From choosing the right program and prepping your application, to navigating prerequisites, interviews, and building a competitive resume — I’m breaking it all down.

I share insights from my own journey and what I’ve seen work (and not work) for aspiring nurse practitioners. This isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about intentional planning, understanding the landscape of advanced practice nursing, and setting yourself up for success long before your first class.

If you’re dreaming about becoming an NP, this episode is your roadmap. Whether you're fresh out of bedside nursing or coming in with years of experience, this one's for you.

Subscribe and join me as we explore how to build a career that aligns with your goals — and your life.

Keywords: Nurse practitioner, emergency medicine, locum tenens, nurse practitioner school, FNP, ACNP

Episode 1: How We Got Here – From NP to CRNA | Host Introduction

Welcome to the debut episode of The Nomadic Clinician! I’m your host, David Warren — a dual-certified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own journey: from the high-pressure world of emergency departments as an NP, to the deep dive into nurse anesthesia training, and now full circle as a practicing CRNA.

You’ll hear why I created this podcast — a space for honest conversations about the advanced practice journey, career pivots, and the realities of locum life. I talk about how working in emergency medicine shaped my perspective, what pushed me to go back to school, and how traveling as a clinician has transformed my approach to work and life.

Whether you're considering NP or CRNA school, already practicing, or thinking about transitioning between roles — this episode sets the tone for everything to come. Expect transparency, tips, and tales from the frontlines of healthcare.

Subscribe and join me as we explore what it means to build a career that fits your life — not the other way around.