The Mindful CRNA Podcast

Amanda Kay MSN, CRNA
  • 4.8 (19)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Bimonthly

Welcome to "The Mindful Aspiring CRNA Podcast" – Your Companion on the Path to Becoming a CRNA Getting into and through CRNA school can often feel like an uphill battle, leaving you grappling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and low self-confidence. But you don't have to merely survive, You can thrive! Instead of succumbing to the struggles, let's navigate the challenges of your CRNA journey together. This podcast is your sanctuary of expert guidance, mentorship, and high-end coaching principles designed to empower you on your path to CRNA excellence.

  1. Jun 25

    Ep 34: When Your CRNA Dreams Are Disrupted, Deferred and Inconvenient: What Do You Do Next?

    Have you ever felt like life completely derailed your plans? Like the dream was finally within reach, only for everything to fall apart? This may be one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on The Mindful CRNA Podcast. In this deeply honest episode, Amanda sits down with current NAR Shana Dagny—a former professional actress, singer, competitive athlete, ICU nurse, and one of the most resilient humans you'll ever meet. Shauna's journey to CRNA school is anything but traditional. Born in the Philippines and then living in the world of theater and performance, she spent years chasing success on stages and enduring rejection after rejection in pursuit of her acting dream. Nursing orginally was the side hustle and how she put food on the table. Eventually though, nursing became the place where she rediscovered her joy and her CRNA calling.  But just as she was preparing for her next chapter, her health took an unexpected turn. After developing severe asthma and complications from long-term steroid treatment, Shauna faced devastating diagnoses including Addison's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome. Within weeks, she gained over 80 pounds, became largely bedridden, lost her athletic abilities, and was forced to defer her CRNA school acceptance. Many people would have stopped there but Shana didn't. Instead, she rebuilt her life one day at a time. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ Handling rejection and disappointment without losing yourself ✨ Why failure may be one of your greatest teachers ✨ The surprising lessons acting taught her about CRNA interviews ✨ Learning to stop seeking validation from others ✨ What it means to intentionally pursue discomfort & failure ✨ Building confidence through action instead of certainty ✨ Navigating chronic illness while pursuing ambitious goals ✨ The mindset that helped her get accepted into CRNA school ✨ Why "you don't need more strength—you need fewer excuses" ✨ Trusting God when the path forward doesn't make sense This conversation is a reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear, It's showing up anyway. Whether you're applying to CRNA school, currently in school, facing rejection, battling health challenges, or simply navigating a difficult season of life, Shana's story will challenge you to rethink what is possible. The greatest victories aren't found in perfect circumstances but in the willingness to keep going. 🎙️ Listen now and prepare to be inspired. Delayed Dreams and Unshaken Purpose. Delays don't have to take you off your path but can become the very things that keep you grounded in it.  LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:  Shana's IG: How to Find Happiness Experiment Flow Anesthesia on IG Commercials Shana has done   How to Find Happiness Experiment on YT Shana Broadway Musical Theatre

    55 min

  2. Jun 11

    Ep. 33 You Belong Here: CRNA School, Delayed Gratification & Failing to Keep Going w/ Bilal Mohammad CRNA

    What does it really take to get into—and through—CRNA school? In this episode of The Mindful CRNA Podcast, Amanda sits down with CRNA and content creator Bilal Mohammad for an honest conversation about leadership, perseverance, social media, and the realities of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Bilal shares his unique journey from aspiring aerospace engineer to CVICU nurse to CRNA, including how he was accepted into CRNA school with just 2 years of nursing experience. Together, they tackle some of the biggest topics facing aspiring CRNAs today: ✨ Gatekeeping in anesthesia ✨ Getting into CRNA school with "limited" ICU experience ✨ Leadership qualities that set applicants apart ✨ Why delayed gratification is essential for success ✨ Failing exams and bouncing back stronger ✨ Surviving integrated CRNA programs ✨ Managing difficult preceptors and clinical challenges ✨ Social media, professionalism, and protecting your career ✨ Board preparation and transitioning into practice ✨ Learning to trust yourself when self-doubt creeps in If you've ever wondered whether you're ready, questioned if you belong in CRNA school, or struggled through the inevitable challenges of this journey, this conversation is for you. Bilal's message is simple but powerful: You were selected for a reason. You belong where you are. Keep going. 🎙️ Whether you're an aspiring CRNA, current NAR, or new graduate preparing for boards and your first job, you'll walk away with practical advice, encouragement, and a fresh perspective on what it means to lead yourself through one of the most demanding journeys in healthcare. Follow Bilal @thatcrnawholifts

    1h 3m

  3. May 28 ·  Video

    EP. 32: Why You're ACTUALLY Not Behind on Your CRNA Journey

    After a few weeks away from the mic, I'm finally back — and this episode marks the beginning of an entirely new season. Since we last talked, I competed in my first bodybuilding competition, took 4th place, turned 40 and realized something that completely shifted the way I view success, purpose, CRNA school, leadership, and life itself: The stage was never the point. We spend so much of our lives chasing "big moments": ✨ getting accepted into CRNA school ✨ graduation day ✨ passing boards ✨ the title ✨ the applause ✨ the recognition But what happens when the moment ends? In this deeply personal episode, I unpack: What bodybuilding prep taught me about discipline, identity, and emotional resilience Why so many aspriring CRNAs burn out after reaching the goal The dangerous lie social media sells about "overnight success" Why CRNA school is far more formational than educational How imposter syndrome is often a sign of adaptation — not inadequacy The connection between muscle physiology, stress adaptation, and nervous system regulation What "post-show blues" taught me about sustainability and self-worth How fear, perfectionism, people pleasing, and overwhelm act like emotional paralytics Why preparation is NOT punishment The leadership lessons hidden inside disappointment, delay, sacrifice, and pressure What it truly means to build a legacy that lasts This episode is for the aspiring CRNA, NAR, new CRNA, high achievers, perfectionists, and exhausted humans who feels like they're carrying heavy weight right now. You are not failing. You are being built. And maybe… just maybe… the discomfort isn't proof that you're incapable, but proof that you're growing. CRNA Bootcamp is coming soon, and this episode opens the door into what we're building next together. Because we are not just preparing you for CRNA school. We are preparing you to carry the weight of the life you prayed for. If you've been feeling behind, overwhelmed, discouraged, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in comparison… this episode is for you. You are not behind. You are in training. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:  Website: www.amandakaycrna.com Instagram:  @amandakcrna @crna_wellness IG Post that was the inspo for this episode  How to Stop Overcomplicating your CRNA Journey (Free Video on the CRNA Roadmap Sales Page) YT Channel

    29 min

  4. Apr 9

    Ep. 31: Disrupting Narratives & Breaking Toxic Norms on your CRNA Journey

    What if the hardest part of the CRNA journey isn't your intelligence… but your nervous system?  In this episode, we're disrupting the narrative that burnout, chaos, brute force, constant hustle and enduring constant suffering are just "part of the process" in becoming a CRNA. Because let's be honest… Some of what's been normalized in healthcare is not excellence but survival mode. And you were not created to just survive your way through this journey. Inside this episode, we break down: ✨ Why your brain resists change—and how that's keeping you stuck ✨ The real reason you feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and mentally tapped out ✨ The science behind stress, cognitive fatigue, and "change overload"  ✨ Why pushing harder is actually making it worse ✨ How curiosity and compassion can rewire your brain for growth ✨ The shift from hustle → steadiness ✨ Why "standards over goals" will completely change how you show up ✨ And I reveal the question that makes everyone I ask it uncomfortable You'll also learn how to stop operating from: → Perfectionism → People-pleasing → Performance pressure → Constant productivity …and start leading yourself from a place of: → Emotional intelligence → Regulation → Resilience → Identity-driven standards Because here's the truth: You don't need more strategy. You need a new way of thinking, responding, and leading yourself through pressure. This episode will help you stop reacting to your environment and start shaping it. It's time to stop saying: "I'm surviving" …and start deciding: "I will thrive through this" 🔥 If you're ready to move from burnout → self-leadership, this one is for you. 🎧 Listen now & share with a future nurse anesthetist! LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:  Email me for a FREE 15min Consult at amandakayonline@gmail.com Coaching Program for RNs Coaching Program for NARs My website for all the goods: www.amandakaycrna.com

    32 min

  5. Mar 19

    Ep. 30: The 7 Identity Crises of the CRNA Journey (+ How to Overcome)

    Becoming a CRNA isn't just an academic challenge. It's an identity transformation. In this episode of The Mindful Aspiring Nurse Anesthesia Podcast, I introduce a powerful framework that explains something many aspiring CRNAs experience but struggle to put into words: Why is this so hard? And why does this journey sometimes feel so bad?  Welcome The 7 Identity Crises of the CRNA Journey! At every stage of this path — from deciding to apply to stepping into your role as a new CRNA — your sense of identity is challenged, stretched, and reshaped. And if you don't understand what's happening psychologically, it's easy to believe something is wrong with you. But the truth is: Nothing is wrong with you. These internal struggles are a normal part of becoming the provider you're meant to be. In this episode, we explore: • The 7 Identity Crises every future CRNA experiences • Why imposter syndrome shows up again and again during this journey and how to overocme it  • The hidden psychological shifts that happen from ICU nurse → NAR → CRNA • Why strategy alone won't move you forward  • How confidence, resilience, and leadership are built during the journey — not after you arrive You'll learn about the key identity transitions many people face: The Worthiness Crisis – "Am I good enough to apply?" The Decision Crisis – "Is this dream worth the sacrifice?" The Imposter Crisis – "Did they make a mistake accepting me?" The Competence Crisis – Going from expert ICU nurse to beginner again The Pressure Crisis – Learning to regulate yourself under high stakes The Identity Integration Crisis – Student → Provider The Leadership Crisis – Who will you become once you arrive? This episode is a reminder that becoming a CRNA is not just about mastering pharmacology or passing boards but about developing the internal leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience required to care for patients when their lives are most vulnerable. Because great anesthetists aren't just knowledgeable, they're steady under pressure. If you've ever questioned whether you belong on this path, felt the weight of imposter syndrome, or wondered why the journey feels so mentally intense — this episode will give language to what you're experiencing and help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You're not just surviving this journey. You're becoming someone extraordinary. LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:  www.amandakaycrna.com YouTube: Why a CRNA School Acceptance Won't Fix your ICU Burn-out **FREE 15min Consult: Email amandakayonline@gmail.com with your availabiity

    34 min

  6. Feb 26

    Ep. 29: Mentoring vs. Coaching: What's the Difference — and Why It Matters in Your CRNA Journey

    Welcome back to The Mindful Aspiring CRNA Podcast. In this episode, I'm diving into a conversation that's long overdue in healthcare: mentoring vs. coaching — what they are, what they aren't, and why the distinction actually matters more than we think. If you've ever wondered: "Why would I pay for coaching when I can get advice for free?" "Is coaching even legit?" "Isn't this just mindset fluff?" "Shouldn't healthcare professionals be able to handle things on their own?" This episode is for you. I share my own very real, very skeptical beginning with coaching back in 2020 — when I was a brand new mom, working 24-hour shifts during the height of the pandemic, juggling personal challenges, and silently white-knuckling my way through it all. Hiring a coach didn't just help me "feel better." It changed how I led at work, how I showed up in my marriage, how I built my business, and how I took care of my own nervous system. And that's the part we don't talk about enough in healthcare. We are trained to manage everyone else's physiology — but not our own. In this episode, I unpack: Why mentorship is powerful — but often incomplete How coaching goes deeper than strategy and into identity The nervous system science behind procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome Why high-achievers often stall despite "knowing what to do" The 4 P's that quietly dominate the CRNA journey: Perfectionism, Productivity, Performance, and People-Pleasing Why burnout is normalized — but personal development is not The truth about paying for coaching and the psychology behind commitment 6 reasons you absolutely should not get a coach This isn't about hype. It's not about "just think positive." It's not about someone telling you what to do. It's about learning how to lead yourself. Because you can know everything… and still not execute. You can look successful… and still feel shaky inside. You can hustle toward your goals… without building the character required to sustain them. If you're an aspiring CRNA who feels stuck in cycles of overthinking, overworking, self-doubt, or emotional reactivity — this conversation will challenge you in the best way. Healthcare doesn't need tougher people. It needs developed leaders. So listen with an open mind and then decide for yourself if coaching is for you or not.  I'll see you inside the episode. LINKS MENTIONED:  Want a 15min FREE Consult? Email me your availabiity at amandakayonline@gmail.com Follow me on IG @amandakcrna or my YouTube Channel Roadmap Coaching for RNs Coaching for NAR/RRNAs Website: www.amandakaycrna.com

    38 min

  7. Feb 12

    Ep. 28: Built Through Every Season: Turning Pain into Purpose as a CRNA

    What happens to the version of you who survives CRNA school… once life keeps evolving? In this honest and deeply reflective episode of The Mindful Nurse Anesthesia Resident Podcast, Amanda sits down with Sarah, CRNA and founder of Mooxli, for a conversation about growth, identity, resilience, and the many seasons of a CRNA career. From starting in the ER and traveling with her nurse husband… to navigating waitlists, pivots, and the illusion of the "perfect time" to apply — Sarah shares how nursing has shaped her path in unexpected ways. Together, they unpack the life-changing evolution from the person you were in CRNA school to the person you become afterward — and why waiting is never passive if you're committed to your growth. This episode explores: ✨ The power of agency — and why you can't hand your well-being over to circumstances ✨ The in-between seasons of waiting, transitioning, and redefining your identity ✨ The struggles and unhealthy patterns that got her through CRNA school — and what she learned from them ✨ Rural practice, career pivots, contracts, and the realities of first jobs ✨ Turning pain into purpose through Mooxli and building true resilience ✨ Why community, values, and self-compassion matter more than perfection You'll also hear about the moment she almost quit CRNA school, how to walk through what feels impossible, and the three truths she shares to close out this powerful conversation. If you've ever wondered: Does the perfect time for CRNA school really exist? Who's responsible for my well-being during this journey? What happens after CRNA school? This episode is for you! Because the goal isn't just becoming a CRNA — it's becoming someone who can evolve through every season that follows. MOOXLI Website Follow Sarah on IG Books mentioned in the episode: Say Less, Get More Necessary Endings Fawning

    56 min

  8. Jan 29

    Ep. 27: The Non-Traditional Advantage: Redefining your CRNA Path with Kendall CRNA

    What if the path you think is non-traditional is actually your greatest advantage? In this episode of The Mindful Nurse Anesthesia Resident Podcast, Amanda sits down for an honest, grounding conversation about letting go of the "shoulds" surrounding CRNA school, clinical training, and life after graduation—and learning to trust the path that's uniquely yours with Kendall CRNA, the creator of Vital Pro Docs.  From not starting in a traditional ICU, to navigating CRNA school during COVID, to failing her first exam and specializing right after school,  this episode normalizes the realities many aspiring CRNAs quietly worry about but rarely say out loud. Together, we explore: Why there is no single "right" ICU background for CRNA school How non-traditional ICU experience and even Med-Surg experience can actually make you a stronger CRNA Reflection points to help you uncover your future CRNA superpower before CRNA school interviews Why hobbies, presence, and identity outside of school matter more than you think The incredible pivot she made in CRNA shcool during Covid Honest conversations about being married in CRNA school—and the support it requires Failing your first exam, study tips that actually work, and learning to tolerate imperfection Did you feel prepared when you graduated? How to choose your first CRNA job Is OB right out of CRNA school really "allowed"? (Yes—and here's why she loved it) The essence of what being a CRNA truly is The privilege of pressure and learning to rise without burning out Locums tips, credentialing frustrations (and solutions), and life after CRNA school This episode is for aspiring CRNAs who feel behind, different, or unsure if they're "doing it right." ✨ Because the truth is: There is no right way. There is only the way life takes.  And sometimes the path that looks the least traditional is the one preparing you most. IG: @vitalprodocs, @kendall_crna Vital Pro Docs Website

    56 min
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4.8
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Mindful Aspiring CRNA Podcast" – Your Companion on the Path to Becoming a CRNA Getting into and through CRNA school can often feel like an uphill battle, leaving you grappling with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and low self-confidence. But you don't have to merely survive, You can thrive! Instead of succumbing to the struggles, let's navigate the challenges of your CRNA journey together. This podcast is your sanctuary of expert guidance, mentorship, and high-end coaching principles designed to empower you on your path to CRNA excellence.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Kay MSN, CRNA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    The Mindful CRNA Podcast

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