11: Inside CRNA School: Conferences, Advocacy, and Life as a Nurse Anesthesia Resident

In this episode, we go inside CRNA school—what it actually looks like, what it demands of you, and how to make the most of the experience once you’ve been accepted. I’m joined by Madisyn Granoski, a Student Registered Nurse Anesthetist at the University of Scranton, Student Trustee with PANA, and someone who has fully immersed herself in the profession early in her training. This conversation is centered around a simple idea: getting accepted is not the finish line—it’s just the beginning. We talk through her transition from the ICU into anesthesia training, the mindset shifts required early on, and what surprised her most when starting the program. You’ll hear what day-to-day life actually looks like as a SRNA, how she balances clinical, didactic, and personal responsibilities, and the challenges that come with training at this level. We also dive into her experience attending the AANA Mid-Year Assembly and her role as a Student Trustee with PANA—why involvement in state and national organizations matters, how it shapes your perspective of the profession, and why advocacy is something you should be thinking about earlier than you might expect. This episode is about pulling back the curtain on what aspiring CRNAs don’t always see: – What actually matters once you’re in school – What applicants tend to over-focus on – And how to start becoming someone who truly belongs in this profession If you’re on the path to CRNA school, this episode will help you better understand what’s ahead—and how to approach it with clarity, confidence, and intention. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday.