So You Want to Be a CRNA? Let’s Talk Reality, Rejection, and Readiness (With Jenny Finnell)

This episode is for every nurse who’s ever been like… “am I actually CRNA material?” 😅 It’s CRNA Week, and Colton sits down with Jenny Finnell, CRNA (12+ years in anesthesia and the founder of CRNA School Prep Academy + TeachRN) to talk about what it really takes to get into CRNA school—and to make it through once you’re in. They get into imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, finding your deeper “why,” and how to filter out the noise and focus on feedback that actually helps. If you’re CRNA-curious, ICU, or prepping to apply, this one’s your sign.>>So You Want to Be a CRNA? Let’s Talk Reality, Rejection, and ReadinessJump Ahead to Listen:02:22 | Jenny’s Origin Story: Discovering Anesthesia05:07 | What Makes a Strong CRNA Candidate (Beyond Grades)06:37 | Jenny’s Application Journey: Rejection, GRE, and Persistence09:15 | How CRNA School Requirements Have Evolved11:24 | Transitioning from ICU RN to Independent CRNA15:23 | Finding Your Voice as a Bedside Nurse16:47 | Imposter Syndrome, Comparison, and Fear of Failure19:46 | Choosing Yourself & Trying Even If You Might Fail21:06 | How CRNA School Prep Academy Was Born23:18 | Jenny’s Deep ‘Why’ for Mentorship & CRNA Practice25:40 | The Power of Passionate Care in Nursing27:02 | When to Join CRNA School Prep Academy & What’s Included28:34 | Community, Connections & Future Classmates29:29 | Is CRNA School Really That Hard?30:05 | How Do People Afford CRNA School? Loans, Savings, Strategy33:33 | Final AdviceConnect with Colton on social media:Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @club.nurseTikTok: @nursecoltonConnect with Jenny on LinkedIn and social media:Instagram: @crnaschoolprepacademy🎙️ About the Club Nurse PodcastThank you for tuning in! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with a colleague.🌐 Connect With UsOfficial Website: Visit nurse.org/clubnurse for episodes, articles, and exclusive nursing resources.Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Club Nurse on YouTube to watch full video episodes and highlights.Follow Nurse.org:Instagram: @nurse_orgFacebook: @nurse-orgLinkedIn: @nurse-orgTikTok: @nurse.orgConnect with Colton on social media:Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @club.nurseTikTok: @nursecolton