The CRNA Club Podcast

The CRNA Club Podcast

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Wish you knew exactly what you needed to do to get into CRNA school? Need help coming up with a strategy to be a competitive applicant? You're in the right place! You'll get all of that and more when you tune into The CRNA Club Podcast with your host (and practicing CRNA) Sachi Lord. Her specialty? Breaking things down and turning them into bite-sized actionable steps and dishing the strategy you need to be a competitive applicant. Tune in, get inspired, and learn exactly what you need to do to check all the right boxes so you can get into CRNA school and join #thecrnaclub. Here are a few topics we cover: - Choosing the right CRNA program for YOU - Figuring out what prerequisites you need - What a typical day of a CRNA looks like - How to pay for CRNA school - Learning how to compare and contrast programs - What makes a prepared applicant? - Should you take the GRE? - What certifications you NEED to get - What not to do when submitting your application - How to write a stand out resume -How to calculate your GPA for CRNA school - Personal essay Do's and Don'ts - Shadowing a CRNA, how to find one - Questions to ask the admissions committee - Preparing for your CRNA school interview - and more!

Sachi Lord


    • Feb 16, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 67 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The CRNA Club Podcast

    State vs. National AANA Meeting - How to Decide?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 27:41


    In this episode we break down how you decide WHICH AANA meeting you're going to attend, whether that's a state or national meeting. Tune in to figure out which one is the best option for you! And check out our CRNA Club Membership where you can connect with other applicants going to these meetings, plus get all the resources you need (like business card templates, questions to ask, resources to bring) to make it well worth it! RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY:

    Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about the CRNA School Application Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 31:14


    In this episode we go over the 10 most asked questions that I get from applicants. We'll explore strategies for strengthening your application, from targeting specific programs to boosting your GPA and choosing the right graduate-level courses. We'll discuss GPA calculation, CV vs. Resumes, and who to ask for those crucial letters of recommendation. Plus, we'll break down the personal statement (even when there's no prompt!) and give you insider tips on acing the interview, including handling clinical questions, EQ assessments, and those unexpected left-fielders.RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY:

    A BIG update and predictions for your 2025 application cycle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 15:00


    We've been working on our brand new CRNA Club Membership for the past year and it's FINALLY here. It's MORE than just a membership, it's an entire ecosystem of tools, resources, videos and a community. You get access to our School Database (totally upgraded, btw), over 60+ video lessons covering the entire application process and pharm + patho review. Plus swipe files, templates, study guides + done for you resources. Plus, a community of applicants who are go-getters just like you. Join us! CHECK OUT THE CRNA CLUB MEMBERSHIP HERE!Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thecrnaclub/

    WALK + TALK: Preparing for a State or National Conference

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 26:26


    In this Walk + Talk episode, come with me on a bike path walk as we discuss preparing for a State or National Conference, how to decide which one to go to, what days, and what you should be doing a month out from the meeting (aka. how to prepare!).

    Annual Congress - San Diego

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2024 10:44


    On the fence?! Just do it! It'll be worth it I promise. Professor Temmermand and I will be there. If you need a little convincing to join us at the AANA Annual Congress, take a listen!

    Big No No's When Applying To CRNA School

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2024 10:09


    Stemming from a text I got from a Program Director, this episode is meant to just be a quick reminder of what NOT to do. Trust me, you don't want to be that guy.

    The EQ Interview Questions You Know You'll Get Asked

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2024 13:30


    You'd be surprised at how many people fumble basic questions. Yes, some schools hit heavy on the clinical content, but MOST will at least have several EQ questions. You might not know the answer to a clinical question (and it might still be just fine), but if you fumble an EQ question, whelp...you won't be so lucky.

    Why I Love Being a CRNA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 15:14


    Why we love being CRNAs! This episode is meant to encourage you to keep going and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's not easy, but it's worth it, I promise!

    Make Sure You're Doing/Not doing These Things for your Personal Statement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 10:02


    Feel like your personal statement is just a box to check on your CRNA school application?Think again! In this episode we dive into the art and power of storytelling in your personal statement and explain why your personal statement is more important than ever. Plus some tips to help you write an essay that will knock it out of the park.Doors are now open for our Accelerator program, check it out here before doors close on 5/4: https://thecrnaclub.com/accelerator-bundle-deal

    The Things You're Now Expected to Know Before Applying

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 9:00


    This episode we discuss three crucial things you should know before applying to CRNA school, especially considering how competitive it has become.We've got a 2-Day Challenge coming up on April 23rd and 24th, we're going to uncover your application blindspot and develop a plan of action to address your weak spots. Register below! 4/23 + 4/24 TWO DAY CHALLENGE: UNCOVERING YOUR APPLICATION BLINDSPOT - Register Now!

    The 4 Areas of Your Application You Need to Assess

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2024 10:09


    Let's discuss what it means to take a step back and look at your application from a couple of different angles. Sure, a high GPA helps, but if you're missing some of these key things even a 4.0 won't be enough. We've got a 2-Day Challenge coming up on April 23rd and 24th, we're going to uncover your application blindspot and develop a plan of action to address your weak spots. Register below! 4/23 + 4/24 TWO DAY CHALLENGE: UNCOVERING YOUR APPLICATION BLINDSPOT - Register Now!

    What Your Timeline Looks Like the Year Before You Apply

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 10:22


    If you're in the planning phase, this episode is for you. Let's break down each key piece of you application and the timeline for completing each milestone. Register for the free roadmap planning workshop below! FREE WORKSHOP 4/7/2024 - CREATING YOUR APPLICATION ROADMAP

    Uncover Your Application Blindspot

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2024 8:24


    It's not just ONE thing that's going to make you competitive. It's checking the boxes in a few areas. Tune into this episode to see what piece of the puzzle you're missing, and what you can do about it!

    Your GPA and What You NEED to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 9:16


    Did you know programs don't all look at the same type of GPA, or calculate it in the same way? This week on the podcast we break down what you need to know about calculating your GPA, and how to strategize based on your GPA.

    Top Resume/CV Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2024 13:11


    We've seen a LOT of resumes, and in this episode we dive into the top self-sabotaging mistakes that we see applicants make. Your resume is your chance to capture the admission faculty's attention, and entice them to invite you for an interview. Take a listen to learn how to craft a strategic resume. Resume Templates plus over 50+ prompts - grab yours here! Just $37

    Things I Overlooked When Picking a CRNA Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2024 14:29


    There's a LOT that goes into picking your programs. And not all schools are created equal. In this episode I'll share with you the mistakes that I made when picking programs, and give you some tips on some things you should consider, that some people overlook (and it costs them later!). Looking for CRNA schools? - check out our School Database Tool to find your schools in a matter of clicks!

    Top 3 Underrated Application Strategies

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2024 9:43


    We've seen a TON of applicants this past year. Some implementing some moves that really made a difference for them in the application process. It's incredible how competitive programs are now, and in this episode we're breaking down some strategies you can activate to help you stand out and set yourself apart.

    [Drive + Talk] This question made me a tad angry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2024 17:45


    An unfiltered, unedited episode about a question that I got in Office Hours the other day, and I was mad that this is even an issue. Might delete later, who knows

    Questions to Ask During Your Shadow Day

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 9:54


    Your Shadow Day isn't a passive experience. It's a day that you should be prepared for, have done research for, and show up prepared with specific objectives. How many hours should you shadow? What questions do you ask? We're covering it all.

    5 Mistakes You Can't Afford to Make During Your Application Process

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 14:46


    Introducing the RN Roadmap for Nursing Students with Max, RN and Anna, RN

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 14, 2023 7:14


    Podcast takeover alert! RNs Max and Anna introduce a new, free resource and support community for nursing students. The RN Roadmap Zoom calls are a safe space to gain support, insight, and guidance from ICU nurses who traveled the same path before you. Sign up to get the Zoom link emailed to you: https://learn.thecrnaclub.com/rn-roadmap

    A Peek Inside Ashley's Application Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 40:38


    Ashley is an Accelerator student and ER turned ICU nurse. We had the pleasure of meeting up in Seattle, and I got to watch this extrovert first hand work her magic. In addition to being incredibly supportive of her peers, Ashley is incredibly encouraging and gives us an inside peek into what her application journey has been like thus far. Just as a side note, but computer was NOT happy and was a *tad* laggy. There are times where my audio cuts out or overlaps with hers, sorry about that! Looking for CRNA schools? - check out our School Database Tool to find your schools in a matter of clicks!Curious to see how competitive of a CRNA School Applicant you are? Take the quiz here.Let's be friend on the 'gram: thecrnaclub.We've got TONS of free resources to turbo-boost you to pressing "submit" on that application, check us out online at The CRNA Club.com

    From Emergency to Anesthesia: Kyle Credle's story of perseverance and grit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2023 59:50


    I've had the privilege of following Kyle's journey over the past year. Seeing him work hard and navigate the ups and downs of applying to CRNA school has been incredibly inspiring. Kyle was faced with some tough decisions along the way, tune in to find out why he turned down an acceptance, and what ultimately moved the needle for him. Follow Kyle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/credleanesthesia/Check out his blog: https://emergencytoanesthesia.com/

    How the 2023 AANA Annual Congress REALLY went with Professor Temmermand

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2023 58:30


    Professor Rhea Temmerand and Sachi dish the behind the scenes on their recent trip to Seattle for the 2023 AANA Annual Congress. What they planned vs. what really happened, the highlights of the experiences, and what they'll do differently next time. (We met a TON of awesome applicants, residents, and CRNAs, we couldn't mention everyone, but know we truly loved connecting with each and every single one of you)

    WALK + TALK: 6 Things To Focus While in the ICU

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2023 13:39


    Your critical care experience sets a solid foundation for CRNA school, here are 6 things that you should focus on while you're in the ICU. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Getting through the ups and downs of applying to CRNA school with Amanda Kay, CRNA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2023 48:06


    Finding support, whether that is through mentorship, coaching, or even friends and family is key to making it through both a rigorous application process as well as CRNA school itself. Programs and faculty vary in the level of support, as well as the culture of different clinical sites. Being adaptable, receptive, and resilient is key. Amanda is a big advocate for building a support system, and focusing on your mental health through school. In this episode she walks us through her challenging experiences during CRNA school, and how she is helping others become successful SRNAs and CRNAs. You can work with her here! And give her a follow on Instagram @amandakcrnaBRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Passing your CCRN the FIRST time around with Critical Care Academy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 50:43


    Planning to take your CCRN? Nick, founder of CCRN prep Critical Care Academy, shares with us insight about the exam, how many test questions you should plan to take, and what the latest update to the exam is. He gives us his best tips! And don't forget, you can use code "crna10" to enroll in his CCRN Review Course with 10% off! CCRN Review Course by Critical Care AcademyFollow Nick on Instagram!BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Tips for writing a personal statement that is well, personal.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 41:41


    Dr. Diane Cady, our resident word wizard here at the CRNA Club, shares some tips and advice surrounding crafting a personal essay that captivates. Dr. Cady is a development editor, and has helped some of the most talented professionals get into some of the most competitive programs in the country, across all fields. She has a gift for working with "even the draftiest of drafts". With the transition to all programs being Doctorate degrees, the essay is more important than ever. Listen to learn how to write an essay that is polished and perfected. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    That sweet 1099 life with @Vinny2guns_ and @amber_CRNA aka THE DREAM TEAM

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2023 55:47


    Talk about INSPIRING. Our favorite CRNA Dream Team, Vinny and Amber, dropped some major bombs on mindset, working toward your goals with intention, and what life looks like as a 1099 CRNA (spoiler alert, it looks pretty freakin' good). Follow them on IG: https://www.instagram.com/amber_crna/https://www.instagram.com/vinny2guns_/Find them on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisdreamteamBRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    This SRNA's secret sauce - a MUST listen.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 48:43


    In this episode, current SRNA Moneer shares his secret sauce, how he finally got in after multiple application cycles, and his superpower that has gotten him far. Edit: We want to be clear that Moneer got his Master's degree and did achieve a >3.6 GPA in that achievement. We're not sure if we mentioned that, but for full transparency, that was a big game changer for him!BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Applicant FAQs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2023 11:28


    Let's break down the most common FAQs from applicants (and the answers). Not all the rumors are true!BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Advice to applicants from SRNAs

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2023 7:15


    Our SRNAs have spoken! 5 tips from SRNAs for your application process. Getting into CRNA school is HARD. But you know what? We're here to help. Oh, and don't miss the last tip- it's the best one! BRAND SPANKIN' NEWGet on the Waitlist for CRNA School Application Accelerator

    What faculty member Dr. Rhea Temmermand looks for in CRNA school applicants and WHY

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 43:10


    Dr. Rhea Temmermand is a faculty member, full time researcher, textbook editor, and downright impressive CRNA. In this episode, she shares with us what she looks for in CRNA school applicants, gives some tips on how to stand out, and drops a big knowledge bomb on a piece of the application puzzle that is more important than ever. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Tangible Interviewing Tips from Communications Coach Michelle Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 47:51


    In this guest episode, Communications Coach and professional actress Michelle Miller gives some pointed advice on how to better communicate, appear and feel more confident, and how to prepare and handle high stress situations (like your CRNA school interview). She also specializes in storytelling, which is KEY in both the interview process as well as the personal essay. She dishes some exercises and actionable tips to help you remain cool, calm, and collected. I guarantee you'll learn a TON. Check out Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellesimonemiller/ BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Nursing School vs. CRNA School - Why your application process won't work this time around

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2023 7:53


    Applying to nursing school and CRNA school are two different beasts. Tune in to listen to what makes the CRNA school application process DIFFERENT, and what you can do about it to maximize your efforts. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Tips for the New Grad ICU Nurse with Vincent Doann

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 53:26


    Being a new graduate in the ICU is tough. BEYOND tough. Being in the right ICU, with the right culture, with the right people all help, but Vincent unlocks some major gems on what else it takes to succeed. Follow Vincent on IG: https://www.instagram.com/vincentdoann/Check out his YouTube ChannelBRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    How to land a GOOD new grad ICU job

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 51:33


    The quickest way to getting into CRNA school? Getting a coveted new graduate ICU job. In this episode, graduating nursing student Anna gives us some insider tips on how to weed out bad new grad ICU job offers from good ones, and how to ensure you're getting high acuity experience that checks the right boxes for your future CRNA school application. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    DRIVE + TALK: I'll shout it from the rooftops

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2023 19:27


    Thoughts on my drive home from work. 3 things I repeat over and over again. A bit of coughing because, you know, germs. And just an unfiltered, real life episode for ya. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    WALK + TALK: Get off the treadmill

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 4:59


    My love note to you. A gentle reminder to myself. And how to run a marathon. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Why you WON'T get into CRNA school

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 7:22


    Sorry for the clickbait headline (sorta, haha) but there are some key, avoidable mistakes that I see people making over and over again that I want to MAKE SURE you don't make. Let's discuss 3 reasons why people don't get into CRNA school.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    YOUR Secret Weapon When Applying to CRNA School

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2023 8:40


    In the past few years, the CRNA school application pool has gotten a lot more competitive. This might be due to social media, the increased awareness about the profession, or maybe even the fact that Covid was incredibly stressful for nurses and that lit a fire underneath them to pursue the next steps in their careers. Regardless, it takes a lot more to get into CRNA school now then it did 5 years ago. I'm uncovering your secret-weapon for applying to CRNA school, don't miss this!BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    WALK + TALK: Why you SHOULD be a Chatty Cathy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 7:30


    Better than being a Karen, be a Chatty Cathy. Here's why. It's CRNA-related. I swear. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    How you know you're ready to apply?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 7:08


    So you might be like many people and wonder when you're actually going to be ready or rather feel ready to apply to CRNA School. And the answer might shock you. You might never truly feel ready. However here are some signs that you can consider to see if it's time you start working on the CRNA school application.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Making the MOST out of your year in the ICU

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 8:01


    There is a lot to do during that year or two that you are getting critical care experience. It's going to go by FAST. One of the biggest mistakes we see applicants making is not starting to prepare soon enough. So today we are going to be talking about 3 key things that you should be doing in the ICU while you are getting your Critical Care experience.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    WALK + TALK: Happiness then vs. now

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 8:31


    We walk and talk. Dogs bark. Someone is out of breath (most def not me). But it's the unfiltered, un-polished, real life lowdown on all topics surrounding CRNA life. This time? Why my job satisfaction has changed and my thoughts on it. BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Things you MUST do while you're getting ICU experience

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 8:01


    There is a lot to do during that year or two that you are getting critical care experience. It's going to go by FAST. One of the biggest mistakes we see applicants making is not starting to prepare soon enough. So today we are going to be talking about 3 key things that you should be doing in the ICU while you are getting your Critical Care experience.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    3 key things to do (and not do) when writing your CRNA school essay

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 9:26


    At a certain point in the application process, all CRNA school applicants are going to be competitive. What's going to set you apart? It's going to be your essay. Here are 3 things to do (and not to do) when writing your essay.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    The ONE thing that will change your entire application journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2023 13:40


    Everybody feels like an imposter. Everybody wonders if they're good enough for CRNA school. Everybody thinks that they are the most unqualified applicant to ever submit an application. Everybody worries that the admissions committee is going to look at their application and simply toss it aside thinking to themselves "what makes this person think they're even in the slightest way competitive?” Don't let this swallow you up whole. Listen to this episode to figure out what you can do to get un-stuck mentally, and conquer those voices of doubt in your head.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    We need to stop doing this.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 10:06


    The biggest mistake that I see CRNA school applicants making? It's not starting sooner. You can't come to us 3 months before your application deadline and ask, “What do I need to do to be more competitive?” And expect to be able to deliver. That's not going to give you enough time to retake one or two science classes, attend events, do projects, get involved in the things you need to get involved in. Sure, we can give you some suggestions, but submitting an application for CRNA school is a lot of work. You are asking for letters of recommendation from multiple people, you are spending time writing a personal essay, it's an emotional investment. You need time to get this all done strategically.So what does that realistically look like from a timeline perspective?Let's break down each piece of the application process and how long each part takes.BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    If I were applying to CRNA school again here's 5 things I'd do differently

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 22:22


    Alright, so what would I do differently if I were applying to CRNA school this year? Here are 5 things that I'd change. Let's go!BRAND SPANKIN' NEW

    Before you pick your CRNA schools, check this ONE thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 9:59


    Can you imagine spending months and months on your CRNA School application and only come to find out that you were rejected because you didn't read (or understand) the admissions requirements correctly? Yeeeaaahhh. This has happened.Before you lock down what CRNA programs you're going to be applying to, you first need to do this one thing. Listen to find out!BRAND SPANKIN' NEWCurious to see how competitive of a CRNA School Applicant you are? Take the quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/62bbf0d8c7792f0018b6be59

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