17: This Is How Future CRNA Leaders Are Built - Advocacy, Mentorship & Early Involvement

17: This Is How Future CRNA Leaders Are Built - Advocacy, Mentorship & Early Involvement

This episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast is focused on one of the most overlooked aspects of professional growth in nurse anesthesia: getting involved early. In this conversation, I sit down with Jake Bonnema, CRNA - Chair of the AANA Political Action Committee and board member for the Illinois Association of Nurse Anesthesiology - to discuss how mentorship, advocacy, and organizational involvement completely changed the trajectory of his career while he was still a nurse anesthesia resident. We explore why so many nurse anesthesia residents and new CRNAs mistakenly believe they are “too new” to contribute, the mindset shift that occurs when transitioning from RN to CRNA, and why advocacy is essential to protecting and advancing the future of our profession. Jake also shares how early mentorship opportunities at Mid-Year Assembly led him into leadership roles at both the state and national level only a few years after graduation. This episode is ultimately about identity, leadership, and realizing that you do not need decades of experience before you begin making an impact in nurse anesthesia. Topics Discussed: • Getting involved early as a SRNA and new CRNA • The importance of mentorship in nurse anesthesia • Advocacy and political involvement as a CRNA • Why younger voices matter in nurse anesthesia • Leadership development within the CRNA profession Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity [https://www.facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity]   Check out my CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor [https://stan.store/CRNAmentor]   Tune in to CRNA Mentor Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091] New episodes drop every Monday — start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

16: Networking That Actually Changes Your Outcome

In this episode, I’m joined by Seana Lee, a first-year SRNA at Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss a topic that many aspiring CRNAs misunderstand—networking. But this conversation goes far beyond simply introducing yourself at conferences or collecting contacts. Seana shares how intentional networking, mentorship, and relationship-building helped shape her CRNA journey long before she ever submitted an application. From strategically preparing for AANA Mid-Year Assembly to developing mentors, following up with professionals, participating in classes at her top-choice program, and even leveraging advocacy experiences on Capitol Hill, Seana explains how meaningful connections can create opportunities that many applicants completely overlook. We also discuss: * Why networking is really about positioning and reputation * Why strong applicants often build connections before they apply * The importance of intentional follow-up and professionalism * How viewing others as future colleagues—not competition—can change your mindset * Why networking can become one of the most powerful parts of your professional growth If you’re an aspiring CRNA who feels intimidated by networking or unsure where to start, this episode will give you a completely different perspective on how relationships, mentorship, and intentionality can shape your future in this profession. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: http://www.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!

15: Success in CRNA School as an Immigrant: Juliana Washington on Rejection, Resilience, & Belonging

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I’m joined by Juliana Washington, a second-year nurse anesthesia resident in North Carolina, class president, and speaker at the North Carolina state anesthesia conference, to discuss her journey from Brazil to CRNA school. Juliana shares the realities of adapting to a new country, overcoming rejection, navigating self-doubt, and ultimately finding belonging and leadership within nurse anesthesia. This conversation is for any aspiring CRNAs who feel like they don’t fit the “traditional” mold — whether because of rejection, cultural barriers, financial struggles, language differences, or a nontraditional path into healthcare. We discuss resilience, identity, confidence, networking, and how some of the most impactful people in this profession are the ones who had to fight the hardest to get here. Juliana opens up about: * Growing up in Brazil and transitioning to life in the United States * The emotional impact of multiple CRNA school rejections * How her mindset, confidence, and strategy evolved over time * The importance of mentorship, networking, and community * Discussing her book/planner to help other aspiring CRNAs * Finding belonging and stepping into leadership during CRNA school One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that success in nurse anesthesia does not require a perfect or linear journey. Rejection does not define your future, and adversity can become a source of strength if you keep moving forward. If you’re currently feeling discouraged, behind, or uncertain whether you belong in this profession, this episode is meant to remind you that there is no single mold for becoming a CRNA. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: CRNA Mentor Community [https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity] Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: CRNA Mentor Resources [https://stan.store/CRNAmentor] New episodes drop every Monday — start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

14: Dual Certification AGACNP/CRNA Programs

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Greco, CRNA, educator, and one of the key architects behind one of the first integrated dual Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) and CRNA doctoral programs. Together, we explore a model that goes far beyond adding another credential—it challenges how we think about training clinicians in an increasingly complex healthcare system. We discuss the historical forces that made this possible, including the transition to doctoral education in nurse anesthesia and the impact of the APRN Consensus Model. We also break down why these dual programs emerged, what problems they aim to solve within hospital systems, and the ongoing tension between depth of expertise and breadth of capability in advanced practice training. Most importantly, this conversation reframes the question from “Should I do a dual degree?” to something much more meaningful: What kind of clinician are you becoming—and how will you create value in the system you’re entering? This episode is not about telling you what path to choose. It’s about expanding your perspective so you can make that decision with intention. Thank you for tuning in. If you’re looking for mentorship, community, and real guidance, join the CRNA Mentor Community and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs to hear it! Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community:  https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity [https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity] Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources:  https://stan.store/CRNAmentor [https://stan.store/CRNAmentor] New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!

13: From NAR to National Voice: Kevin Chem on AANA Involvement, Wellness, & Finding Your Place in Nurse Anesthesia

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Chem to talk about what it really looks like to move from focusing on “getting in” CRNA school to stepping into a role that contributes to the profession on a national level. We explore his journey from NAR to becoming actively involved in the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), his experience with the Grade 1 View Podcast, and what he’s learned through committee work focused on wellness and membership. This conversation is about more than involvement… it’s about identity. We discuss: • What it actually means to “get involved” in the AANA • Why many students hesitate and how to move past that • What happens behind the scenes in committees and leadership • How early engagement shapes your perspective as a future CRNA • The responsibility new CRNAs have in shaping the future of the profession If you’ve ever wondered when or if you’re “ready” to contribute to this profession, this episode will challenge that thinking. Because the shift from student to professional isn’t just about passing boards. It’s about recognizing your place in something bigger and choosing to step into it. This platform exists to help you streamline your journey, be intentional with every step, and connect with the people and opportunities that will shape your future in nurse anesthesia. Thank you for tuning in. If you’re looking for mentorship, community, and real guidance, join the CRNA Mentor Community—and don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs it. Join us in the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity [https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity] Check out my other CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor [https://stan.store/CRNAmentor] New episodes drop every Monday. Start your week off right with CRNA Mentor Monday!