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