In this episode, I sat down with Kate Bekken, SRNA/RRNA, and her husband, Zach, to dive deep into what it really takes to balance love, finances, and sacrifices while navigating CRNA school.

From managing career shifts to staying connected as a couple, they dropped some GEMS you won’t want to miss!

We Cover It All, Including:

❤️ Kate’s journey to CRNA school – from NP aspirations to landing a spot after mock interviews

❤️ How many schools she applied to, her GPA, and nursing experience

❤️ Zach’s career sacrifices and how he balanced his job with Kate’s demanding clinical schedule

❤️ How non-medical spouses can support aspiring CRNAs and key conversations to have with employers and each other

❤️ Communicating expectations and setting a shared vision for the future

❤️ Handling multiple moves for school and staying flexible as a couple

❤️ How Kate manages relationships inside and outside of CRNA school

❤️ Staying connected as a couple – avoiding burnout and prioritizing quality time

❤️ Is a 4.0 GPA really worth it? Shifting priorities and adjusting expectations

❤️ Finances, marriage, and the realities of CRNA school – budgeting and planning for success

❤️ Managing resentment and navigating the emotional burdens of school

Kate and Zach’s transparency and wisdom offer incredible insights for couples who are considering—or currently facing—the challenges of CRNA school together. Whether you’re an aspiring CRNA or a supportive partner, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you thrive in both marriage and school.

🎧 Tune in now and take notes – your future self will thank you!

LINKS MENTIONED in the Episode:

My LIVE on IG @amandakcrna

Kates IG: https://www.instagram.com/kate_srna/ @kate_srna

#CRNA #MarriageGoals #CRNASchool #Relationships #SRNA #WorkLifeBalance #FutureCRNA #NurseAnesthesia #LoveAndSacrifice

Are CRNA recruiters really as bad as people say? 🤔

In this episode, I sit down with Keith Evola, President of KTE Services, an anesthesia recruiting company with 24+ years of experience, to spill all the tea on CRNA job hunting, contracts, and recruiters.

We’re diving into:
✅ The bad rep recruiters get & how Keith handles hate comments
✅ How new grads can protect themselves from bad job deals
✅ The best questions to ask when looking for a CRNA job
✅ Sign-on bonuses, non-compete clauses & contract red flags 🚨
✅ Should you sign a contract in CRNA school?
✅ What really matters in choosing a hospital or practice
✅ Should you work in a surgery center, office, or hospital first?
✅ The must-haves on your CRNA CV ✍️
✅ What if you don’t feel confident in regionals before finding a job?

💡 Keith’s philosophy? Leave people better than you found them and meaningful conversations matter.

Grab your notes and get ready to feel EMPOWERED about your CRNA job search! So many paths exist in this career—let’s explore them together.

📌 Resources & Links:
🔗 KTE Services Website Link

Connect with KTE services on Instagram @ktemedicaljobs

📚Check out my Boards & Beyonds program which gives you real-world career insights to help you choose your first CRNA job without all the overwhelm of contracts and malpractice PLUS tackle test anxiety and self doubt while creating an effective study plan for the SEE & NCE. Get signed up here!

🎧 Tune in now & share this with a fellow SRNA or CRNA who’s job hunting!

💡 CRNA School Didn’t Go as Planned? You’re Not Alone.

In this episode of The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Podcast, we’re diving into a tough but necessary conversation—what happens when CRNA school doesn’t work out? Whether you had to take a leave of absence, withdrew, or were dismissed, I want you to know this: Your journey isn’t over.

🔹 The fear of failing or being found out as an “imposter” is real.
🔹 Social media paints an unrealistic picture of success, but the truth is, struggles happen.
🔹 This episode is here to help you remove the shame, navigate next steps, and find hope.

I’ll cover:
✅ Why this happens and the three main circumstances students face
✅ What you can do to process, pivot, and keep moving forward
✅ How to handle difficult conversations with faculty and plan your next steps
✅ The importance of knowing your program’s policies
✅ Mindset shifts that will help you rebuild confidence and clarity

💬 Need support? You’re not alone. Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help.
📩 Email me: amandakayonline@gmail.com

👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And don’t forget to subscribe for more coaching on thriving in CRNA school and beyond!

#CRNASchool #CRNACoaching #MindsetMatters #CRNAJourney #NurseAnesthesia

Here's the link to my coaching program: The Mindful SRNA/RRNA Coaching

Link to the episode I mentioned: How to Prepare for CRNA School