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 Readiness

Jump Ahead to Listen:

02:22 | Jenny’s Origin Story: Discovering Anesthesia
05:07 | What Makes a Strong CRNA Candidate (Beyond Grades)
06:37 | Jenny’s Application Journey: Rejection, GRE, and Persistence
09:15 | How CRNA School Requirements Have Evolved
11:24 | Transitioning from ICU RN to Independent CRNA
15:23 | Finding Your Voice as a Bedside Nurse
16:47 | Imposter Syndrome, Comparison, and Fear of Failure
19:46 | Choosing Yourself & Trying Even If You Might Fail
21:06 | How CRNA School Prep Academy Was Born
23:18 | Jenny’s Deep ‘Why’ for Mentorship & CRNA Practice
25:40 | The Power of Passionate Care in Nursing
27:02 | When to Join CRNA School Prep Academy & What’s Included
28:34 | Community, Connections & Future Classmates
29:29 | Is CRNA School Really That Hard?
30:05 | How Do People Afford CRNA School? Loans, Savings, Strategy
33:33 | Final Advice

Connect with Colton on social media:
Instagram: @coltonalanlord, @club.nurse
TikTok: @nursecolton

Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn and social media:
Instagram: @crnaschoolprepacademy

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