The CRNA Club Podcast

The CRNA Club Podcast

bySachi Lord

BusinessCareersEducationHow-ToScience

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...

Episodes(40 episodes)

Season 1 - Episode 87
Hemodynamics Explained for ICU Nurses
Hemodynamics makes more sense when pressure, flow, resistance, and oxygen delivery are interpreted together. Sachi connects preload, afterload, contractility, compliance, stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, SVR, CVP, PAOP, and fluid responsiveness, then applies the full profile to a CRNA school interview case.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:Hemodynamics Preload & Afterload Quick ReferenceCRNA Mock Interview PracticeFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the CRNA school application process...
Published: Sep 23, 2026Duration: 16m 9s
Season 1 - Episode 86
Precedex vs Propofol: ICU Sedation and CRNA Interview Decisions
Precedex versus propofol is not a one-drug-wins comparison. The safer choice depends on the sedation target, airway and ventilation risk, hemodynamics, onset, recovery, pain plan, and patient context. This episode moves from GABA-A and alpha-two signaling to the bedside effects ICU nurses should anticipate and explain in a CRNA school interview.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:Precedex vs Propofol Sedation Cheat SheetCRNA Mock Interview PracticeFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application...
Published: Sep 21, 2026Duration: 14m 43s
Season 1 - Episode 85
Vasopressor Pharmacology for ICU Nurses and CRNA Interviews
Vasopressor pharmacology is easier to remember when you start with the hemodynamic problem: does the patient need more vascular tone, more contractility, or both? Sachi reviews alpha-one, beta-one, beta-two, and alpha-two signaling, then compares norepinephrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin, dobutamine, and milrinone by mechanism and clinical job.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:Vasopressor Pharmacology Cheat SheetCRNA Mock Interview PracticeFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the CRNA school...
Published: Sep 18, 2026Duration: 15m 38s
Season 1 - Episode 84
Your 18-Month CRNA Application Timeline
A strong CRNA application timeline starts about 18 months before your earliest deadline. This episode walks backward from submission so you can plan prerequisites, academic repair, ICU acuity, the GRE, CCRN preparation, shadowing, your resume and essays, recommendations, transcripts, and final submission without stacking everything into the last few months.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:CRNA Application Timeline GeneratorCRNA School DatabaseFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the...
Published: Sep 16, 2026Duration: 16m 46s
Season 1 - Episode 83
CRNA School Prerequisites: What to Retake Before You Apply
CRNA prerequisites involve two different questions: what each target program requires for eligibility and what your transcript needs to prove for competitiveness. Sachi explains how to review core science grades, compare a same-course retake with higher-level academic recovery, and make the decision in the right order.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:CRNA School DatabaseCRNA Transcript AnalyzerFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the CRNA school application process...
Published: Sep 14, 2026Duration: 14m 33s
Season 1 - Episode 82
CRRT Explained for ICU Nurses
CRRT becomes easier to reason through when you start with diffusion, convection, and ultrafiltration. This episode connects those transport mechanisms to CVVHD, CVVH, CVVHDF, and SCUF, then walks through effluent dose, circuit pressures, alarms, anticoagulation, and a CRNA school interview case.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:CRRT Modes, Settings & Alarms Cheat SheetCRNA Mock Interview PracticeFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the CRNA school application process in...
Published: Sep 10, 2026Duration: 12m 41s
Season 1 - Episode 81
What to Put (and NOT put) on Your CRNA School Resume/CV
Your CRNA school resume should make your ICU acuity, critical-care skills, leadership, certifications, and preparation for anesthesia easy to find. In this episode, Sachi explains what belongs on the first page, when a second page is useful, how to write specific ICU bullets, and what to cut.RESOURCES FOR THIS EPISODE:CRNA School DatabaseFREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY:Transcript Analyzer - See your cumulative, science, and last-60-credit GPAs9-Step Application Checklist - Work through the CRNA school application process in order...
Published: Sep 9, 2026Duration: 11m 4s
Season 1 - Episode 80
They WILL Ask You About Shock in Your CRNA Interview
Every CRNA school interview panel asks about shock. Most applicants can name the four types. What separates the answers that land is mechanism — Frank-Starling in hypovolemic, the afterload trap in cardiogenic, iNOS-driven nitric oxide collapse in distributive, RV dilation and septal shift in obstructive. This episode covers all four shock states at the cellular level: hemodynamic profiles, bedside clues, and the exact language to use when a program asks you to walk through shock in an interview.   We have a full shock states lesson inside The CRNA Club learning library — hemodynamic profiles for every...
Published: Jun 15, 2026Duration: 39m 16s
Season 1 - Episode 79
What CRNA Interviewers Actually Want to Hear About Vasopressors
Understanding vasopressors for CRNA interviews means going beyond what each drug does — interviewers want to know why it does it, at the receptor and cellular level. This episode walks through the mechanism of action for norepinephrine, epinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin, dobutamine, and milrinone, tracing each drug from receptor binding through intracellular signaling to the clinical effect at the bedside. Want to go deeper on vasopressors? Try The CRNA Club FREE for 7 days — the learning library has a full vasopressor lesson with dosing, indications, and comparison framework. FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR...
Published: May 21, 2026Duration: 13m 36s
Season 1 - Episode 78
Why Is Everyone Getting Accepted to CRNA School But Me?
Sometimes the path to CRNA school feels like an uphill battle, and it’s easy to wonder if all the late nights, sacrifices, and stress are really worth it.In this episode, we discuss the power of perseverance and the importance of setting realistic goals throughout your CRNA journey. You’ll hear how shifting your perspective, adjusting your timeline, and staying organized can help reduce stress and keep you moving forward, even when it feels like everyone else is getting in but you. 👉 Don’t forget to check out the links below to get access...
Published: Oct 2, 2025Duration: 15m 54s
Season 1 - Episode 77
3 Ways To Become More Competitive
If you're wondering "How the heck do I become more competitive?!" You're not alone. With thousands of aspiring CRNAs accessing the same information online, on blogs, and on podcasts like this one, how do you really rise above the noise? It's hard, we hear it from applicants every day.  In this episode, we dive into three often overlooked strategies that can take your application from solid to standout — and no, it's not just about your GPA or experience. You'll also hear practical, achievable steps to implement each one, no matter where you are in your jou...
Published: Sep 23, 2025Duration: 23m 47s
Season 1 - Episode 76
Non-Traditional Ways of Gaining Shadowing Experience
Looking to score a CRNA shadow experience but hitting dead ends? You're not alone, and this episode will give you everything you need to confidently find and maximize your shadowing opportunities. In this episode, we discuss why shadowing a CRNA is an unspoken must, even if not technically required by every program. You’ll learn how to find shadow experiences in creative, effective ways - from reaching out to state organizations and cold-emailing clinics, to attending AANA meetings and connecting with SRNA programs in your area. Plus, we dive into exactly how to prepare so tha...
Published: Aug 16, 2025Duration: 17m 43s
Season 1 - Episode 75
Hot Topics in the CRNA World
Why are CRNAs always talking about politics? In this episode, we break down the “why” behind some of the most talked-about issues in the CRNA world, giving you the foundational knowledge you’ll need as you step into this profession. In this episode, we discuss what it means to be an "opt-out" state, how the CMS 2001 ruling opened the door for CRNAs to practice independently, and why this matters so much, especially in rural and veteran care. You'll also hear about the critical role CRNAs play in underserved areas, and why the rise of Anesthesiologist Assista...
Published: Aug 7, 2025Duration: 10m 58s
Season 1 - Episode 74
Pros and Cons of a Front Loaded Program
In this episode of The CRNA Club Podcast, we’re discussing the pros and cons of front-loaded CRNA programs. If you’re in the thick of school selection or just curious about what front-loaded actually means for your day-to-day life and long-term success, this one’s for you. You’ll hear firsthand insights from someone who thrived in a front-loaded setup, plus perspectives from current SRNA Courtney Lamb, who completed her didactic year remotely. We break down the major perks (like cost savings, staying local, and building a solid academic foundation) as well as the potential...
Published: Aug 5, 2025Duration: 13m 43s
Season 1 - Episode 73
Virtual and In-Person Interview Tips (and why I got rejected!)
In this episode, we break down the must-know tips for mastering your CRNA school interviews, both in-person and virtual. From what to wear and how to carry yourself, to navigating awkward silences, computer glitches, and high-pressure clinical questions, we’re covering it all. You’ll also learn how to let your personality shine through, use the STAR method to answer emotional intelligence questions, and how to handle it when your mind goes blank. Stick around to the end for practical advice on how to mentally prepare and show up as the best version of yourself on interview day. <...
Published: Jul 24, 2025Duration: 16m 54s
Season 1 - Episode 72
Your Resume Blueprint - Do's and Don'ts
Your resume is one of the most critical pieces of your application. In this episode, we break down real resume mistakes from past applicants and shares expert tips on formatting, credentials, ICU experience, and leadership sections that admissions committees actually want to see. Learn what to include (and what to ditch) to create a competitive, clean, and compelling resume. RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY: 🔥 JOIN THE CRNA CLUB MEMBERSHIP - FREE FOR 7 DAYS! 👀 Looking for CRNA schools? - check out our CRNA School Database Let’s be friend on...
Published: Jul 22, 2025Duration: 22m 18s
Season 1 - Episode 71
How Many School Should You Apply To?
In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most common and most anxiety-inducing questions for aspiring CRNAs: How many programs should you apply to? Should you cast a wide net and apply to 10+ schools, or go all-in on your top two choices? We break it all down and give you a realistic, strategic approach to help you decide what's best based on your unique situation.RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY: 🔥 JOIN THE CRNA CLUB MEMBERSHIP - FREE FOR 7 DAYS! 👀 Looking for CRNA schools? - check out our CRNA School Database...
Published: Jul 18, 2025Duration: 15m 59s
Season 1 - Episode 70
Applying to the Same Program Again? Here's What To Do.
In today’s episode, we discuss reapplying, specifically applying twice—to the same CRNA program. We cover actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and realistic expectations you’ll need to turn a second (or third) submission into a success story.RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY: 🔥 JOIN THE CRNA CLUB MEMBERSHIP - FREE FOR 7 DAYS! 👀 Looking for CRNA schools? - check out our CRNA School Database Let’s be friend on the 'gram: thecrnaclubCheck out more resources for you here at THECRNACLUB.COM
Published: Jul 14, 2025Duration: 23m 19s
Season 1 - Episode 69
State vs. National AANA Meeting - How to Decide?
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: 🔥 JOIN THE CRNA CLUB MEMBERSHIP - FREE FOR 7 DAYS! 👀 Lookin...
Published: Feb 16, 2025Duration: 27m 41s
Season 1 - Episode 68
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions about the CRNA School Application Process
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: 🔥 JOIN THE CRNA CLUB MEM...
Published: Feb 11, 2025Duration: 31m 14s