If you're an RN considering CRNA school, getting involved in the nurse anesthesia profession before you're accepted can provide opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, and professional growth.

One of the biggest opportunities to do that is AANA Annual Congress—but is it worth attending as an aspiring CRNA?

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Hallie Evans, AANA Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, and Dr. Andy Benson, incoming Chair of the AANA Professional Development Committee, to discuss how RNs and APRNs can make the most of AANA Annual Congress.

We discuss why the AANA has become increasingly intentional about creating opportunities for RN and APRN members, what first-time attendees can expect, and why simply showing up isn’t enough. From choosing educational sessions and using the conference app to mock interviews, networking, and the conversations that happen outside the lecture halls, we break down how to approach Congress with intention.

We also discuss:

• Why AANA expanded membership to include RN and APRN affiliates • How to plan your schedule without becoming overwhelmed • RN-specific educational sessions and resources • The Know Before You Go: RN Edition webinar Date: 8/18/26 Time: 6 pm – 7 pm CST Link: https://www.aana.com/event/know-before-you-go-rn-edition/ • Mock interviews and other opportunities beyond the lectures • How to network intentionally with CRNAs, SRNAs, and educators

Annual Congress isn’t simply an opportunity to add another experience to your resume. It’s an opportunity to intentionally invest in the profession you hope to join.

Whether you’re already planning your trip to Boston or still deciding whether Congress is worth attending, this episode will help you arrive with a plan—and get far more out of the experience than simply showing up.

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Professionalism doesn't begin on your first day of CRNA school—it begins with the decisions you make long before you're accepted.

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I share a recent experience that challenged the way I think about mentorship, professionalism, and the responsibility we all have to protect the future of our profession. What started as conversations about sharing CRNA school interview questions quickly became something much bigger: a discussion about integrity, professional identity, and what admissions committees are truly evaluating.

Drawing from conversations with CRNA educators and program directors from across the country, we explore why professionalism starts before orientation, how seemingly small decisions shape your professional identity, and why becoming the right applicant is more important than simply getting accepted.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why professionalism begins long before your first day of CRNA school

• What educators and program directors shared about academic integrity and admissions

• How the application process shapes the kind of CRNA you'll become

• Why mentorship includes protecting the profession—not just helping applicants get accepted

• The question every aspiring CRNA should ask themselves: Who am I becoming while I'm pursuing this goal?

Whether you're just discovering nurse anesthesia, gaining ICU experience, preparing your application, or getting ready for interviews, this episode is an invitation to think beyond acceptance and focus on becoming the kind of professional that programs are proud to train.

If this episode challenged your perspective, please share it with another aspiring CRNA, mentor, or educator. Together, we can strengthen our profession by developing not only competitive applicants—but future CRNAs grounded in professionalism, integrity, and mentorship.

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New episodes drop every Monday—start your week off right with the CRNA Mentor Podcast!

In this episode of the CRNA Mentor Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Jillian Moyer, a recent graduate of the University of Scranton Nurse Anesthesia Program, to discuss how one unexpected clinical experience during CRNA school ultimately became a publication in the AANA Journal.

What began as a rare unilateral spinal anesthetic quickly became much more than an interesting case. Through the guidance of an exceptional mentor, Jill transformed a challenging clinical experience into a scholarly publication while learning valuable lessons about patient advocacy, professional growth, and the publication process.

In this episode, we discuss the clinical case, why it was important to share with the profession, and how strong mentorship can completely change the way we view unexpected challenges during training. We also explore what it takes to publish in a peer-reviewed journal, why nurse anesthesia residents shouldn't underestimate the opportunities available to them during CRNA school, and how curiosity can open doors you never expected.

We'll also discuss:

-The rare unilateral spinal anesthetic that inspired the publication

-The role mentorship played throughout the publication process

-Why failed procedures can become some of our greatest learning experiences

-What it's really like to publish in the AANA Journal as a nurse anesthesia resident

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that mentorship extends far beyond teaching clinical skills. The right mentor doesn't simply help you become a better clinician—they help you recognize opportunities, build confidence through challenges, and see possibilities you may have never considered on your own.

Whether you're preparing for CRNA school or currently in training, I hope this conversation reminds you of the lasting impact great mentorship can have on our profession.

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Tune in to the CRNA Mentor Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crna-mentor/id1871988091 New episodes drop every Monday—start your week with clarity, confidence, and intention.