Have you ever felt like life completely derailed your plans?

Like the dream was finally within reach, only for everything to fall apart?

This may be one of the most powerful conversations we've ever had on The Mindful CRNA Podcast.

In this deeply honest episode, Amanda sits down with current NAR Shana Dagny—a former professional actress, singer, competitive athlete, ICU nurse, and one of the most resilient humans you'll ever meet.

Shauna's journey to CRNA school is anything but traditional.

Born in the Philippines and then living in the world of theater and performance, she spent years chasing success on stages and enduring rejection after rejection in pursuit of her acting dream. Nursing orginally was the side hustle and how she put food on the table. Eventually though, nursing became the place where she rediscovered her joy and her CRNA calling.

But just as she was preparing for her next chapter, her health took an unexpected turn.

After developing severe asthma and complications from long-term steroid treatment, Shauna faced devastating diagnoses including Addison's Disease and Cushing's Syndrome. Within weeks, she gained over 80 pounds, became largely bedridden, lost her athletic abilities, and was forced to defer her CRNA school acceptance.

Many people would have stopped there but Shana didn't. Instead, she rebuilt her life one day at a time.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ Handling rejection and disappointment without losing yourself

✨ Why failure may be one of your greatest teachers

✨ The surprising lessons acting taught her about CRNA interviews

✨ Learning to stop seeking validation from others

✨ What it means to intentionally pursue discomfort & failure

✨ Building confidence through action instead of certainty

✨ Navigating chronic illness while pursuing ambitious goals

✨ The mindset that helped her get accepted into CRNA school

✨ Why "you don't need more strength—you need fewer excuses"

✨ Trusting God when the path forward doesn't make sense

This conversation is a reminder that courage isn't the absence of fear, It's showing up anyway.

Whether you're applying to CRNA school, currently in school, facing rejection, battling health challenges, or simply navigating a difficult season of life, Shana's story will challenge you to rethink what is possible.

The greatest victories aren't found in perfect circumstances but in the willingness to keep going.

🎙️ Listen now and prepare to be inspired.

Delayed Dreams and Unshaken Purpose. Delays don't have to take you off your path but can become the very things that keep you grounded in it.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Shana's IG: How to Find Happiness Experiment

Flow Anesthesia on IG

Commercials Shana has done

How to Find Happiness Experiment on YT

Shana Broadway Musical Theatre