Hate the ICU but Eyeing CRNA? What It Really Takes to Get In (and Thrive)
Thu Jan 22 2026
Hate the ICU, but still thinking about CRNA school? You're not alone. And it might not be the dealbreaker you think.
In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA, to unpack what it really takes to get into CRNA school, and what life actually looks like on the other side. Jenny shares her honest experience of struggling emotionally in the ICU, why becoming a CRNA felt completely different, and how many nurses misunderstand what this career path truly demands.
Instead of glamorizing CRNA school, we break down the realities: who's a good fit, who might not be (yet), and how to approach the process strategically: without burning yourself out or self-selecting out too early.
What you'll learn:
✅ Why you don't have to love ICU nursing to thrive as a CRNA (and how the emotional load can be totally different)
✅ What CRNA programs are really looking for: ICU experience, prerequisites, references, and the details most applicants miss
✅ How to prepare for the interview (clinical questions + emotional intelligence) and how to handle questions you don't know without panicking
We also talk candidly about fear, rejection, impostor syndrome, and why "no" doesn't mean never. If you're burned out in the ICU but curious about CRNA, or you're early in your ICU journey and trying to decide if this path is worth pursuing, this episode will help you make a more informed, grounded decision.
🔗 Resources & Links:
🎁 CRNA Conference Giveaway: Enter to win TWO full scholarship tickets (you + a CRNA buddy) to the in-person CRNA School Prep Academy Conference in Louisville, KY (June 12-14, 2026), plus travel vouchers for both of you. Learn more and ENTER HERE. Join Jenny's free aspiring CRNA Community of 3,500+ nurses Learn more about Jenny and CRNA School Prep Academy ➡️ https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com/ Follow CRNA School Prep on socials for free resources and giveaways: @CRNASchoolPrepAcademy Join the FreshRN email list ➡️ https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up Nurse leaders: Need a comprehensive residency program for your new grads? Check out: https://www.freshrn.com/enterprise/
🎧 Follow & Subscribe:
If this episode gave you something to think about, follow FreshRN wherever you listen to podcasts, and share it with a nurse friend who might need it too!
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Hate the ICU, but still thinking about CRNA school? You're not alone. And it might not be the dealbreaker you think. In this episode, I (Kati Kleber, MSN RN) sit down with Jenny Finnell, MSN, CRNA, to unpack what it really takes to get into CRNA school, and what life actually looks like on the other side. Jenny shares her honest experience of struggling emotionally in the ICU, why becoming a CRNA felt completely different, and how many nurses misunderstand what this career path truly demands. Instead of glamorizing CRNA school, we break down the realities: who's a good fit, who might not be (yet), and how to approach the process strategically: without burning yourself out or self-selecting out too early. What you'll learn: ✅ Why you don't have to love ICU nursing to thrive as a CRNA (and how the emotional load can be totally different) ✅ What CRNA programs are really looking for: ICU experience, prerequisites, references, and the details most applicants miss ✅ How to prepare for the interview (clinical questions + emotional intelligence) and how to handle questions you don't know without panicking We also talk candidly about fear, rejection, impostor syndrome, and why "no" doesn't mean never. If you're burned out in the ICU but curious about CRNA, or you're early in your ICU journey and trying to decide if this path is worth pursuing, this episode will help you make a more informed, grounded decision. 🔗 Resources & Links: 🎁 CRNA Conference Giveaway: Enter to win TWO full scholarship tickets (you + a CRNA buddy) to the in-person CRNA School Prep Academy Conference in Louisville, KY (June 12-14, 2026), plus travel vouchers for both of you. Learn more and ENTER HERE. Join Jenny's free aspiring CRNA Community of 3,500+ nurses Learn more about Jenny and CRNA School Prep Academy ➡️ https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com/ Follow CRNA School Prep on socials for free resources and giveaways: @CRNASchoolPrepAcademy Join the FreshRN email list ➡️ https://www.freshrn.com/email-sign-up Nurse leaders: Need a comprehensive residency program for your new grads? Check out: https://www.freshrn.com/enterprise/ 🎧 Follow & Subscribe: If this episode gave you something to think about, follow FreshRN wherever you listen to podcasts, and share it with a nurse friend who might need it too!