Starting out in the ICU as a brand-new nurse is never easy—especially when you’re balancing life as a dad, navigating the burn unit, and staring down a 3.0 GPA on your way to CRNA.

In this episode of the CSPA Podcast, Jenny sits down with Jacob, an experienced ICU and travel nurse, to share his inspiring journey from burn trauma to CRNA school acceptance, recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans.

Whether you’re an aspiring CRNA worried about your GPA, a nurse trying to gain confidence in the ICU, or simply looking for encouragement on your path, Jacob’s story is filled with practical lessons and honest insights to keep you moving forward.

In this episode, we discuss:

-Jacob’s journey starting out as a new nurse in the burn ICU

-How he built confidence by learning from techs, colleagues, and mentors

-How he overcame the challenge of a 3.0 GPA to get into CRNA school

-The role of resilience, mentorship, and emotional intelligence in interviews

-Why investing in support and preparation made all the difference

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 6 and 12-Month Intensives Here: https://community.crnaschoolprepacademy.com/join-cspa

Want more insights? Sign up for my FREE LIVE Q&A Session "Stand Out & Get In" to learn everything you need to know about getting into CRNA school.

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Cardiogenic Shock: Clinical Insights with Nicole Kupchik, MN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, PCCN

In this special episode, Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA sits down with critical care educator Nicole Kupchik to unpack practical bedside considerations for managing cardiogenic shock in ICU patients. From vasopressors to mechanical support, this discussion offers real-world insight into how seasoned clinicians think through this complex condition.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Early signs of cardiogenic shock and why timing matters
• Pros and limitations of Impella, balloon pump, and VA ECMO
• Key hemodynamic markers like CPO and PAPI
• Clinical considerations when using norepinephrine, milrinone, dobutamine, and more
• The balancing act of fluid management in left vs. right ventricular failure

Recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans—expect a more candid format and a touch of background conference buzz.

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Have you ever wondered why your patient becomes tachycardic during intubation—or hypotensive when the surgeon hasn’t even made an incision yet? These aren't just random fluctuations. They're signals from the autonomic nervous system—and as a future CRNA, being able to interpret them can mean the difference between chasing vital signs and anticipating them.

If you're serious about anesthesia, understanding the autonomic nervous system (ANS) isn't optional—it’s essential. The ANS influences everything from anesthetic depth to hemodynamic management, and mastering its functions gives you a clinical edge both in school and in the OR.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Why understanding ANS function is crucial for interpreting anesthetic depth and hemodynamic trends
• How neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine influence receptor activity
• The physiology of alpha, beta, and muscarinic receptors and how they guide pharmacologic decisions
• Real-world clinical examples that connect ANS theory to intraoperative decision-making
• Why the adrenal medulla plays a key role in the body’s fight-or-flight response
• How this knowledge directly applies to your future practice and board exams

In this special episode, Dr. Sass Elisha—a nationally recognized anesthesia educator and co-founder of The Nurse Anesthesia—walks you through the complex world of the ANS in a way that’s practical, clear, and rooted in real-life anesthesia scenarios.

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the “yin and yang” of autonomic balance—you’ll be able to predict and respond to patient responses like a seasoned provider. This is foundational knowledge that will serve you from the classroom to the OR.

As Dr. Elisha would say, "It's go time!"

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Learn More about The Nurse Anesthesia, get Free Crisis Checklists and more: www.TheNurseAnesthesia.com