Why Most Applicants Don’t Get Into CRNA School—and How to Stand Out
Podcast Episode
Bio from Dr. Jason Bolt: Dr. Jason Bolt, DNP, CRNA is a nurse anesthetist based in Los Angeles who uses his social media platforms to mentor aspiring CRNAs and guide them into competitive training programs. He earned his BSN from Jacksonville State University, gaining critical care experience in the ICU before spending two years as a travel nurse across the U.S. In 2019, he completed his Doctor of Nursing Practice in nurse anesthesia at Union University. Since then, Dr. Bolt has practiced in California, first in large hospital systems and later as an independent 1099 provider at surgery centers, where he’s focused on achieving a healthy work–life balance. Outside the OR, he creates educational and inspirational content for the nursing community, helping others navigate the path to CRNA school.
Preparing for CRNA School
Do grades matter? How do I prepare for an interview? What will give me the best odds of getting into a CRNA program?
Dr. Bolt uses his experience and knowledge as a CRNA to help nurses aspiring to enter into the world of anesthesia. Through the power of social media, he has been able to reach nurses and help prepare them for the highly competitive process of getting accepted into a CRNA program. Dr. Bolt understands exactly what these programs are seeking in the applicants and he helps his clients hone in on the things that will give them the best odds of achieving their ultimate goal of getting an acceptance letter. In our conversation on the Club Nurse podcast, Dr. Bolt gives rich insight into what the interviewers are looking for when the applicant lands the interview. Simply knowing this information already gives the applicant a leg up on the competition and Dr. Bolt is there to guide you along the path.
Freedom>Everything
“It’s like being a travel nurse on steroids,” Dr. Bolt claims, comparing the independence of contract CRNA work to the structure of hospital employment.
Dr. Bolt gives Club Nurse the insight into the CRNA profession and how he found himself as a self employed CRNA versus working for a large system hospital. Not only does Dr. Bolt have the luxury of setting his own pay rates and deciding what work he wants to do, he also decides when he wants to work. He discusses the cons that are associated with working as a 1099 vs W2 employee, but the benefits and freedom of self contracting is exactly why Dr. Bolt continues to be a self employed CRNA.
Is It Worth It?
Based on my conversation with Dr. Bolt, I came to the conclusion that for aspiring CRNAs–the pain is worth the end result, if this is your passion. We talked on Club Nurse about the amount of nursing students and nurses who claim CRNA is the end goal when in reality the percentage of nurses who take the leap is actually quite low. And the percentage who take the leap who get accepted is even lower.
Being a CRNA requires intense focus and dedication, and the motivation cannot simply be a bigger paycheck. While CRNAs are widely known as the top earners in the nursing profession, there is a deeper meaning and passion behind administering anesthesia. Dr. Bolt reflects on meeting a CRNA while he was in nursing school and being genuinely fascinated by the art of anesthesia and wanting to be part of that process of helping someone in their most vulnerable moment–a true testament of a great nurse.
If you are interested in learning more, listen to Dr. Bolt dive deep on the Club Nurse podcast and find him and his services on Instagram.
