Free · For NARs

The Mindful NAR: Free Coaching for Success in CRNA School

CRNA school isn't just about mastering content — it's about managing the emotional, mental, and spiritual weight of this journey while maintaining your confidence, identity, and well-being.

I've been coaching and mentoring aspiring CRNAs since 2020. My goal is to help you thrive and actually enjoy the journey.

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Sound familiar?

Do you feel like you're drowning in CRNA school?

Overwhelmed by studying, clinical expectations, and non-stop evaluations.
Doubting yourself, battling imposter syndrome, questioning if you belong.
Struggling with time management, feeling constantly behind and unprepared.
Caught in perfectionism and people-pleasing, tying your worth to clinical performance, preceptor feedback, or grades.
Coming home defeated, exhausted, and resentful — feeling like you're never enough.
Wondering if this process could be easier, more fulfilling, and more aligned with who you are.

Here's what you'll get for free

Instant access to 3 free coaching videos.

Video 1

How to Thrive in CRNA School

Video 2

How to Get Out of Survival Mode in CRNA School

Video 3

How to Show Up When You Feel Like S**T

Which will help you:

Break free from burnout, fear, and perfectionism.
Master time, clinical stress, and self-doubt — without losing yourself.
Learn how to shift your mindset and realize you are more than your grades, performance, and productivity.

And you'll walk away with:

A new way to approach CRNA school — one that brings clarity and relief.
A proven roadmap to go from the NAR struggle bus to thriving.
A way to show up powerfully in school, clinicals, and beyond.
A way to break the cycle of overwhelm.

Why now

Why coaching? Why now?

Most SRNAs believe they just need to "push through." But what if CRNA school could feel different? Coaching isn't just about motivation — it's about transformation. We work on real solutions for:

Studying smarter, not harder.
Managing clinical stress and handling preceptor dynamics.
Mastering time management without burnout.
Gaining confidence in your skills and leadership.

Real talk

But will coaching actually work for me?

I hear you. You might be thinking…

Concern

"Coaching doesn't work. It's a gimmick."

Coaching isn't about quick fixes or fluffy motivation — it's about real, practical transformation. I don't give you empty positivity. I help you see the patterns keeping you stuck and give you tools to change them. Coaching is about becoming the person who can thrive in CRNA school and beyond — not just reacting to stress, but rising above it.

Concern

"I don't have time for this."

You don't have time not to do this. Right now, you're already spending hours feeling overwhelmed, doubting yourself, overstudying, or procrastinating. Coaching gives you the mental clarity and strategy to reclaim your time and energy.

Concern

"I feel hopeless. I don't think anything can help me."

I hear you. I've been there. And I want you to know you are not alone. The truth is, hope isn't something you just "find." It's something you build. If you're feeling stuck, that's exactly why coaching exists — to help you shift out of hopelessness and into action. You don't have to do this alone. Coaching gives you the support, clarity, and tools to move forward — one step at a time.

The honest question

Ask yourself: Can you afford to keep struggling?

How much time, energy, and mental exhaustion is it costing you to keep doing this alone?
How much is burnout costing you? The stress? The fear? The impact on your performance?

Coaching is an investment in yourself and it pays you back in confidence, time, and success — in CRNA school and in life.

Meet your guide

Amanda Kay, MSN, CRNA

I was once sitting exactly where you are now. I struggled during CRNA school. I questioned myself. I worried about making mistakes. I wondered if I was capable enough.

Today, I've been practicing as a CRNA since 2017, working to the full extent of my license across multiple anesthesia settings. I've also been a Clinical Coordinator for a nurse anesthesia program and have been mentoring and coaching aspiring CRNAs since 2020. I've worked with hundreds of students and know firsthand what clinical instructors and preceptors expect.

My goal is simple: to help you avoid unnecessary struggle and develop the confidence, resilience, and leadership skills needed to thrive in CRNA school.

In her own words

What one NAR is saying.

I am officially done with my first week of CRNA school and entering my second week. I find myself referring a lot more to what I learned from your coaching as I go along. Anxiety is real and I find myself having such moments. Your coaching program is giving me the tools I need to modify the way I walk to make it easier, safer to my wellbeing and more meaningful. I have a lot to work on and may not always get it right but at least I have resources that I can always fall back on when things are tough. Thank you for everything. — A. L.

The honest questions

FAQ.

When does it start and finish?

It starts now and never ends. It's completely self-paced — you decide when you start and when you finish.

How long do I have access?

Lifetime. After enrolling you have unlimited access for as long as you like, across any and all devices you own.

Before you go

Final thoughts.

Coaching is about transformation — not just survival. It's about keeping your passion alive even when your environment is draining you, and it's about staying ready and growing through it, so you can step into your future with confidence.

Watch the 3 free videos now and take the first step to thriving in CRNA school. This isn't about cheerleading or quick fixes — it's about understanding the emotional weight of ambition, the reality of pressure, and the power of coaching to change your experience.

Take the first step

Coaching is about transformation, not just survival.

Keep your passion alive. Watch the 3 free videos and take the first step.

Watch the 3 free videos →

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What Free CRNA Coaching Looks Like

The free CRNA coaching program from The Mindful CRNA is a series of three on-demand videos designed for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs). Rather than academic tutoring, the videos focus on mindset, resilience, and the internal experience of CRNA school — the parts that most programs never address. Signup is free and access is lifetime.

Why Mindset Matters in CRNA School

CRNA school demands intense content mastery, but the students who thrive are the ones who also master their inner experience. Managing self-doubt, sustaining energy through long weeks, and separating identity from performance are learnable skills. The mindful approach to coaching treats these skills as central, not optional, to succeeding in nurse anesthesia training.

What is the Mindful NAR free coaching program?

The Mindful NAR is a free CRNA coaching program created by Amanda Kay, MSN, CRNA, for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs) — also called Nurse Anesthesia Residents (NARs). It includes three coaching videos designed to help SRNAs move from surviving to thriving in CRNA school by working on mindset, burnout, and self-worth.

Who is the free CRNA coaching for?

The free CRNA coaching is for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists (SRNAs), also called Nurse Anesthesia Residents (NARs) — students currently enrolled in an accredited nurse anesthesia program who feel overwhelmed, doubt themselves, battle imposter syndrome, or want CRNA school to feel more sustainable.

Do I need to be enrolled in CRNA school to access the free videos?

No enrollment verification is required — the three videos are freely available to anyone who signs up. However, the content is designed for SRNAs currently navigating CRNA school and speaks directly to that stage of the journey.

How do I sign up for the free CRNA coaching?

To sign up, enter your email address in the signup form on themindfulcrna.com/programs/free-coaching.html. You'll receive instant access to all three coaching videos, which you can watch on any device at your own pace.

What topics do the free coaching videos cover?

The three free coaching videos cover: (1) How to Thrive in CRNA School, (2) How to Get Out of Survival Mode in CRNA School, and (3) How to Show Up When You Feel Stuck. Together they help SRNAs break free from burnout, master mindset shifts, and reclaim their identity beyond grades and clinical performance.

What does "thriving in CRNA school" actually mean?

Thriving in CRNA school means moving beyond just surviving — it means maintaining your confidence, identity, and well-being while navigating the emotional, mental, and spiritual weight of the program. Thriving involves managing stress with intention rather than reacting to it.

What is "survival mode" in CRNA school?

Survival mode in CRNA school is a chronic state of just getting through — pushing through exhaustion, ignoring emotions, tying self-worth to performance, and losing the sense of who you were before school. SRNAs in survival mode often feel disconnected, resentful, and unable to remember why they started.

Is CRNA school burnout common?

Yes. Burnout is common among SRNAs due to the demanding pace of nurse anesthesia programs, intense clinical evaluations, and the pressure of high-stakes learning. Symptoms include chronic exhaustion, cynicism, reduced sense of accomplishment, and doubt about the profession.

What causes imposter syndrome in SRNAs?

Imposter syndrome in SRNAs is often triggered by the steep learning curve of anesthesia, high-performance clinical environments, comparison with peers, and preceptor feedback that feels harsh. Many high-achieving nurses experience imposter syndrome for the first time during CRNA school.

How can SRNAs manage clinical performance anxiety?

SRNAs can manage clinical performance anxiety through preparation, mindset work, and reframing evaluations. Amanda Kay's free coaching videos teach specific techniques for handling preceptor feedback, quieting the inner critic, and staying grounded during high-stakes clinical days.

How do SRNAs handle difficult preceptor dynamics?

SRNAs handle difficult preceptor dynamics by recognizing what preceptors actually want, staying professional under critique, and separating personal worth from preceptor feedback. The free coaching videos address this directly, drawing on Amanda's experience as both a practicing CRNA and a Clinical Coordinator.

How do SRNAs balance studying with clinical rotations?

Balancing studying with clinical rotations requires strategic time management, boundaries around study sessions, and honest recognition of what actually needs to be done versus what perfectionism demands. Amanda's free coaching addresses time management as a mindset issue as much as a scheduling issue.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy for SRNAs?

Coaching and therapy overlap but serve different purposes. Therapy typically addresses past trauma, mental health diagnoses, and healing. Coaching focuses on present-moment mindset, future goals, and practical strategy. Amanda's coaching is not a substitute for therapy — SRNAs experiencing serious mental health concerns should also seek licensed mental health support.

How is mindful coaching different from academic tutoring?

Academic tutoring focuses on content mastery — pharmacology, physiology, anesthesia principles. Mindful coaching focuses on how you show up to that content — your mindset, self-talk, capacity to learn under pressure, and ability to sustain effort without burning out. Both are valuable; they solve different problems.

Can coaching really change my CRNA school experience?

Yes. Coaching does not remove the difficulty of CRNA school, but it changes your relationship to that difficulty. SRNAs who work on mindset alongside content often report feeling more in control, less reactive to preceptor feedback, and more able to enjoy the journey — even during hard weeks.

What if I feel hopeless about CRNA school?

Feeling hopeless is common and does not mean you cannot succeed. Hope is not something you find — it is something you build with support, small actions, and shifts in perspective. Amanda's free coaching program is designed as a first step for SRNAs feeling stuck, hopeless, or on the edge of quitting.

How do I know if coaching is right for me?

Coaching may be right for you if you feel overwhelmed by CRNA school, doubt yourself despite proven capability, struggle with perfectionism or people-pleasing, or want practical tools to shift out of survival mode. The three free coaching videos are a low-commitment way to sample Amanda's approach before deciding whether to work with her further.

Who created the free CRNA coaching program?

The free CRNA coaching program was created by Amanda Kay, MSN, CRNA — a practicing Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist since 2017 and founder of The Mindful CRNA coaching practice.

What are Amanda Kay's qualifications?

Amanda Kay holds a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). She has been practicing as a CRNA since 2017, has served as a Clinical Coordinator for a nurse anesthesia program, and has been mentoring and coaching aspiring CRNAs and SRNAs since 2020.

How many SRNAs has Amanda coached?

Amanda has worked with hundreds of aspiring CRNAs and Nurse Anesthesia Residents since 2020 through The Mindful CRNA coaching practice, including individual coaching, group programs, and free resources.

Has Amanda been through CRNA school herself?

Yes. Amanda struggled during CRNA school — questioned herself, worried about making mistakes, and wondered if she was capable. She now channels that firsthand experience into the coaching and mentorship she provides to SRNAs walking the same path.

What do other NARs say about Amanda's coaching?

One Nurse Anesthesia Resident, sharing feedback anonymously, wrote after her first week of CRNA school: "I find myself referring a lot more to what I learned from your coaching as I go along. Anxiety is real and I find myself having such moments. Your coaching program is giving me the tools I need to modify the way I walk to make it easier, safer to my well-being, and more meaningful." Amanda protects student privacy by keeping testimonials anonymous.