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What if that voice in your head saying “you don’t belong here” isn’t telling the truth? So many professionals suffer from imposter syndrome and that’s no different for CRNAs. We’ve had multiple people talk about this subject with us so we wanted to invited on Jeffrey R. Darna, CRNA, ACNP-BC, DNP, program director at USC and one of the nation’s leading voices on imposter phenomenon in nurse anesthesiology.
Along with Olivia and Larry, Dr. Darna shares his own story of self-doubt, explains how imposter feelings affect high-achieving professionals, and outlines daily practices that can help students and practitioners manage this silent struggle. Whether you’re about to start clinicals or are years into your practice, you’ll walk away feeling seen, validated, and equipped with strategies to move forward with confidence.
As we wrapped up the episode, Dr. Darna left us with a powerful message: "You are real, and you deserve the accolades and the praise that is given out to you." This affirmation is crucial for anyone navigating the challenges of nurse anesthesia or any demanding profession.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 What imposter phenomenon really is — and why it’s not “just in your head”
👩⚕️ Why CRNA residents are especially vulnerable to it
💬 Common thought patterns and avoidance behaviors to watch for
🪞 How mentorship can be a “mirror” for self-worth
🛠️ Simple, proven strategies to counter self-doubt and reclaim confidence
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"You are real, and you deserve the accolades and the praise that is given out to you."
- Dr. Jeffrey Darna
