Listen Now:
Follow & Subscribe:
On This Episode:
In this episode of Airway Exchange, the team explores the transition from clinician to educator and the role mentorship plays in the process. Becky Motykiewicz, DNAP, CRNA joins Nickie Damico, Erin Martin, and Greg Collins to discuss what drew her to teaching, how mentorship shaped her journey, and the emotional realities that come with stepping into academia.
From imposter syndrome to the “tap on the shoulder” that sparks confidence, Becky offers a refreshingly honest look at the challenges new faculty face along with the joys of watching SRNAs grow. If you’re a CRNA thinking about academia, today’s conversation should provide insight, validation, and practical guidance.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
👩🏫 Mentorship matters — a simple tap on the shoulder can change a career.
🌱 Identity shift is real — moving from expert clinician to novice educator brings imposter syndrome.
🧠 You don’t have to be perfect — your first lecture won’t be your best, and that’s okay.
💬 Students are the reward — watching their confidence grow is what keeps educators going.
💼 Work–life balance takes intention — boundaries, breaks, and movement are essential.
🩺 Keep your clinical practice — maintaining skills supports credibility and satisfaction.
Get Didactic Educator Micro-Credential Information
Important Links:
- Get Involved! Committee applications open in March.
- Follow Airway Exchange on Instagram
- Submit a Topic for Airway Exchange
"It is critical that we stabilize the nurse anesthesia faculty workforce so that we can have more nurse anesthesia training programs across the country."
