Listen Now:
Follow & Subscribe:
On This Episode:
CRNA school is one of the toughest journeys a nurse can take, but success isn’t just about grades and clinical skills. It’s also about wellness, belonging, and support. Today’s guest is a passionate advocate for students in CRNA school and someone you want to listen to if you’ve felt stressed or anxious about the process.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, Olivia sits down with Dr. Jorge Valdes, clinical professor and dean at Florida International University, to talk about what it really takes for SRNAs to thrive. You quickly understand how much he cares about the future of this profession as he shares why community, kindness, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical training.
We’ll discuss how wellness habits like exercise and celebration of small wins can protect against burnout, why fear-based teaching has no place in modern education, and how mistakes—handled with compassion—can actually strengthen learning. This show is a roadmap to building a healthier, more supportive anesthesia community, and we hope you get something positive out of it.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Testamentary capacity for students – Success requires both knowledge and belonging.
🏃 Wellness matters – Exercise, endorphins, and small celebrations fuel resilience.
💬 Kindness over fear – Students learn better when they feel supported, not intimidated.
👥 Sense of belonging – Community and connection are vital for persistence and success.
🎓 Pay it forward – Preceptors should foster passion, not perpetuate negative experiences.
Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!
Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.
Important Links:
"When you feel that you're part of something bigger, your chances of success are much larger."
- Dr. Jorge Valdes
