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Landing your first job as a CRNA can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect and how to approach the job market can ease a lot of the uncertainty. Today, Kevin and Olivia sit down with Jay Cobden, a 2023 graduate of Rhode Island College and trauma CRNA at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, to hear about what he learned from navigating the process. After attending the AANA Annual Congress, Jay realized he had many of the same questions as other SRNAs about what to do next after school, and wanted to share that experience with others in this position.
This episode will help anyone else who has similar feelings about launching their anesthesia career by helping you understand what’s most important. Jay will introduce what he calls his Three Golden Rules—compensation, work-life balance, and autonomy—and explain how prioritizing what matters most can simplify an intimidating process.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧭 Three Golden Rules – Balance compensation, autonomy, and work-life priorities.|💬 Ask the right questions – In interviews, learn about team dynamics and MDA relationships.
💵 Understand your contract – Know how sign-on bonuses, non-competes, and terms really work.
🧠 Seek mentorship – Guidance doesn’t stop after graduation—learn from others’ experience.
✈️ Be bold – Your first job won’t be your last. Don’t be afraid to move or take risks for growth.
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.
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"Your first job isn’t your last job, so take the pressure off and find the right fit for this stage of life.”
- Jay Cobden, CRNA
