“For almost two years, passing the NCE has been my top priority. I spent countless hours studying, and I was a fixture in local libraries. After failing the first time, I was advised to "change something", so I attacked the NCE differently after each attempt, utilizing a different resource and following my own daily plans. Over the course of 7 failed attempts, I had attended Valley (twice) and Core Concepts (plus practice exams), used Apex (twice), re-read Morgan & Mikhail, and reviewed numerous practice question booklets. I frequently used the Valley Sweat Book and Memory Master, as well as my meticulously organized Valley flash cards. I also made hundreds of my own index cards to reinforce topics, some laminated and some colorful works of art. None of these methods led me to the success that I had worked relentlessly to achieve. My strength, confidence, and drive were tested daily, but I was determined to pass the NCE.

I casually looked for a tutor after the first failure and searched progressively more intently every attempt thereafter. I asked my program administrators, future boss, preceptors, and anyone else who might be able to connect me with a tutor. I sought hypnosis, performance therapy, and consulted peers who had been successful after failing. To stay motivated, I started following influential SRNAs/CRNAs and accounts about anesthesia/pharmacology, as well as inspiring accounts like 'GoalCast' on Instagram. After my 7th failure, I felt as if I had exhausted my study resources and I felt lost with little hope and no plan. I googled "failed 7th NCE" in hopes of finding anything enlightening... this led me to an allnurses.com blog with a brief comment at the very bottom, which eluded to a discrete facebook group intended for GRNAs who struggled with the NCE. After an extensive search, I finally found -and promptly joined- this group. It is here that I ultimately stumbled upon a post by Peter Strube: a testimonial from one of his students. A felt an instant wave of relief; this was the light at the end of the tunnel that I desperately needed to see. I suddenly felt hopeful and excited to tackle my final attempt at making my dream of becoming a CRNA a reality.

Peter quickly responded within 15 minutes of my message, and within an hour we were discussing the details of my experiences and his tutoring services. That same day I was introduced to a CRNA/Hypnotherapist who provided guidance and resources to facilitate daily meditations. Peter also connected me with a couple of his successful students, who inspired and comforted me as I embarked on my final NCE journey under Peter's direction. I was sincerely impressed with his organization, experience, and we both were eager to get started. I reached out to Peter on February 4th, and officially started his program on February 9th. Despite living in two different time zones, Peter was always responsive, and communication was incredibly easy. He checked in with me almost daily, and his positive attitude helped to transform my fears and doubts into renewed confidence. During moments of weakness, Peter guided me to a more constructive mindset.

Peter's program took away the burden of creating my own daily study routine and helped me deal with my debilitating testing anxiety. In 2 months, I took over 70 practice exams, thoroughly covered all exam topics, and benefitted from daily meditations. I spent about the same amount of time studying each day as I had during previous attempts, but this time I was studying smarter. On exam day, some of the best time spent was using meditation to calm my nerves, as advised by Peter. When the computer shut off, I was equally nervous and excited to see the results. Tears of joy, relief, and utter happiness flowed as 2 years of soul-crushing efforts finally culminated into the result I had worked so hard for. I went from failing in 100 Q's to passing in 100 Q's! This was all I had wanted since graduation, and I still feel light as a feather without the weight of this exam hanging over me every minute of every day.

Peter was the first person I shared the incredible news with after my exam; if not for him I may not have ever had the opportunity to feel the bliss of success after so many failures. My entire family is incredibly grateful to Peter...he truly helped me get my life back on track, and I finally feel like 'Me' again. I commend Peter on the motive behind his hard work; it is clear that he sincerely cares about the well-being and success of every single student. As anyone in a similar position knows, failing the NCE is devastating, embarrassing and is not indicative of one's ability to provide excellent care or administer anesthesia safely. Some CRNAs who may not have experienced this failure unknowingly shame people like me who have struggled, but Peter is the type who sees your strength and wants to help. He is a wonderful example of how CRNAs should lift each other up and support one another. I can only assume that Peter is an awesome CRNA, but I can attest to the fact that he is an exemplary human being.

Thanks to the help, guidance, and encouragement from Peter Strube, I can FINALLY call myself a CRNA! This is the most amazing feeling in the world, and I am so grateful to have found Peter, who paved a straight path to success after so many windings, discouraging detours. I strongly encourage all my fellow resilient GRNAs to invest in yourself by working with Peter - I believe it will bring you renewed hope, direction, and ultimately success.

In admiration of his actions, I will happily be available to any struggling GRNAs who have questions, concerns, or simply need a reminder that they are not alone during what may feel like a very isolating period. I believe in you, just like Peter believed in me.