Dr. Jason Bolt has built an impressive personal brand and private practice, known for bringing humor and insight to the CRNA profession. With over 17,000 followers on Instagram and 20,000 YouTube subscribers, he mentors aspiring CRNAs through the challenging admissions process.
But Jason’s journey goes beyond the operating room and online presence; it’s a masterclass in financial independence and intentional living.
From Pre-Med to CRNA: A Pivotal Moment
Like many CRNAs, Jason didn’t initially know about the profession. He started as pre-med, viewing nursing as a practical first step to gain skills. His perspective shifted during a surgery center rotation in nursing school when he encountered a CRNA. “I met a CRNA for the first time. I realized what they were and what they did, and I was enamored with it,” he recalls.
He was captivated by their knowledge, respect from surgeons, and their pivotal role in orchestrating care at the head of the bed. This encounter solidified his new path: “That’s exactly what I want to do. That’s what I want to focus on in my future. And so I pivoted and I’ve been headed this way ever since”.
Travel Nursing: Seeing the World, Gaining Experience
After nursing school, Jason embraced travel nursing for two years in the ICU, gaining critical experience and confidence. This period was not just about clinical growth; it was a deliberate choice to experience life before the rigors of grad school.
He integrated unique challenges into each three-month assignment: Kung Fu in Connecticut, skydiving in Atlanta, windsurfing in Texas, hang gliding in San Francisco, and regular surfing in Southern California. “You want to do something where you get to go out and see the world,” he explains.
A Foundation of Financial Freedom
Jason’s strong financial habits were forged early, largely as a reaction to witnessing financial insecurity in his family. “I learned at a young age, like as a teenager, I’m not gonna do what you guys are doing, like how you’re mismanaging,” he states. His core philosophy is simple: “Stop spending money… that’s the fastest way to make money is to stop spending it”.
This focus on financial freedom, rather than being bound by bills and loans, has been paramount for him. He advocates for nurses, noting that it’s a field where you can “make great money, you’re going to be able to become financially free if you budget properly and you do the right things, and you’re always gonna have a job”.
The Evolution of a Content Creator
Jason began creating YouTube videos in 2014-2015, initially as unpolished vlogs about his travel nursing life. The turning point came when he decided to create one informative video about getting into CRNA school before shutting down his channel for grad school. “It got so much… interaction and so much engagement,” he remembers. This unexpected traction led him to continue creating content, organically growing his audience while juggling school. His motivation now is to keep it fresh and enjoyable, ensuring it remains a creative outlet and a way to connect with people.
Leaping into Entrepreneurship: Bolt Nurse Anesthesiology
Inspired by his business owner father and his own independent spirit, Jason launched Bolt Nurse Anesthesiology in 2022. He sought a “free kind of schedule” and the ability to control his work and income, rather than being a “cog in a wheel” of a large bureaucratic system. The pandemic further reinforced his desire for this autonomy, emphasizing that “life is short” and prioritizing what truly brings joy.
Financially preparing for this leap was crucial. He worked as a W2 employee for 2.5 years post-graduation to build clinical confidence and financial reserves. Before going independent, he ensured he had “no debt,” with student loans and car paid off, and a significant nest egg in savings. He also navigated the unique legal requirements in California, choosing an S-corp from the beginning.
Lessons Learned: The Importance of Professional Guidance
Jason candidly admits to learning many lessons as an entrepreneur, particularly regarding taxes and legal nuances. He stresses the importance of finding a reliable CPA who understands the CRNA market. “The problem is if you get it wrong, you suddenly like owe thousands of dollars in penalties and stuff,” he warns. His key advice: “Ask those questions and don’t, don’t assume… don’t make [a mistake]”.
Balancing Life and Work: The “Semi-Retired” Lifestyle
Jason’s typical week reflects his commitment to work-life balance: three roughly 8-hour CRNA shifts, with the remaining days dedicated to content creation, mock interviews, errands, and personal time. This flexible schedule allows him to prioritize self-care and personal pursuits, something he feels is missing for many who work rigid 5-day-a-week schedules. He proudly identifies as “semi-retired” already, having achieved the financial freedom to choose his work.
Looking to the Future
Moving forward, Jason plans to continue his CRNA work, transitioning from the Bay Area to Los Angeles where there’s a high demand for surgical services and private pay opportunities. His content creation will evolve with his life, aiming to be both “funny and informative” while offering an inside view of the CRNA lifestyle. He has scaled back on association speaking roles to avoid burnout, prioritizing personal time.
AI’s Role in Anesthesia
Regarding artificial intelligence, Jason doesn’t see it replacing CRNAs but rather augmenting their work. He uses tools like ChatGPT to test anesthetic plans for complex cases, finding it a helpful “reference point” and “aid” to speed things up and enhance safety. However, he emphasizes that human judgment and skill remain irreplaceable, especially for airway management and patient safety.
Advice for CRNAs: Define Your Success
For CRNAs feeling stuck, Jason offers powerful advice: “Identify what, what you want, like what works for you and what, what does your future look like?”. He encourages simplifying life, especially for younger individuals, to align with long-term financial goals. He urges clarity on personal priorities, acknowledging that individual circumstances (like having children versus not) significantly impact financial planning.
Jason’s definition of success centers on fulfillment and financial stability. “Being fulfilled in your career, whatever it is, and also being financially stable and free so that you can go home every day and know all of your basic needs are met, and even some of the wants that you may have are met,” he shares. He cites research suggesting that beyond a certain income threshold, more money doesn’t necessarily equate to more happiness if internal contentment is lacking. Jason Bolt is a testament to building a career and life on one’s own terms—a truly authentic and financially savvy approach.
Links Relevant to this Episode
Follow Jason Bolt on Instagram
Download Your Free Copy of MoneyRx For CRNAs: Secrets and Strategies to Maximize Wealth and Retirement
Looking for more financial planning tips and resources for CRNAs? Check out the MoneyRx for CRNAs Podcast home page for additional podcast episodes.
Never miss a new episode! Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
