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Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
Author: Jeremy Stanley
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© Copyright Jeremy Stanley 2025
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A podcast for the CRNA industry. Discussing the important issues that happen both in, and beyond, the operating room. With Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF. Innovations & opportunities for CRNAs & APRNs. Visit our website for more great information https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ and to learn how you can get CE Credit as a CRNA just by listening to the podcast. Don’t miss our special series on CRNA History, CRNA Personal Finance & Retirement, Political Conversations, CRNA Career Issues, and our leadership series called Courage To Lead. Check out new episodes of Beyond The Mask every week with distinguished guests from the CRNA community... #anesthesiology #rn #surgery #healthcare #nurseanesthesiologist #crnaschool #nursing #srnalife #nurselife #nursingstudent #ornurse #nurseanesthesia #crnalife #nursepractitioner #medschool #anesthesialife #scrublife #icunurse #hospital #futurecrna #medical #crna #nurse #anesthesia #srna #nurseanesthetist #nurses #surgical #operatingtheatre #medicalstudent #operatingroomnurse #studentnurse #diversitycrna #ccrn #nursepractitioner #APRN #APRNchat #NPchat #midwife #NP
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Addiction in healthcare is often hidden in the shadows, but it doesn’t have to end in tragedy. This powerful episode features an intimate discussion about substance use disorder with Luci New, DNP, CRNA, FAANA and Rob Hartman, a CRNA who shares his journey through addiction and recovery. Now nine years sober, Rob reflects on treatment, rebuilding trust with his family, and his return to practice. He also offers a message of hope for CRNAs and SRNAs who may be struggling: you don’t have to fight this alone.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
💉 From injury to addiction – How prescription use escalated into diversion and dependency.
🚨 Signs and suspicions – Why colleagues often hesitate to speak up, and why they must.
🏥 Treatment & recovery – Parkdale Center, 12-step programs, and rebuilding life after crisis.
👨👩👧 Family impact – Honesty and amends are part of healing.
🌟 Message of hope – Recovery is possible; support and resources are available.
If you or someone you know need help, the AANA provides these resources to use: https://www.aana.com/membership/here-for-you/health-and-wellness/where-to-get-help/
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
In the premiere episode of Airway Exchange, the new series from AANA and Beyond the Mask, hosts Nickie Damico, Greg Collins, Erin Martin, and Louisa Martin introduce themselves and share the vision for the podcast: to empower educators, inspire students, and build community across the nurse anesthesia profession.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🎙️ New series launch – A podcast created by and for CRNA educators.
👩🏫 Meet the hosts – Four faculty members from programs across the country.
🤝 Community building – Keeping the sense of connection alive beyond Congress and EDGE.
🧠 Faculty challenges – Balancing rigor, student wellness, and faculty well-being.
💡 Future focus – Innovative teaching practices, mentorship, and faculty development.
Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram
Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/airwayexchange
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Mental health and substance use have been impacting CRNAs and SRNAs, but we’ve come a long way in recognizing and addressing these challenges thanks to organizations like the Parkdale Center for Professionals.
This episode is a powerful one centered on healing, growth, and the critical role of peer support. We’re excited to welcome Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA, peer advisor Jack Stem, and Bridget Petrillo, MS, APRN, CRNA to reflect on 10 years of progress since the founding of the Parkdale Center. They share powerful personal stories of struggle and recovery, the evolution of peer assistance in nurse anesthesia, and how initiatives like the AANA helpline and Parkdale’s 24/7 peer-driven support have become literal lifelines.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📞 Lifeline moments – How the AANA helpline and Parkdale save lives in critical moments.
🧠 Stigma and recovery – Why openly sharing stories reduces shame and fuels healing.
🧑🤝🧑 Peer assistance legacy – The history of CRNAs supporting each other since the 1980s.
🏥 Healthcare-specific care – Why addiction treatment for providers requires unique approaches.
🌟 Celebrating Parkdale – 10 years of profession-specific recovery and wellness support.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Parkdale here: https://parkdalecenter.com/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Most CRNAs graduate, get a job, and settle into the profession. But Dr. Erik Rauch proves there’s another path—one of leadership, advocacy, and endless opportunity.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, Erik joins hosts Kevin and Charity to share his 17-year journey from clinical CRNA to program director, pain management fellow, MBA graduate, AANA Board of Directors, and now Chief Clinical Officer of a CRNA anesthesia management company. You’ll hear how economics and workforce shifts are creating unprecedented opportunities for CRNAs to practice independently, and why new grads who embrace skills like ultrasound-guided blocks and critical decision-making will be in high demand.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🚀 From teaching to corporate leadership, CRNAs can shape healthcare.
🏥 Rising demand in surgery centers is opening doors for autonomy.
💉 Skills that matter – Ultrasound blocks and independent decision-making set grads apart.
⚖️ Advocacy fights – Insurance reimbursement cuts put hospitals and CRNAs on the frontlines.
🌉 AANA initiatives keep SRNAs connected as they transition to practice.
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.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
About our guest: https://health.usf.edu/nursing/faculty-staff/directory/esrauch
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Today’s guest is helping shape the next generations of CRNAs one post, one message, and one connection at a time through his platform, CRNA Mentor. Tyler Anderson, CRNA has become a guiding voice for aspiring and practicing nurse anesthetists across the country. In this episode, he shares the story behind the creation of CRNA Mentor, his vision for mentorship in the CRNA community, and how social media is playing a pivotal role in fostering connections.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🌐 Social Media Impact: Discover how Tyler uses social platforms like TikTok and Facebook to connect with aspiring CRNAs.
💬 Mentorship Matters: Tyler emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of CRNAs.
💡 Learning from Experience: The journey to CRNA school isn’t just about the grades, but about gaining the right experience.
🤝 Building a Community: The CRNA Mentor Facebook group creates a safe space for CRNAs, nursing students, and aspiring CRNAs to connect and share valuable insights.
🌍 International Reach: Tyler’s CRNA Mentor is helping individuals from all over the world navigate their way into the CRNA field.
Enjoy your Dream List video in the link below and learn why nurse anesthesia is the best career in healthcare! If any or all of these ingredients of the "Dream List" resonate with you, this could be YOUR perfect career path.
https://www.crnamentor.com/dream-list-video/1717
About our guest: https://www.crnamentor.com/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
In the world of financial planning, we often focus on numbers, assets, and strategies, but what about emotions? Just as the concept of "love languages" has helped people understand how to connect with their partners, it can also offer valuable insight into how we approach money management. In this episode, Jeremy and Sharon explain how the five love languages can inform a more compassionate and effective approach to financial planning.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
💖 Acts of Service: Plan for providing for your family, even in retirement.
⏳ Quality Time: Patience and consistency in investing lead to long-term success.
💬 Words of Affirmation: Reassurance from a trusted financial advisor helps manage financial anxiety.
🎁 Gifts: Consider legacy and charitable giving in your financial plan.
🤝 Physical Touch: Build trust and communication in financial partnerships for better outcomes.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken
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.
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.
About our guest: https://populationhealth.fiu.edu/jorge-valdes/
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.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Thoracic anesthesia is one of the most complex and high-stakes specialties in medicine, where the airway may literally be open on the table, and every breath depends on seamless teamwork.
In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy, Lynn and Garry welcome Dr. Melissa Puskac, a CRNA and thoracic anesthesia expert, to unpack the challenges and breakthroughs that define this field. From carinal resections and sleeve lobectomies to esophagectomies and mediastinal mass surgeries, Dr. Puskac explains how modern techniques like cross-field ventilation, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), and ECMO are transforming survival and recovery.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🌬️ Airway mastery
🫁 Carinal & sleeve resections
🥼 Esophagectomy techniques
⚠️ Complications matter
🧠 Collaboration is key
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
The AANA’s Annual Congress just set a new record—over 4,000 CRNAs and SRNAs came together in Nashville for the largest meeting in the association’s history. In this special episode of Beyond the Mask, Bill Bruce, CEO of the AANA, sat down with us in Nashville to share what's happening at the national level and how it directly impacts CRNAs across the country.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📈 Record-breaking Congress – Over 4,000 attendees, the biggest AANA event ever.
👩⚕️ Membership growth – Strong retention and 1,700+ RNA PRN student members.
💡 Innovation spotlight – Hackathon, pitch competition, and new “Airway Exchange” podcast.
⚖️ Advocacy updates – Opt-outs, payer discrimination, and federal action around reimbursement.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Our guests in this episode are representatives from Woman Within International, an organization dedicated to empowering women through self-discovery and healing. Katey Hurd, president of the Women Within Central USA Board and Linda Stulz, RN, M. ED, join us to explore why many women find themselves overwhelmed and disconnected from their true selves. Today you’ll learn about the organization’s programs that help women set healthy boundaries, heal from burnout, and build lasting community through circles, weekends, and leadership opportunities.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🌍 Explore the global mission of Woman Within
💬 What makes circles a safe space for healing
🧠 Understanding emotional burnout in healthcare
🛠️ Tools for boundary-setting and resilience
🔄 How ongoing self-work changes lives
Woman Within International: https://www.womanwithin.org/
Woman Within Central USA: https://womanwithincentralusa.org/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Have you ever wondered what it would take to make the shift from an RN to a CRNA? Would it be manageable? Today we’re sharing our conversation with two talented women who are in the middle of that process right now. Larry and Kevin sat down with Jasmine Dhalla, BSN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, TNCC and Damilola Olarenwaju, BSN, RN, CCRN, TNCC at the AANA Congress in Nashville so they could share their powerful journeys as ICU nurses taking their first steps toward nurse anesthesia school.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💡 “Why” moments matter: Passion often starts with a powerful, personal experience.
👩⚕️ Mentorship is transformative: One connection can change your entire trajectory.
🌍 Conferences are game-changers: Network with CRNAs, residents, and program directors.
🧠 Education is empowerment: RNs are embracing advanced learning and evidence-based practice.
Connect with Damilola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-o-91812bb4/
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.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
In a world where men don't usually don't like discussing their feelings, the Mankind Project USA stands as a beacon of hope for men seeking connection and personal growth. In our latest podcast episode, Nathan Ed-wards, CRNA and Boysen Hodgson share their experiences with this transformative organization, which is dedicated to redefining masculinity and fostering a culture of vulnerability and compassion among men.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🤝 Discover how vulnerability creates deeper connections
🌍 Explore a global movement redefining modern masculinity
💡 Understand why men struggle to share openly
🛠️ Learn practical tools for personal growth and better relationships
🌟 Embrace authenticity for a happier, healthier life
Learn more about the Mankind Project USA: https://mkpusa.org/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Office-based anesthesia (OBA) is no longer the “wild west” of healthcare. It’s a thriving, highly specialized branch of anesthesia practice that’s changing the way patients experience surgery. In this episode, Lynn and Garry take you inside the rapidly growing world of OBA, where 10 million procedures a year are now performed outside hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. They explore why patients and providers are embracing this setting, the evolving safety standards, and the anesthetic techniques that make it work.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📈 OBA is booming – Driven by demand for cosmetic surgery, cost savings, and convenience.
🛡 Safety standards are strong – Accreditation, patient selection, and guideline adherence are key.
💉 PK infusions + nerve blocks – Deliver superior anesthesia without invasive airways.
🤖 Tech innovations – AI decision support & simulation training enhance safety.
🧠 Four Cs for the future – Communication, competency, connectivity, collaboration.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
For years, anesthesia providers have relied on subjective assessments to evaluate neuromuscular recovery. These methods, while familiar, often fall short in ensuring patient safety. As evidence mounts regarding the risks associated with residual paralysis, the need for more precise and objective monitoring has never been clearer. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at Quantatative train-of-four (TOF) monitoring with Richie Flowers, CHSE, CRNA, DNP, FAANA and Lisandro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA to learn more about why it’s gaining traction in operating rooms nationwide.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🔬 Quantitative monitoring helps prevent invisible residual paralysis
🧠 0.9 train-of-four ratio is the new baseline, not 0.7
🤔 Subjective tests like breath-holding and head lifts aren’t reliable
🖐️ Hand placement gives better data than facial monitoring
💡 Using data-driven dosing = safer, faster recovery
🎛️ Why they’ve found Senzime’s device to be the easiest to use
The next-generation TetraGraph with Adaptive Intelligence from Senzime delivers real-time, EMG-based train-of-four data to optimize neuromuscular block management and guide precise reversal dosing. Its proprietary Level-of-Block Gauge helps clinicians confidently avoid both under- and overdosing. Discover how TetraGraph supports compliance with clinical guidelines and helps eliminate residual paralysis at senzime.com/nextgen.
Check out the Senzime AANA Both #1218 and learn more here:
www.Senzime.com/NextGen
Learn more about Senzime:
https://youtu.be/KvTomBYPOMg
Watch the Demo:
https://youtu.be/SmRLgZAtsCE
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
For many years, it was rare to see a new CRNA grad get a 1099 opportunity, but that’s been changing over the past decade. This new generation of CRNAs looks at work differently than previous generations and 1099 fits their lifestyle needs much better.
So what do you really need to know if you are choosing between traditional W2 employment and the increasingly popular 1099 pathway? Kevin and Larry welcome on Beyond the Mask hosts Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP®, AIF® and Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN to talk tax advantages, income potential and career flexibility.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💡 Understanding 1099 vs. W2 employment
💰 Financial implications and earning potential
📈 Maximizing tax benefits as a 1099 CRNA
🎯 Navigating career flexibility and work-life balance
🧰 Essential tools and resources for 1099 success
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.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
When seconds matter, preparation saves lives. Today’s case study involving a 47-year-old man with severe obesity and obstructive sleep apnea is a great example of that. When a routine EGD resulted in rapid hypoxia shortly after sedation after conventional methods failed, it was the McMurray Enhanced Airway that made all the difference. Sharon shares the experience in this episode and we invited Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA back to the show to talk about how this novel airway tool is changing the game for CRNAs.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
💡 The problem: traditional oral airways don’t reach the distal pharynx
📉 A real emergency: 47-year-old patient crashes post-sedation
💜 How the McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) saves the day
🛠️ Designed for today’s obese and sleep-apneic patients
💰 Life-saving innovation for under $20
Revisit our conversation about the McMurray Enhanced Airway: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/a-groundbreaking-product-to-improve-airway-management/4640/
McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) video link: https://youtu.be/IU1wF923J18?t=2
Website: https://www.mcmurraymed.com/
AANA Congress Booth with Bell Medical: #642
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Good governance is proactive, not reactive, and a potential bylaw change could help the AANA move more in that direction. In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Jeremy and Sharon welcome AANA vice president Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA to discuss one of the most important proposals facing the AANA: a new bylaw amendment that would establish a clear, fair process for removing a board member before a crisis demands it. We'll walk through what the amendment proposes, the rationale behind it, and the potential implications for the AANA moving forward.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📜 Why the AANA needs a removal process for board members
🛑 Current fallback is a public, divisive member vote
🗳️ Proposed policy includes due process and confidentiality
⚖️ Grounds for removal: misconduct, nonperformance, conflict of interest
🧠 Why a strong board culture—and not just bylaws—matters most
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at aana.com/hackathon.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
In this episode of Grade 1 View, we had the privilege of speaking with Tom Baribeault, DNP, CRNA, a pioneer in the field of opioid-free anesthesia. As the president and founder of the Society of Opioid Free Anesthesia, Tom has dedicated his career to advancing pain management techniques that prioritize patient safety and comfort.
Today he’ll share how his own clinical curiosity led him to abandon intraoperative opioids altogether, and what happened next. From reducing postoperative nausea to improving respiratory safety, this conversation will challenge you to question the status quo and expand your definition of what anesthesia can look like.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💉 What “opioid-free anesthesia” really means
🧠 Why less fentanyl often leads to better outcomes
💊 Key meds used: Ketamine, Precedex, Lidocaine & more
🏥 How to get buy-in from surgeons, admins & care teams
🎓 Resources for students + a free membership offer
About our guest: https://goopioidfree.com/
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Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/
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In a world where access to healthcare can vary dramatically, the role of global outreach initiatives has never been more critical. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by nurse anesthesia doctoral student Chris Wheelock to discuss the impact of global outreach and how an initiative he was involved in is shaping the future of global health care.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🌍 Only 1 anesthesia provider per 100,000 people in parts of Africa
📚 The cost to train a nurse anesthetist
🧠 Why long-term investment beats short-term missions
💡 How culture, continuity, and context create better outcomes
💸 A new scholarship that connects donors to students and real change
Learn more about Our Heart Your Hands: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/
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The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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We dive into the latest research on ketamine's therapeutic potential, including its role in treating ischemic stroke, postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and PTSD. You'll hear how scientists are studying its effects on brain regions like the hippocampus and amygdala, as well as its impact on neuroinflammation, fear memory, and neurogenesis.
We'll also explore ketamine’s use in anesthesia, its interactions with drugs like oral morphine, and how it's monitored using tools like EEG. From molecular techniques like RT-qPCR and Western blotting to real-world applications—this episode breaks down the science driving ketamine's future in medicine.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🧠 Ketamine’s impact on brain function, cognition, and EEG readings
🧬 NMDA receptors, BDNF, cytokines & other molecular targets
📉 How ketamine may raise delirium risk in cognitively impaired patients
🧪 In vitro studies on ketamine’s anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential
📊 Why EEG interpretation—not just BIS numbers—matters for patient safety
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate