Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for diabetes treatment and weight loss, but their rapid rise is creating new considerations for anesthesia providers. As more patients arrive for procedures while taking these medications, CRNAs and anesthesia teams must navigate evolving guidelines, potential aspiration risks, and uncertainty about perioperative management. In this episode, Amy Reed, Ph.D, CRNA returns to discuss the latest research and recommendations surrounding GLP-1 receptor agonists in anesthesia practice. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 💊 GLP-1 medications aren’t new but their popularity is ⚠️ Aspiration risk is still the primary anesthesia concern 📋 Guidelines are evolving and sometimes conflicting 🔍 Point-of-care gastric ultrasound is gaining traction 📊 More research is still needed 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Today we’re taking listeners beyond technical skill and into one of the most critical yet often overlooked competencies in the operating room: emotional intelligence. In a profession defined by precision, timing, and high-stakes decision-making, the ability to understand and manage emotions can be just as vital as mastering airway management or pharmacology. Joining the conversation is Brian Barry, who brings a powerful perspective on how emotional intelligence shapes not only individual performance but also team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, and ultimately patient outcomes. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 EQ drives performance more than IQ ⚠️ Low EQ can impact patient outcomes 🔥 Stress amplifies emotional reactions 🗣️ How you communicate matters more than what you say 🔄 Emotional intelligence is learnable 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

The transition from classroom to clinical rotations can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking as expectations, personalities, and environments vary from day to day. Knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety and better prepare you for this critical period of training. Today, all of our hosts are back together to break down what clinicals actually look like from the student perspective. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: ⏰ Show up early and prepared 🧠 Know your patient inside and out 🤝 Attitude matters more than skill early on 💥 You will make mistakes and that’s expected 🧩 Every preceptor is different 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

Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and nowhere is that more evident than in the anesthesia workforce. In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy sit down with Scott Becker, founder of Becker’s Healthcare, to explore the current state of staffing, education, and economic pressures shaping the industry. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏥 The anesthesia shortage isn’t solved 👩‍⚕️ CRNAs are critical to the system 📉 Medical education is part of the problem ⚖️ Workforce expectations are shifting 💡 Great organizations are built on people, not just strategy Visit Becker’s Healthcare: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ Check out his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Great-Businesses-Momentum-Confidence/dp/1637635400 Read the article here: https://www.beckersasc.com/anesthesia/the-anesthesia-workforce-shortage-demystified/ 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

What if CRNA students could practice critical anesthesia skills over and over again without limits, without pressure, and without risking patient safety? In this episode of Airway Exchange, Louisa and Erin explore how virtual reality is transforming nurse anesthesia education. Joined by Katie Cole, DNP, CRNA, CHSE and Kelly Wiltse Nicely, PhD, CRNA from Emory University, we’ll dive into how VR simulation is being integrated into training for foundational skills like intubation, induction sequences, and anesthesia gas machine operation. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🥽 Virtual reality allows unlimited repetition of critical anesthesia skills 📉 VR reduces stress compared to high-fidelity simulation environments 💪 Confidence and preparedness improve before entering the OR 📊 Data tracking provides objective insight into student performance 👥 VR helps identify struggling students earlier Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request About Katie: https://www.nursing.emory.edu/faculty-staff/katie-cole About Kelly: https://www.nursing.emory.edu/faculty-staff/kelly-wiltse-nicely Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

The nurse anesthesia profession is navigating a period of rapid change. From reimbursement cuts and workforce shortages to evolving practice models and federal policy battles, the decisions being made today will shape the future of CRNAs for decades to come. In this special live taping recorded at the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthesiology meeting, Sharon sits down with AANA President Jeff Molter to discuss the biggest challenges facing the profession and how CRNAs can stay engaged in protecting their future. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🩺 Reimbursement Pressures Are Rising 🎓 Student Loan Limits Threaten Workforce Growth 🏥 Demand for Anesthesia Providers Is Expanding 📣 Advocacy Is Essential for the Profession’s Future 📈 CRNAs Are Becoming the Backbone of Anesthesia Care 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode, we explore the Fifth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, the latest international update designed to guide clinicians toward more effective prevention and treatment strategies. These updated recommendations reflect a growing body of research and introduce several important shifts in how anesthesia providers approach PONV. From expanded use of multimodal prophylaxis to greater emphasis on risk reduction strategies and post-discharge nausea and vomiting, the new guidelines encourage clinicians to think more proactively and systematically about managing this common complication. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤢 PONV is still one of the most common anesthesia complications 🧩 The new guidelines emphasize multimodal prevention 📊 Risk scoring still matters—but clinical judgment matters more 💊 Combination antiemetic therapy is now encouraged 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1 🏠 Think beyond the PACU

In this episode, Nicolas and Kelsey sit down with Tarcisio Gois dos Santos, BSN, RN, SRNA an internationally educated nurse from Brazil who is now an SRNA at the Mayo Clinic. As workforce shortages persist, the profession is evolving and hospitals are hiring more nurses educated outside of the United States. We’ll explore the realities of applying to CRNA school as an international nurse and discuss the differences in nursing education across countries. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🌎 International nurses face unique challenges 🎯 Long-term vision matters 📚 Academic rigor differs globally 💪 Resilience is essential 🤝 Mentorship and community help along the way 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

The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, and in many overdose situations, police officers are the first people to arrive on the scene. That reality inspired a powerful community initiative led by CRNA student Krystin Jones. Her DNP project focuses on training law enforcement officers to recognize opioid overdoses and confidently administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse the effects of an overdose and potentially save a life. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🚨 Police are often first on the scene 💉 Narcan can mean the difference between life and death 🏥 Healthcare professionals can impact communities beyond hospitals 📊 The opioid crisis remains a serious public health challenge 🤝 Collaboration saves lives 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode of Airway Exchange, Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN joins the conversation to explore how AI is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and prepare future CRNAs. He’s currently ​the ​Director ​of ​Research ​and ​Global ​Outreach ​in ​the ​Department ​of ​Nurse ​Anesthesia, and his ​scholarship ​focuses ​on ​enhancing ​knowledge ​translation ​in ​healthcare ​environments, ​with ​a ​lot ​of ​his ​current ​projects ​encompassing ​AI ​integration ​in ​healthcare ​education. We’ll go beyond theory and into practical implementation of AI, like integrating AI literacy into the curriculum and building custom GPT tools for student handbooks. We also want to address the concerns many educators share: ethical use, institutional support, academic integrity, prompt engineering, and how to keep humans “in the loop.” Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤖 AI Literacy as a Core Skill 🧠 Prompt Engineering with the CARE Framework 📚 Integrating AI Across the Curriculum 🛠️ Custom GPT Tools for Educators ⚖️ Ethics, Accuracy & Human Oversight About our guest: https://nrsa.chp.vcu.edu/our-team/jiale-gary-hu-phd-rn-faan.html Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

Today’s episode is one of courage, survival, and reclaiming your voice. Tonia Bales, CRNA and author of When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John, shares her deeply personal story of manipulation, coercive control, and psychological abuse. While the world knows the headline-grabbing “Dirty John” narrative, this conversation takes us behind the scenes to explore how even strong, capable professionals can be targeted and trapped by someone hiding in plain sight. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🚩 Psychopaths and manipulators hide in plain sight. Charm and intelligence can mask danger. 🧠 You can be “smart in the brain and not so smart in the heart.” 💬 Silence protects abusers. Speaking up creates safety and support. 🔍 Trust your instincts, subtle red flags deserve attention. 🌱 Healing is ongoing, resilience and community make rebuilding possible. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/When-You-See-Outsmarted-Outlasted/dp/B0FCDDC6FL 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, this episode of Grade 1 View highlights the power, resilience, and impact of women shaping the future of nurse anesthesia. Dr. Bimpe ‘Bebe’ Adenusi shares her remarkable journey from clinical chemist to CRNA, educator, program director, national leader, and founder of the Nigerian American Nurse Anesthetist Association. With authenticity and humility, she reflects on the mentors who shaped her path, the challenges of stepping into leadership, and the responsibility of lifting the next generation. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 👩🏾‍⚕️ From Student to National Leader 💬 Listening as a Leadership Skill 🤝 The Power of Mentorship 🌍 Mission Work & Purpose 📚 Building the Next Generation About our guest: https://nanaa.org/team/dr-bimpe-adenusi/ 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

Becoming a CRNA isn’t just about mastering pharmacology, physiology, and airway skills. It’s about mentorship. In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Kelly Elmore, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins the show to discuss one of the most critical and often overlooked elements of nurse anesthesia education: preceptorship training. From bridging classroom theory to real-time clinical decision-making, preceptors are the link between knowledge and confidence. And when that experience goes well, it can shape a career. When it doesn’t, it can leave lasting scars. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧑‍🏫 Preceptorship Is a Role, Not a Side Task 🤝 What Students Actually Need ⚖️ Balancing Control & Independence 🔥 Burnout & Preceptor Fatigue 🌐 The Preceptor Resource Hub About our guest: https://marybaldwin.edu/people/kelly-r-elmore-dnp-aprn-crna/ 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Writing for a grade is one thing. Writing to contribute to a scientific conversation is something entirely different. In this episode of Airway Exchange, Dr. Edwin Aroke, an internationally recognized CRNA pain scientist and Editor-in-Chief of the AANA Journal, joins hosts Erin and Nickie to talk with us about scholarly writing and peer review. His ​scholarship ​has ​resulted ​in ​over ​60 ​peer-reviewed ​publications and ​many ​nationally ​and ​internationally ​presentations ​on ​pharmacogenomics, ​pain ​disparities ​and ​anesthesia ​outcomes. This conversation is a practical guide for nurse anesthesia educators who want to elevate their scholarship, as we’ll discuss developing a focused research niche to navigating peer review, grant funding, and common reasons for desk rejection. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: ✍️ From Classroom Writing to Publication 🔬 Building a Focused Research Niche 📚 Common Reasons for Journal Rejection 🤝 Grant Funding & Mentorship Strategy 🤖 AI in Scholarly Writing About our guest: https://scholars.uab.edu/4965-edwin-aroke Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

CRNAs are in demand. Salaries are strong. Jobs are plentiful. So why is Dr. Randy Moore sounding the alarm? In this episode, Randy joins Sharon and guest host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA to unpack his viral Substack article, “No One Is Coming to Save Us.” The core message is uncomfortable but clear: while anesthesia organizations remain divided over turf and titles, payers are quietly reshaping reimbursement policy in ways that could have long-term consequences for both CRNAs and anesthesiologists. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🐺 “The Wolf Is at the Door” 💰 Reimbursement Drives Practice Models ⚖️ Fragmentation Weakens Leverage 🏛️ Multi-Front Strategy: Litigation, Legislation, PR 🔄 Cycles in Compensation & Demand Read Randy’s Substack post here: https://randymoore.substack.com/p/no-ones-coming-to-save-us-the-anesthesia 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While well-intentioned, this language blurs professional boundaries and creates real risks for patients and anesthesia teams alike. The goals for this show are to help you be able to: Differentiate between preoperative medical optimization and anesthesia clearance. Explain why anesthesia providers are uniquely qualified to determine anesthesia-related risk. Describe the appropriate role of non-anesthesia consultants in the perioperative period. Apply modern risk assessment tools, such as the DASI scale, to evaluate perioperative anesthesia risk. 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Advocacy can feel intimidating, especially as a student. But what if your future scope of practice, reimbursement, autonomy, and even student loan access are being shaped right now? Mackenzie and Levi recently attended Lobby Day in Florida and Nicolas went to Capitol Day in Arizona. Kelsey asks them about their experiences and advice for other SRNAs. You’ll learn more about what advocacy events actually look like, how they prepared, what surprised them most, and the powerful realization that legislators often know very little about what CRNAs truly do. Showing up to advocate isn’t just crucial for policy, it’s also important for every SRNA’s professional journey. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏛️ What Lobby Day & Capital Day Really Look Like 📢 Scope of Practice & Autonomy Bills 💰 Reimbursement & Legislative Barriers 🎓 Student Loan Caps & Federal Policy Threats 🔥 “If You’re Not at the Table, You’re on the Menu” Tell the Department of Education: CRNAs are professionals - https://aana.quorum.us/campaign/151823/?utm_campaign=21808239-Letter%20from%20the%20Board%20of%20Directors%20Newsletter%20-%20MY26&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_aIux9bDYGSMnBHT8ofMd4Soboojl0igMxgnXHzvkjlNUNiJgq50f2fSPLl0FV518L46QnmodIQKlPYVGef6ShbqCNBA&_hsmi=402704119&utm_content=402704119&utm_source=hs_email Register for AANA Mid-Year Assembly: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/mid-year-assembly/ 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 this special episode, the conversation goes beyond anesthesia, leadership, and practice models and into something just as essential: friendship, health, and wellness. In a profession that is demanding, high‑stakes, and often isolating, the relationships CRNAs build with one another can be a powerful source of strength. Sharon is joined by longtime friends Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, and Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN—four CRNAs whose bond, known affectionately as the Fab Four, was forged through shared experiences, mutual respect, and plenty of laughter along the way. Together, they reflect on how authentic connection within the CRNA community supports resilience, personal well‑being, and professional longevity. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 👩‍⚕️ Each leader shares their unique leadership style and AANA experience 🤝 The power of unity, trust, and supporting one another in CRNA leadership 🧭 How policy, mentoring, and advocacy shape the future of the profession 💬 Stories from the trenches — what it's really like to lead under pressure 🚀 Encouragement for the next generation of CRNA leaders 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Recorded live at the EDGE Conference, this special episode brings all four hosts together for an honest, reflective conversation about what makes this meeting so meaningful for CRNA educators, and why it continues to matter more than ever. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎓 The Value of EDGE for Educators - Why this conference remains a cornerstone for faculty connection and growth. 🤝 Mentorship, Networking, and Community - How relationships shape educator confidence and career paths. 📚 Supporting Early & Mid-Career Educators - Bridging gaps in training, expectations, and professional development. 🧠 Innovation, AI, and Educational Change - Adapting to rapid shifts while maintaining academic rigor. 🧭 Leadership, Longevity, and Faculty Wellness - Navigating burnout, administrative pressure, and long-term sustainability. Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

Oral airways have looked basically the same for nearly a century despite dramatic changes in patient populations, sedation practices, and monitoring standards. What if a simple design change could bring significant improvements to safety and efficacy? In this episode, CRNA John Brown and entrepreneur Jason Keen of Arete Medical Devices share the story behind a newly designed oral airway that aims to solve problems anesthesia providers have quietly worked around for decades. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🫁 Why traditional oral airways no longer meet modern sedation needs 🔧 Designing an adjustable airway to reduce waste and mis-sizing 📉 Improving end-tidal CO₂ accuracy while lowering oxygen flow rates 🏥 Clinical testing across hospitals and surgery centers 🌱 Cost savings, plastic reduction, and sustainability in anesthesia tools Learn more about Arete Medical Devices: https://aretemedicaldevices.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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Incivility doesn’t always announce itself loudly—it often creeps in quietly, becoming normalized in high-stress clinical environments. In this episode, Lynn and Garry are joined by leadership veteran Meri Gilman-Mays, CRNA, DNP to continue a candid conversation on addressing incivility in nurse anesthesia. Part two of this conversation shifts from recognizing incivility to actively addressing it through leadership. We’ll challenge the notion that leadership requires a title, highlighting how CRNAs lead daily at the bedside, in the operating room, and through committee work. Listeners are invited to consider the impact of silence versus intervention and how modeling professionalism under pressure influences team culture. After listening to this episode, participants will be able to: Identify leadership behaviors that CRNAs can demonstrate regardless of formal title or position. Apply real-time de-escalation strategies to address incivility while maintaining professionalism and authority. Utilize a structured framework for conducting difficult follow-up conversations and ensuring accountability. Describe strategies for fostering a culture of respect and psychological safety within anesthesia and perioperative teams. 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Representation in nurse anesthesia is about access, excellence, and belonging. It’s the responsibility of every CRNA to help shape the future of the profession in a way that affords opportunity and access to anyone who wants to pursue that goal. In this episode, hosts Nicolas and Kelsey are joined by two influential leaders in nurse anesthesia advocacy, Lena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FADLN, FAANA, FAAN and Vincent Ford, DNAP, CRNA, to talk candidly about diversity, mentorship, and responsibility. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎓 Why representation in textbooks, faculty, and leadership matters 🧠 Mentorship as the bridge between access and opportunity 🌍 Diversity of thought and experience drives better decisions at the institutional level. 🏫 Barriers in admissions and the push for holistic review 🌱 Paying it forward and shaping the next generation of CRNAs 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

From the very beginning of nurse anesthesia, opposition was organized, strategic, and relentless. Two central figures who devoted their careers to making anesthesia a physician-only specialty in the United States in the early 1900s were Frank and Laurette McMechan. Today, we’ll examine their lives and professional impact in this historical episode with our show historians Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🔥 Who Frank and Laurette McMechan were and why they mattered 📜 Early efforts to eliminate nurse anesthesia in the U.S. 🏛️ How physician anesthesia organizations were formed ⚖️ Legal battles that protected CRNA practice 🧠 Why understanding history is essential for the future of CRNAs 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Accreditation can feel overwhelming, but when done well, it’s not a once-every-ten-years scramble. Dr. Angie Mund joins us this week to help reframe accreditation as an ongoing leadership practice that shapes program culture, faculty development, and student outcomes. Drawing on decades of experience as a program director, department chair, and national leader, Dr. Mund explains what’s usually true long before a successful COA site visit ever begins. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📁 Why accreditation should start on day one—not year ten 🧭 How strong processes prevent people and measurement problems 📝 Common self-study mistakes that undermine good programs 🎓 Mentoring faculty to take ownership of accreditation standards 🔍 Early warning signs that programs are drifting out of compliance Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request Be a part of EDGE: Educate. Develop. Grow. Engage. >> https://www.aana.com/premier-event/edge/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

Artificial Intelligence has become much more than a buzzword. It’s transforming industries as it rapidly evolves, and the big question for CRNAs is what does this mean for anesthesia providers? Sharon and guest co-host Larry Sears, CRNA sit down with CRNA educator and technology thought leader Richard Wilson, DNPA, CRNA, FAANA to explore how AI is quietly reshaping perioperative care, education, and decision-making in the operating room. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤖 Generative vs. predictive AI, and why the difference matters 📉 Predicting hypotension and adverse events in real time 🫀 AI-driven ventilators, monitoring, and micro-learning systems 🧠 Why AI can’t replace vigilance, intuition, or clinical judgment 🎓 How students and educators are already using AI responsibly 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Workplace culture in anesthesia doesn’t just live in policies or mission statements, it shows up in hallways, handoffs, and yes, even the lounge. In Part I of this conversation, Lynn and Garry welcome guest Meri Gilman-Mays, CRNA, DNP, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about incivility in the perioperative environment and how it quietly shapes the daily experiences of nurse anesthetists. Part I focuses on awareness as the first step toward change. By helping CRNAs recognize incivility in its many forms and understand its ripple effects on wellness, teamwork, and patient care, this conversation invites reflection rather than blame. It’s an educational yet relatable dialogue designed to validate lived experiences and encourage healthier, more respectful professional environments one interaction at a time. Here’s some of what we’ll discuss: ⚠️ What incivility actually looks like in anesthesia practice 🏥 Power dynamics between CRNAs, physicians, and students 🧠 How unchecked behavior leads to burnout and moral distress 🗣️ Why silence, eye-rolling, and dismissal are not harmless 🧩 The leadership gap fueling toxic workplace cultures 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Applying to CRNA school can feel overwhelming—stats, GPAs, ICU experience, GRE scores, interviews, and endless comparisons to peers and strangers alike. It’s easy to talk yourself out of applying (or reapplying) so today we’re going to back the curtain on the application process and share our real, unfiltered journeys to CRNA school. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📄 What the CRNA application process really feels like 🚫 Handling rejection, waitlists, and “not this cycle” moments 🧠 Interview formats: emotional intelligence vs. clinical knowledge 📈 How to strengthen your application when reapplying 💪 Why resilience and authenticity matter more than stats 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

More CRNAs are stepping beyond the operating room and building something entirely new, and this episode dives into what that transition truly looks like. Today, we’re sitting down with Joshua Olson DNP, CRNA, CRNA educator, and co-creator of the Ollivate app, a gamified learning platform designed to help CRNAs earn CEs and residents prepare for boards in a calmer, more effective way. Want to know what it’s like to transition to entrepreneurship, the challenges of non-clinical business, and what it takes to succeed? Join us for this candid conversation with a fellow CRNA who’s taken the bold leap. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🚀 Transitioning from clinical practice to entrepreneurship 🧠 Why gamified learning reduces anxiety and improves retention 📱 Micro-learning, spaced repetition, and modern CE engagement 🤝 The importance of not building a business alone 💡 Why CRNAs are uniquely positioned to innovate Check out Ollivate here: https://ollivate.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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

As we kick off the new year, all four hosts are back for a discussion that every nurse anesthesia program will face at some point. We’re sitting down together for a candid, experience-driven conversation about what accreditation really looks like from the inside, whether you’re a program director, faculty member, or educator preparing for your first review. Drawing from multiple accreditation cycles, on-site visits, and self-study efforts, the panel discusses what works, what surprises programs, and why accreditation should be viewed as a measure of compliance, not a judgment of educational quality. We understand how overwhelming the process can feel at times, but getting guidance and resources from peers can help alleviate some of the pressure. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📋 Accreditation as compliance—not a measure of program quality 🗂️ Self-study strategies, timelines, and organization tips 🤝 Why accreditation must be a team sport 🏥 Clinical challenges: case numbers, regional anesthesia, and central lines 📈 How standards can drive program growth and institutional support Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request Be a part of EDGE: Educate. Develop. Grow. Engage. >> https://www.aana.com/premier-event/edge/ 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

Today we’re honoring the life, leadership, and lasting influence of Betty Horton, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, a woman whose impact on nurse anesthesia education spans generations. With her passing on December 27, 2025, we wanted to revisit the conversation we had with her five years prior about the evolution of education and accreditation in nurse anesthesia, something that she cared about tremendously. This conversation captures Betty’s wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to lifting others rather than highlighting herself. The show originally aired July 2, 2020, and we’ve asked Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, the founder and president of Our Hearts Your Hands Inc, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, DS (hon), Med, FAAN, vice president of Our Hearts Your Hands Inc., to share a few of their thoughts on her lasting legacy before we begin. Listening ​now, ​her ​words ​carry ​even ​greater ​meaning. ​They ​reflect ​the ​wisdom, ​humility ​and ​steady ​leadership ​that ​defined ​her ​life's ​work. ​We ​invite ​you ​today ​to ​listen ​not ​only ​with ​your ​ears, ​​but ​with ​your ​heart. It’s an honor to share her voice once more. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🕊️ The life and legacy of Betty Horton in nurse anesthesia 📚 How accreditation standards transformed education and safety 🌍 Global impact through IFNA and the APAP program 🤝 Navigating political and professional challenges with integrity 🌱 Mentorship, service, and building pathways for future generations Read the AANA’s obituary for Betty: https://www.aana.com/news/in-memoriam-betty-horton-phd-crna-faan-1936-2025/ 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy: Lynn & Garry Unplugged, Garry dives deep into the science and strategy behind Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT), moving beyond dogma to deliberate, physiology-driven decision-making. Our guest, Richard Wilson, traces the evolution of perioperative fluid management from liberal “fill-the-tank” approaches to modern, data-informed strategies that respect the Frank–Starling relationship and the nuanced concept of fluid responsiveness. Along the way, they unpack essential hemodynamic variables—stroke volume, cardiac output, preload, afterload, and contractility explaining why hypotension or low output doesn’t always mean the patient needs more fluid. 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Season two of Grade 1 View begins with a transition featuring new voices, new perspectives, and the same commitment to honesty, community, and growth. As we hand off the torch to a new group of future CRNAs, founding host Olivia Conn, RN, DNP introduces the new host team: Nicolas Alexander, BSN, SCRN, CCRN; Levi Davis, BSN, RN, CCRN; Mackenzie Lane, BSN, RN, CCRN; and Kelsey Muir, BSN, RN, CCCRN. Through candid introductions and rapid-fire questions, you get to know the people behind the microphones, not just where they are in CRNA school, but the winding paths that brought them here. From non-linear career journeys and long-distance relationships to favorite comfort shows, coffee orders, and unexpected habits picked up during anesthesia training, we’ll keep things light as we kick off the new year. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🎙️ Introducing the Season Two Hosts 🧭 Non-Linear Paths to Nurse Anesthesia 🤝 Why Community Matters in CRNA School 😂 Keeping It Human 🚀 Setting the Tone for Season Two 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

We’re back once again for our annual conversation with NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer/Executive Vice President of Clinical Strategy Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA to provide us with a state of the profession as we begin 2026. They’re here to help us make sense of the ever-evolving anesthesia ecosystem by explaining what’s going on in our space right now and telling us where they think we’re headed. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: Current state situation in the anesthesia business sector Status of CRNA supply shortage and its impact on the labor market What’s going on with private equity supported firms? Current state of hospital and outsourced anesthesia firms relationships What’s going on with hospitals today? Learn more about Northstar Anesthesia: https://northstaranesthesia.com/our-culture/our-leadership/ 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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

As we finish up wellness month, today’s conversation is about substance use disorder, recovery, and how people think about intentional living around this time of the year. Hosts Nickie Damico and Louisa Martin are joined by Bridget Petrillo, MS, CRNA and Rodrigo Garcia, CEO of Parkdale Center of Professionals, for an honest, deeply personal conversation about SUD, recovery, stigma, and hope within the anesthesia community. Drawing from their own lived experiences, our guests explain why anesthesia providers face unique occupational risks, how shame and fear often delay getting help, and why recovery is not only possible but life-giving. The discussion also highlights the importance of peer support, education, and institutional resources, including the AANA Helpline, Wellness Ambassador Network, and Anesthetists in Recovery (AIR) meetings. As the year comes to a close, we turn our focus to intentional living, gratitude, and wellness, especially during the holidays, when stress and isolation can intensify. The 24/7 confidential, AANA Helpline (800-654-5167) answered by addiction professionals to improve access to help for SUD. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 Why Anesthesia Is an Occupational Risk for SUD 🤝 Recovery Stories That Change Lives 📞 The Power of Peer Support & the AANA Helpline 🏫 What Educators Can Do Differently 🌱 Intentional Living, Gratitude & Wellness in 2026 Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request Be a part of EDGE: Educate. Develop. Grow. Engage. >> https://www.aana.com/premier-event/edge/ Find out how Parkdale can help: 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

As the year comes to a close, many CRNAs find themselves focused on family, travel, and well-deserved rest. But year-end is also one of the most important times to pause and take stock of your financial picture. Small, intentional decisions made before December 31 can have an outsized impact on your long-term success. In a special holiday episode of Beyond the Mask, Jeremy and Sharon walk through a ‘CRNA Christmas list’ with 12 financial moves designed to help you finish the year strong and start the next one with confidence. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 💰 Roth, Retirement & Tax Strategy Decisions - Why tax diversification matters and how Roth strategies fit long-term plans. 📒 1099 & Bookkeeping Cleanup - What independent CRNAs should finalize before December 31st. 🛡️ Protecting Your Family & Income - Beneficiaries, disability insurance, estate planning, and risk management. 🎯 Setting Intentional Goals for the Year Ahead - Turning income into progress with clear financial goals and direction. Get comprehensive planning for CRNAs: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.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 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1