Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

In this episode, we’re going to continue discussing our crisis checklists and the ones that relate to distributive shock specifically. Let’s talk about what happens during neurogenic shock by discussing a case involving a 34-year-old male that came into the ER after a motor vehicle crash. We’ll talk about what you should do if you face this scenario and lay out the checklist to help prioritize car...

When you look at how critical mistakes happen in the workplace, the normalization of deviance is often the culprit. You can find examples of this in all different areas of life, but CRNAs frequently face the pressure of doing things as fast as we can to meet the demands of production pressure. Today we want to explore this idea of normalization of deviance with Randy Cornelius, DNP, ARNP, CRNA, an...

Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, left his role as the AANA CEO about a year ago to take over as Chief Anesthetist Officer at NorthStar Anesthesia. It was a little surprising because it seemed like a great long-term position, but the reasons for his departure make sense when you hear him explain his vision moving forward. That’s why we’ve invited our friend and colleague onto the show to catch up on th...

As we continue our case series on these clinical episodes, we’re going to start out by talking about surgical procedures and pathology related to the endocrine system. Today’s episode will focus on a thyroidectomy, which is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. We’ll take you through a case and walk you through the essential points of what you need to know.   Here are some of t...

Our profession is filled with incredible individuals who are resourceful and know how to make the most out of whatever comes their way in the operating room and in life. During our time at the AANA Annual Congress in Chicago, we got to hear a handful of those stories and asked each of these four wonderful CRNAs to join the show and share the obstacles they overcame to achieve extraordinary accompl...

There’s been a huge strain put on the anesthesia business in recent years due to the way that hospitals and surgeries have changed, and there’s some uneasiness about what it could mean for the future. Today we’ve invited NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, on to assess the state of the profession and discuss what’s to come for CRNAs as p...

As we begin our new clinical episodes of Beyond the Mask, we’re kicking things off with a case management and crisis management series on the different states of shock. This series is going to start out by reviewing differential diagnosis, the rationale for treatment, and the mechanism of action of the medications used to treat the crisis.   On this first part of our shock state series, we’re goin...

Every member of the AANA is taking an active approach by paying dues and being a part of the organization, but the success of the AANA relies on participation by each and every CRNA. On this episode, we sat down with a CRNA that took that step to move out of her comfort zone and voice her opinion on issues that affected her and many of her peers. Jenny Andersen, CRNA, was a flight nurse in Alaska...

As we celebrate the release of our 200th episode, it seemed fitting to shine the spotlight on the profession as a whole and the people who devote their lives to helping others. Many CRNAs, and nurses in general, don’t give themselves enough credit for the work they do every day. So today we’re going to take a big picture look at the power of nursing and the innovation we’re doing that could change...

The early years of anesthesia were a time when nurses proved just how valuable they were as this new world was being explored. Olive Berger, CRNA was one of the women that rose to the occasion and helped shape the profession through her work with ‘blue babies’ and with the AANA. Today we look back on her career with show historians Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA.   Here are som...

We’ve been waiting for a little while to let the cat out of the bag but it’s finally time to make an exciting announcement about the future of the podcast. Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: What’s coming up for the show. (1:57) Who are the hosts and what will they be discussing? (3:02) The reason they’ve decided to host these clinical episodes. (5:34) Visit us online:  http://...

Earlier this year we spoke to Marianne Cosgrove , CRNA, DNAP, APRN, PhD, on the podcast and she emailed us later about a student that would like to come on the podcast to discuss their doctoral project. At that moment, a lightbulb went off and we realized this is a great opportunity for other students to do the same. Today we’ll introduce the committee we’ve put together, explain the application p...

If COVID taught us anything, it’s that it’s just as important for healthcare workers to take care of their own health as it is to take care of others. It’s a shift away from how we’ve always thought about providing care, but it’s necessary for the wellness of CRNAs and all workers. Today we’ll talk with Matthew Zinder, CRNA, who is a co-founder of the upcoming Provider Wellness Symposium, about ti...

Any CRNA who’s gone through the credentialing process knows how inefficient and frustrating it can be. There’s got to be a better way right? Andi Stamper, DNP, CRNA and Kiki Mattress, MSNA, CRNA are working to streamline this process through their company, HealthShield Credentialing. The pair joins the podcast today to tell us more about the work they're doing and how it all works to improve healt...

The AANA introduced its new CEO earlier this summer and Bill Bruce, MBA, CAE has already hit the ground running. So what does a non-CRNA bring to the organization? We got the opportunity to sit down with him to learn more about his background, his leadership style, and how he hopes to engage and build trust with members.     Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: How he got into th...

Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time, but even more than that, it’s about taking action to help a fellow human when the time calls for it. That’s exactly what Olaf Jacobsen experienced a few years ago when he came across a mother and three children in frigid water coming home from work in Norway. Hear the heartbreaking but incredible story about what was discovered and h...

Nurses are uniquely qualified for the responsibilities that come with holding a public office, which is why we’re seeing more and more campaigning. But did you ever think about running for sheriff? Caitlin Sepeda is a registered nurse in Massachusetts that’s doing just that and today she joins the show to tell us about her path to this point and why she hopes to make history.   Here are some of th...

The great thing about being an advocate for nurse anesthetists is that anyone can have an impact no matter where they live. Many federal legislators starts locally so there are opportunities to create relationships early and close to home. Sarah Tweedy, CRNA, got a first-hand look at working with legislators as a student and has carried that interest into her young professional career. Find out wh...

You’ve probably already noticed that most of our colleagues in nurse anesthesia look pretty similar. Through innovation and educational pipelines, the industry is working to improve the diversity in our workforce, which will lead to better healthcare outcomes for all. Sonya Moore, DNP, CRNA, joins the show to talk about her experiences as a minority in healthcare and how she’s helping drive change...

Each of us faces our own battles every day, some of which are much more difficult than others. No matter what mental health challenges you’re dealing with, finding ways to manage everything are so important for everyone. Susie Newell, DNP, CRNA, wrote a book recently about creating activities and mindsets to help people cope with mental issues and it’s all focused on neuroscience. She joins us tod...

On this look back through the history of nurse anesthesia, we’ll tell you the story of Catherine Lawrence. This Civil War nurse became the first to administer anesthesia during the Second Battle of Bull Run but she also accomplished a lot more during her life. Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, will give us all the details and help us learn more about this important figure in nur...

The nursing profession has always been the backbone of the healthcare system but it’s time to start thinking bigger. The talent and determination found in nurses can shape the future of healthcare and it begins through innovation and entrepreneurship. Rebecca Love, RN, BS, MSN, FIEL, is leading that charge by creating a program for nurses to pursue innovation and help lead the profession forward....

Jeremy and Sharon took part in a panel discussion on incivility and bullying within the CRNA workplace and educational system. Speaking alongside members of the Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists, they were able to dive into the core issues at the heart of this behavior from the perspective of both the student and the preceptor. Plus, they offered up solutions to help curb incivility and b...

None of us get to where we are without the help and guidance of other people. We rely on mentorship from our peers to lift us up and empower us to accomplish great things. With the input from a few powerful women on this episode, we want to highlight women that have played a key role in helping advance the industry and discuss how we can elevate each other through empowerment.   Read more: http://...

With more and more CRNAs shifting to 1099, it’s time to start thinking about how to best position yourself from a tax standpoint as your finances change. Today, Jeremy Stanley, CFP® will share nine tax strategies that most S corporations can utilize each year to maximize their earnings and minimize what they owe.   Read more: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com     Learn more about financial planning:...