Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

What does a second Trump term mean for the future of healthcare? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Becker, founder and publisher of Becker’s Healthcare , to break down the potential changes, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape. With major shifts ahead, understanding how policies may shape healthcare access, quality, and costs is more important than ever. Here’s...

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ciprofol, a cutting-edge intravenous anesthetic that has been making headlines in both clinical research and operating rooms worldwide. With its innovative formulation and promising safety profile, Ciprofol is poised to transform the landscape of anesthetic practice. Join us as we explore how this new drug compares to established agents like propofol and wha...

With ​lives ​on ​the ​line, ​the ​smallest ​misstep ​in ​communication ​can ​have ​critical ​consequences. Patient data gets transferred at the handoff from the preoperative area to the operating room to the postoperative area, but most anesthesia practices have been slow to adopt a standardized approach to sharing this information. Today’s guest, Pete Montrie, CRNA, DNP, created the AMPLE approac...

Relationships are hard enough on their own so how do you find the time and energy to maintain one while also trying to go to CRNA school? Whether you’re just starting a relationship or married, it’s difficult to find balance between academic responsibilities and personal life. Zach and Kate Bekken are living that experience right now as she navigates her third year as an SRNA at Samford University...

Have you ever been inspired by a TED Talk and wondered whether you could inspire people with your own experience? Today’s guest did just that recently. Johnny Garza, MSN, CRNA, delivered a memorable TED Talk inspired by his practice and a personal story that proves life is too short and we should act on our most vulnerable dreams. He’ll share his experience from that TED Talk and tell us more abou...

In this episode, hosts Garry and Terry explore the transformative role of processed EEG monitors in anesthesia. EEG, or electroencephalography, has been around for a while, but its application in anesthesia is relatively new and incredibly promising. They dive into the differences between the two, discussing the benefits and controversies surrounding these technologies. From improving patient safe...

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own medical business but aren’t sure how to bring an idea to life? Today we’re excited to welcome on David Gomez, CRNA, to share his experience of starting a medical device company from the ground up. David's story is one of perseverance and ingenuity, as he transitioned from a nurse anesthetist to an entrepreneur, bringing life-changing medical devices to th...

We’re excited to sit down with a distinguished CRNA and a leader in our profession for our first interview. Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA has devoted much of her life to pain management and it’s taken her to the height of the profession. She’s currently the president of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists and formerly served as the AANA president, making her a pivotal figu...

With the growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in healthcare, developing and preparing future nurse anesthetists is more important than ever. As training needs and educational requirements continue to evolve, anesthesia programs have to adapt as well to maintain the high standards needed to provide the right care. Today’s guest is Michael Greco, Ph. D., DNP, CRNA, who...

The transition to a new place is hard on its own but add in the stress of CRNA school and it can quickly feel like you aren’t prepared. Moving for school is not just about packing boxes and finding a new place to live. It involves a complete lifestyle shift, requiring careful planning and emotional resilience. Join us for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of relocating for school, mana...

Maintaining a culture of respect is crucial, and without it you can shake the foundation of any profession. Yet, incivility remains a significant challenge in nurse anesthesia educational programs, affecting both students and faculty. Today we’re discussing strategies or creating the right culture and professionalism with Nancy A. Moriber, PhD, APRN-CRNA, FAANA and Maribeth Massie, PhD, CRNA, FAAN...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grade 1 View! Before we jump into the topics and discussions impacting future CRNAs, we want to introduce you to our hosts: Kevin Chem, BSN, RN, Olivia Conn, MSN, RN, Charity Garno, BSN, RN, and Larry Sears, BSN, RN. In future episodes, Grade 1 View aims to cover various topics, including navigating the CRNA application process, mental health and wellness, and e...

Warning: today’s topic is sensitive but urgent. We’ll be discussing suicide in general and shining a light on the rising rates among nurses and student nurse anesthetists. Mental health struggles are very prevalent in the profession but you often don’t ever see it because it’s hidden behind the mask of professionalism. So what can we do to help drive change and support nurses struggling with menta...

In this episode, we’re going to explore the transformative role of Thromboelastography (TEG) in blood coagulation and transfusion therapy. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized how we understand and manage blood coagulation. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: TEG provides a detailed picture of what the patient's coagulation status is. How coagulation and traditional tests...

For the third straight year, we’re bringing on NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA to update the state of the anesthesia profession and speculate on what’s coming in the future. Just like past year-end shows, we’ll offer up a comprehensive overview of the current state of anesthesiology, highlighting key trends, challenges, and future pre...

Today, we're exploring a captivating topic at the intersection of technology and medicine: the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare. We're thrilled to welcome special guest Dr. Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAANB who will share his insights on how AI is currently being utilized in operating rooms, the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into surgical practices, and...

Dive into the cutting-edge world of perioperative care this week with Terry and Garry. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of coronary imaging and its transformative role in anesthesia practice. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The role of coronary CT in preoperative workups. Understanding coronary CTA, how it differs from calcium scoring, and why nurse anesthetists should care. Whe...

Artificial Intelligence has disrupted many different industries despite it being a relatively young technology, and there’s no doubt that AI will greatly impact healthcare as well. Today we’re talking with Ajay Gupta, who runs a health tech firm, to learn more about how AI is harnessed to leverage social determinants of health, predicting patient outcomes with greater accuracy. Join us as we explo...

Navigating the world of taxes can be overwhelming, especially for CRNAs who often juggle both clinical responsibilities and financial planning. Today we’re focused on self-employment taxes and the planning strategies that can help you maximize your earnings. Whether you're a 1099 contractor or a W2 employee, this is information that every CRNA can use to improve their financial future. Here’s some...

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we want to take some time to show our gratitude—gratitude for the AANA, for our profession, and for those who work tirelessly to support CRNAs across the country. We’re honored to be joined by AANA President Jan Setnor, who shares her reflections on the profound impact of the association and the countless CRNAs who are dedicated to compassionate, expert care. Join us as w...

Today’s show will address the workplace challenges that contribute to risk and impact substance use disorder in healthcare environments, which is a critical issue facing professionals in our industry. Our guests today, Luci New, DNP, CRNA and Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA, both have a passion for wellness and understand the unique stressors faced by anesthesia providers. We’ll hear about their personal e...

Anesthesia medications play a crucial role in modern medicine, enabling pain-free surgeries and procedures. However, their potent effects also pose significant risks when misused. Today’s show explores the legitimate and harmful uses of two powerful anesthesia drugs: fentanyl and propofol. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: These drugs, when manufactured correctly, have legitimate use...

Are you ready to support the next generation of CRNAs as they transition into their professional careers? The transition from student to practicing CRNA can be overwhelming, filled with challenges that require effective support systems. Today we welcome back Laura Ardizzone, DNP, CRNA, DCC and Kirsten Meister, DNP, CRNA to share their expertise on effective strategies to provide support and offer...

Leadership and advocacy mean getting out of your comfort zone for most CRNAs, and today’s guest is tapped into what it takes to step into roles beyond the confines of the medical field.   Jana ​Bailey, APRN, CRNA joins us to ​discuss ​how ​nurses ​and ​CRNAs ​can ​make ​significant ​strides ​in ​broadening ​the ​scope ​and ​impact ​of ​nursing ​by ​serving ​on ​various ​nonprofit, ​corporate, ​gov...

Join hosts Jeremy and Sharon in celebrating the sixth anniversary of Beyond the Mask, with over 400 episodes and a global reach in 125 countries. In this special episode, we reflect on the journey, the impact of the podcast, and share heartwarming stories from the nurse anesthesia community. From life-saving interventions to groundbreaking legislative support, we revisit some of our favorite memor...