Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Today we’re joined by the distinguished Elena Meadows, DNP, CRNA, who is the Associate Director of Didactic Education at Wake Forest University’s nurse anesthesia educational program. In this episode, the trio dives deep into Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an emerging and pressing healthcare concern involving severe allergies to animal proteins, primarily transmitted by the Lone Star tick. Elena shares her e...

Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anesthetist profession. We’ll cover everything over two episodes and we’ll begin with the challenges faced by nurse anesthetists, the formation of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and the significant contributions of pioneers like Agatha Hodgin...

In this week’s episode, we tackle a topic that is sometimes overlooked and deserves more attention: the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ginny Ramsey, DNAP, CRNA, ARNP, CHSE has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes and raising awareness about the unique challenges facing thi...

Today we're diving deep into a critical and often deadly complication in septic patients: Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy or SIC. We'll be discussing the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies based on a comprehensive narrative review by Drs. Brittney Williams, Lin Zou, Jean-Francois Pittet, and Wei Chao.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The patho...

Have you ever stopped to think about how your upbringing and personal experiences shape your financial decisions? Even if you don’t classify yourself as a money person, it still drives many of the decisions we make every day. Today we’re joined by Julie Genjac, Vice President and Managing Director of Applied Insights at Hartford Funds, to discuss the concept of a money story and how understanding...

How would you enjoy turning on your favorite streaming platform and finding a sitcom about anesthesia? It could become a reality if a CRNA’s efforts come to fruition. In this episode, we welcome Ben Hartland, CRNA to discuss his creative endeavor in producing a pilot TV episode about dental anesthesia and the challenges that come with producing a show about the world of dental sedation. Find out h...

Recently our dean asked our faculty to include education about disparities in healthcare in one of our introductory courses in our graduate nursing programs. And it didn't take long doing a simple Google search of disparities in healthcare to come up with some interesting articles addressing a variety of sources of disparity in healthcare that exist in our society and their influence on our countr...

The CRNA community is filled with multi-talented individuals and today’s guest is a wonderful example of that. In this episode, Sharon and guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA sit down David Giardinelli-O'Connor, PhD, DNAP, CRNA, who has successfully balanced a demanding career in anesthesia with his lifelong passion for music. We’ll hear about his music and multiple bands, his adve...

We’re excited to add another chapter to our Courage to Lead series with 1998-99 AANA President Linda Williams, JD, CRNA. In this episode, Sharon and guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA sit down with Linda to reminisce about her experiences, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the heart of a leader who has truly been through the fire. Join us for a candid discussion about the sup...

Today ​we're ​delving ​in ​the ​heart ​of ​all ​matters ​concerning ​the ​American ​Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, ​and ​we're ​privileged ​to ​be ​joined ​by ​two ​prominent ​guests. AANA President Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN and AANA CEO Bill Bruce, CAE join us for a candid and informative discussion about the organization’s priorities. Get a glimpse into the strategic vision propelli...

It’s another special edition of Beyond the Mask where we let you hear directly from the candidates running for various AANA offices in the upcoming fiscal year. This year we recoded the speeches when they were given in front of a live audience at the Mid-Year Assembly. From advocating for full practice authority to enhancing member engagement, each candidate shares their unique vision for advancin...

In this episode, hosts Terry and Garry tackle the pressing topic of hemodynamic instability in surgical patients, exploring its implications, challenges, and potential solutions. Drawing from data highlighting the alarming rate of preventable harm among perioperative patients, we’ll underscore the urgency of addressing hemodynamic instability. We’ll discuss the gaps in current recommendations, emp...

We’re excited for today’s episode as we explore the intersection of anesthesia, leadership, and military service with the incredible Debra Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA. She’s a CRNA who served in the US Navy and shares her profound experiences from the front lines to the operating room. Discover the unique challenges of military anesthesia, the critical importance of leadership, and the unyielding...

Today we're exploring a topic that goes deeper into the realms of medicine and neuroscience, and it's something that affects us all: cognitive health post-surgery. Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital, brings his 20 years of experience and a personal connection to the table, discussing the intricate relationship between anesthesia, surgical stress, and the brain. With the aging popul...

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond The Mask, a story of unique dynamics when working alongside family in the world of anesthesia comes to life. Jeremy and Sharon sit down with a remarkable mother-daughter duo, Melody Secrest and Emily King, both CRNAs, who share their experiences working in the same hospital department. We uncover the challenges and triumphs that come with balancing professional...

In this episode, hosts Terry and Garry take listeners on a journey through the evolution of anesthesia, reflecting on the remarkable changes witnessed since their early days in the field. From manual adjustments of OR beds to sophisticated ventilator technologies, they explore the transformative advancements that have revolutionized patient care. Focusing on lung protective ventilation strategies,...

With Sharon away for work this week, we invited Andrew Opdyke, CFA from First Trust to join us to address a concern that many people have this year: the future of the market. What's ​the ​Fed ​going ​to ​do? ​Where's ​this ​economy ​going? ​How's ​this ​election ​going ​to ​affect ​my ​portfolio ​and ​my ​financial ​future? We tackle all these pressing financial questions and get Andrew’s thoughts...

The intersection of cannabis use, vaping and anesthesia is a topic that’s sparking conversations in operating rooms and beyond. With marijuana legalization spreading across the globe and vaping gaining popularity, it's crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike to understand how these factors can impact the surgical experience. In this episode, we’ll explore this topic and share the consi...

Step back in time as we celebrate the trailblazing nurse anesthetists who forged a path for today's CRNAs. In this episode, we’re joined by guests Stacy Yancey, MSNA, CRNA and Megan Conner, PhD, CRNA to pay homage to formidable women like Sophie Winton and Gertrude Gerrard, whose remarkable bravery and dedication earned them medals and a place in history. Hear stories of the first nurse anesthetis...

Most CRNAs have come up with solutions in the operating room for airway management, but today’s guest took it a step further and developed a product to address issues we face as patient body types change. Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA takes us on her journey from recognizing the urgent need for better tools to inventing a groundbreaking device, the McMurray Enhanced Airway. As patient d...

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) impacts all types of people but trying to confront addiction is never easy. Today we’ll try to unravel the stigma surrounding SUD among anesthesia providers with Amy Yerdon, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CNE. Our discussion illuminates the personal and professional challenges that arise when confronting substance abuse within our ranks. We tackle the complexities of recognizing sign...

Today we're going to dive into an interesting topic: some medical legal considerations. And we’ll talk a little bit about being an expert witness. We'll cover anesthesia standards created and published by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, and share some of our own experiences acting as expert witnesses in medical legal complaints filed on behalf of patients. Perhaps just as importa...

CRNAs spend their days providing support for others, but we don’t always give ourselves the attention we need. Today we tackle the health and wellness challenges CRNAs face in the current healthcare climate with Donna Keeney, CRNA and Dr. Cathy Horvath. Both women are on the Health and Wellness Committee at the AANA, and the insights shared in this episode will resonate with anyone in healthcare t...

As the fight for the future of anesthesia continues, having a seat at the table to discuss the issues becomes more and more important. That’s why we’re excited to feature another guest who’s been in the arena. Sharon and guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Bias, a CRNA with an eye on political office, to talk about the critical role politica...

Today's episode explores the revolutionary landscape of automated drug delivery systems in anesthesia. The hosts unravel the intricacies of these technologies, discussing real-world examples and contemplating the integration of adaptive, intelligent computer systems. So, whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the convergence of medicine and technology, this podcast episode...