As we celebrate another Thanksgiving, we want to show our appreciation for an organization that does so much for CRNAs. Many people don’t know about the AANA Foundation’s purpose and why it’s important to individual CRNAs working in the OR, but they play a critical role in supporting and growing the profession. Today we’ll spend time with Executive Director Nat Carmichael and Treasurer Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA to learn more about the best kept secret in our profession.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The purpose of the Foundation and how they support research and education.Why it’s so important to have this research to support CRNAs.The different ways that you can give to the Foundation, from online donationsLearn more about the Friends for Life program and why it’s a valuable commitment to the profession.The ways you can leave money to the Foundation as part of your estate plan.The other ways you can contribute to the Foundation besides monetary contributions, including opportunities for students.   Learn more about the AANA Foundation: https://www.aana.com/aana-foundation/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy, Garry and Terry briefly discuss the history, physiology, and pharmacology of using non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs as anesthesia adjuncts. They focus on the pitfalls of administrating these agents to surgical patients and the problems associated with residual neuromuscular blockade in the post-anesthesia care unit.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What are cyclodextrins and why are they useful?Understanding the essentials of neuromuscular transmission.What some of the newer intermediate-acting neuromuscular drugs do and how they work.How the treatment has changed through the years.Monitoring recovery from neuromuscular blockade.Running through the eight recommendations that were published.   Visit us online and get show references here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

We pose the question to guests all the time about how to get more CRNAs involved on the advocacy side of the profession, but today’s guest is taking a hands-on approach to instilling that mindset at the educational level. Dr. Kristie Hoch has taken her passion for advocacy and applied it to the nurse anesthesiology program at the University of Arizona. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we will hear all about her training process and why she thinks this leadership training will pay off in all aspects of their careers.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why she thinks we should call our students residents.Where her passion and fire for getting involved began.When she starts incorporating leadership and advocacy into her students’ training?CRNAs are already leaders by making it through school and being a part of this profession.   About our guest: https://www.nursing.arizona.edu/kristiehoch   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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 different ways they integrate this training. Who has inspired her the most through her career?

Today we’re joined by Suzie Newell, DNP, CRNA, FAANA once again, but this time we will focus on an area of anesthesia that has become outdated: obstetrics. Behind her passion for this area of anesthesia, Suzie helped create the Society for Obstetric Nurse Anesthesia and Research (SONAR) to fill a void for people that had practical solutions to problems she was seeing in the field. Find out how this organization came to be, what it hopes to accomplish, and how you can get involved.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why she felt so many places were outdated and out of touch in this area.How this organization was formed in 2020 and who all is involved in leadership roles.What are the long term goals for SONAR?The lofty goals for their first project that Suzie is spearheading.How others who have a passion for obstetrics can get involved.   Revisit our past episode with Suzie where we discuss her book: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-190-using-neuroscience-for-daily-direction-and-coping-mechanisms/3827/   Learn more about SONAR: https://www.sonar-ob.org/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

Terry and Garry dive into the fascinating world of GLP-1 receptor agonists, those tiny molecules that can be both a blessing and a potential risk factor when it comes to anesthesia. In this episode, we're going embark on a journey through the world of diabetes management, how it intersects with the realm of anesthesia and what the implications are for providers in the operating room. And in the perioperative period, we're going to shine a spotlight on these new agents, explore their effects, and we're going to discuss the challenges they present to our CRNA colleagues.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How SGLT2 inhibitors help with diabetes management.The basics of the GLP-1 receptor agonists.Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists on the market today.Anesthesia considerations that need to be addressed.Unpacking Cyclopentenophenanthrene.Looking at the study: Characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized following a pulmonary aspiration.   Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

How do we make the next generation of CRNAs better than the previous generation? This is the question that led today’s guest, Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, to get involved in education and provide leadership training mentorship for the next group of CRNAs so they have the ability to take the profession to another level. Join us today as we talk about the importance of mentorship, how to be a successful mentor, and what benefits it provides our industry when we have stronger applicants.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The people who mentored Richard and inspired him to do the same for other students.Two instances that have stuck with him and motivated him in his career.How positive experiences are huge right now and can change the trajectory of someone’s life and career.The differences between mentoring and teaching.The keys to being a good mentor and providing a positive mentorship experience.The qualities you need to possess to be a good mentor and to be mentored.How to find a mentor if you’re a student that wants to seek this out?   About our guest: https://crnaschoolprepacademy.com/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

We’re excited to get the opportunity to sit down with someone who holds an incredibly unique position in our industry. Jorge Valdés, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA, is the rare trifecta of a male nurse, minority and a CRNA in the dean’s chair at Florida International University. His rise from starting as a CRNA 21 years ago to becoming the head of a nursing school was not the path he anticipated, but Dr. Valdés has fully embraced the opportunity to impact nursing education and be a tremendous advocate for the profession. Join us as we learn more about his journey, his view on the future of healthcare, and the important role educators play in our profession.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What challenges are facing CRNA educators right now?The best place to start if you’re considering education is to be a preceptor.The path from being a CRNA to becoming an active dean.What does he see for the future of the profession?The role he’s played in advocacy in Florida.   About our guest: https://cnhs.fiu.edu/about/faculty-staff/profiles/jvalde.html   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

An amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) remains one of the most devastating conditions in obstetric practice. In today’s episode, Sass and Jeremy review the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and management of this rare, but lethal condition. Included in the management of an AFE is the administration of a trio of medications known as A-OK (Atropine, Ondansetron, and Ketorolac). If you want to brush up on current management techniques for an AFE, hit play…because it’s go time!   Here are some of the things we’ll discuss in this episode: An example of this happening recently where Jeremy works. How the body reacts when an amniotic fluid embolism occurs. Who is most at risk for developing AFE? Signs and symptoms to pay attention to. The treatment and management of a patient suffering from AFE. What is the AOK treatment?   About our hosts: https://kpatprogram.org/about-the-school/faculty.html    Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com    Get the CE certificate here: 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

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a nurse who’s impacted her state like our guest today has done in North Carolina. Gale Adcock is serving her term in the NC Senate after eight years in the NC House and seven years on her local town council. Those 16 years in office have given her a seat at the table and she’s used it to provide nurses across the state with an advocate to speak on their behalf. Today we’re sharing our conversation with her from the NCANA Meeting, where she was also surprised with two well-deserved honors.      Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Senator Adcock finds out she has been awarded the Legislator of the Year Award by the NCANA and named an honorary member of the NCANA.Her four-decade background in nursing and how she got into politics.Why she feels nurses have the makeup and the background to be great leaders and elected officials.How to properly communicate with your local representative in a way they’ll pay attention and take notice.The status of the SAVE Act and why it hasn’t passed yet.How can CRNAs become more comfortable in the advocacy arena.What can you do to affect other elections that would be helpful to you as a CRNA?   About our guest: https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/436   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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 are going to discuss the uncertainties surrounding healthcare restructuring and why it’s critical for anesthesia to play an influential role moving forward. We’re excited to do that with guest host Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA, and Kevin Smith, MBA, CRNA, MSN, APRN of North American Partners in Anesthesia. We’ll have a roundtable discussion about where the anesthesia profession is headed and how CRNAs can create influence at local levels.    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why he feels like there’s no real influencer in the healthcare industry.The role that anesthesia plays in healthcare and what we have to do to take a seat at the table.His fears about healthcare restructuring and where we’re headed.Why it’s important for there to be positive messaging on the ground to offset the negative associated with many CRNAs leaving institutions.What can we do to prepare graduates to work with companies like NAPA to create influence?How social policy plays into current legislation.   About our guest: https://napaanesthesia.com/who-we-are/kevin-smith/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/   Get the CE Certificate here: 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

This is a super fun episode where we welcome Mark Gabot, DNP, CRNA, FAANA on the show as a cohost. Mark and Jeremy presented at the 2023 AANA Annual Congress in Seattle and recorded this episode at the same time. Jeremy and Mark talk about how we think during a crisis, the unconscious biases that exist and they focus on a cognitive template for crisis management that can help formulate a working diagnosis of the perioperative problem, and then zero in on appropriate management. They also have some fun with some guests in the audience and invite them up on stage to talk more about their areas of expertise. Jeremy and Mark first invite one of the authors of the published Cognitive Template article (Lisa Osborne-Smith, PhD, CRNA, FAANA) up on stage to talk more about the utilization of the template. They next invite the Cormac O’Sullivan, PhD, CRNA, ARBP, FAANA to talk about simulated crises at the AANA Annual Congress. Finally, they invite both Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP®, AIF® up on stage to talk about the origins of the Beyond the Mask Podcast.   Here are some of the things we’ll discuss in this episode: How we develop our own mental model of what to follow in terms of treating a patient.The two modes of thinking when we make rapid decisions.The research on cognitive errors and biases.Background on the cognitive template article from Oregon Health & Science University.Simulation training with Dr. Cormac O’Sullivan.Background on the Beyond the Mask Podcast and how it got started.   For more on the cognitive template, check out this earlier episode where we go deeper into the topic: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/managing-perioperative-crises-with-a-cognitive-template/4242/   About our hosts: https://kpatprogram.org/about-the-school/faculty.html  Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: 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 going to turn our attention back to the financial side of our CRNA discussions and focus on the issues that can creep into a marriage when it comes to money. That’s something many couples will argue over so we want to make sure you’re addressing the minefields that might test any marriage.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why it’s important for you to know how your partner feels about money before you get married.Figuring out whether you should combine finances, keep them completely separate, or do some combination of the two.  Determining what your priorities are for life and your career and focusing on how your finances play into that.Being on the same page about debt.Should you consider a prenup before marriage?The steps you need to take with an estate plan after you get married.   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Sacrifice is part of the job when you’re a nurse. We all understand that comes with the territory. But there’s an even greater level of sacrifice for those who try to be advocates and leaders within the profession. Today we’re joined a gain by guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, and Yana Krmic, MSN, CRNA, APRN to discuss the obstacles we’ve all faced throughout our careers. We explore what it means to be a leader in a challenging profession, the personal experiences that define our career trajectories, and the value of finding purpose in the work we do.   Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: Her journey from the Soviet Union to the United States in 1997.Yana’s pathway to leadership and the obstacles she faced as she tried advance her career.The five step process in becoming an advocate.Leaders aren’t always rewarded in our profession and it means we make sacrifices.What causes some CRNAs to be unsupportive of others in the profession.The things from the work we did during COVID.Would Yana have done things differently if she could go back?   Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

We all have the current requirement to take the CPC Assessment for recertification, and many of our colleagues are asking us “How can I prepare?”. In an effort to help get our CRNA nation in the mode of answering questions… Jeremy and Sass are going to start doing occasional question and answer episodes. In this episode they go over respiratory and cardiac physiology questions. This will bring you right back to CRNA school (for better or worse), so have fun!   Here are some of the things we’ll discuss in this episode: A review of Hypoxic Pulmonary VasoconstrictionWhen increased, which factor increases myocardial oxygen consumption to the greatest degree?Which factors cause a leftward shift in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve?Which vascular response occurs during hypotension?Which inspiratory muscles are involved with a supplemental inspiratory effect during times of respiratory distress?Which cardiac responses are associated with bradycardia?     About our hosts: https://kpatprogram.org/about-the-school/faculty.html  Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Our guest today has quite the story to tell about advocacy but it’s not the same advocacy we normally discuss on the show. Maureen McCartney Anderson, CRNA has been in-volved with her state association in New Jersey for a number of years and was on the path of advocating for professional rights, but that changed dramatically when her baby was born with handicaps. Now she’s pouring much of her energy into advocating for the special needs children’s population and making a difference in her community with the help of other CRNAs. She realized quickly that some children were being left behind at the playground because they lacked inclusive options for children and adults of all abilities. So she took on the task of advocating for an inclusive playground in her local community of Mansquan, New Jersey. In doing so, they developed a charity called Friends of Manasquan Parks and Recreation to help expand the mission and vision they had for recreation initiatives.  Things really took off when the group ‘CRNA Moms’ got involved and the two-year project was officially completed in December 2022. Today we’ll learn more about Maureen’s advocacy efforts and how the CRNA community rallied around a wonderful cause.   Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: The story of how this mission became a top priority for her after her son were born.How she’s helped educate people on the need for inclusivity.The back-and-forth efforts they went through on design and why they cared so much about making it fun for everyone.The incredible support she received from the CRNA community after reaching out to the CRNA Moms Facebook group.The different fundraising efforts they took on to raise money for this $900,000 project.What’s next for Maureen and the charity?   Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is rapidly gaining recognition for its effectiveness in alleviating acute and chronic pain, as well as anxiety. When we heard Angel Jaap, CRNA speak about this at the AANA Spring Symposium, we wanted to bring her on to learn more about this alternative therapy. You’ll understand why she wants more nurses to learn this protocol after you hear some of the applications and success stories she shares today.   For those that aren’t familiar with BFA, patients undergo insertion of five auricular semi-permanent (ASP) needles to the following traditional ear acupuncture points bilaterally: Cingulate Gyrus, Thalamus, Omega 2, Point Zero and Shenmen. Angel learned about this over the past few years and has instituted a Pilot program through Whole Health within VISN 4 which allows RNs to perform BFA for veterans thereby increasing veterans access to this safe, effective pain management therapy.   You’ll learn more about that and have a much better understanding of BFA after listening to our conversation during our trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania.   Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: How therapeutic touch works and why it makes you feel the way it does.How BFA was developed and why the VA began incorporating this into patient care.What does a day at work look like for Angel?Angel shares a wonderful success story about treating a veteran and PTSD.The smaller needles used in BFA have been effective for people scared of needles.   Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Caring for surgical patients who have an associated penicillin allergy is relatively common. Should we avoid cefazolin (Ancef) in these patients? In this episode, Jeremy and Sass look at current and past evidence to uncover the truth about the relationship between penicillin and Ancef. This episode will get you thinking about the antibiotics you administer in your anesthesia practice.   Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: An estimated 8-10% of patients have an allergy to penicillin and where did this projection come from?Why many people might think they have a penicillin allergy but test negative.Why are we concerned that medications might cause allergies?What the information and studies tell us.Three cases where a patient had a documented penicillin allergy and received Ancef.The efficacy of the other antibiotics.What a liability study discovered.Our key takeaways from the evidence we have.   About our hosts: https://kpatprogram.org/about-the-school/faculty.html  Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Have you ever been caught off guard when asked to explain who you are or what’s important to you? That's a conundrum our guest Julie Gauderman, MS, DNAP, APRN, CNRA is here to help you navigate. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we dive into the concept of an elevator speech, how to craft it, and why it’s an effective way to confidently represent your profession and control your narrative.   Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: Her story about meeting comedian Jim Gaffigan and how it shows the importance of having that elevator speech ready.The role the elevator speech plays for CRNA in professional settings.Having this prepared can give you confidence and allow you to control the narrative.Is there a bad time for an elevator speech?What do you need to include in your elevator speech and do you need different ones for various situations.Times when elevator speeches didn’t go the way we intended.Where to start if you’re uncomfortable putting an elevator speech together.   About our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-gauderman-b6286182 Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

It has been more than a decade since Paul Santoro, CRNA, MS, served as the president of the AANA, but his impact on the organization can still be seen today. In this installment of our Courage to Lead series, we were finally able to catch up with Paul to talk about a busy year at the AANA, which included the new Affordable Care Act, time spent on the elimination of physician supervision under Part A of Medicare, the 50 state service strategy, and much more.   Here are some of the things we’ll discuss in this episode: The time spent on the elimination of physician supervision under Part A of Medicare.His decision to take on a restructuring of the finance department.The idea behind the 50 state service strategy.What he thought the Affordable Care Act would mean on anesthesia and what he thinks looking back now.The Commission on Anesthesia, Economics and ReimbursementWhy they worked to improve the health of leadership but also increase the compensation for those that served the AANA.What value did having a CRNA in the D.C. office bring to the organization?   About our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-santoro-55922531/ Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Earlier this week, the AANA presented a new initiative called Rm8 to members in a business meeting with Bill Bruce. As you can imagine, there are a lot of questions so we wanted to go to the source and get as many answers as we could for you. Board members Tracy Young, CRNA, MBA and Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA sat down with us at the AANA Annual Congress in Seattle to explain the new innovation lab and what they hope it provides CRNAs around the country. Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show: How this will help diversify the revenue streams for the AANA while also providing financial support for CRNAs.The name is a nod to the formation of the AANA.They break down the different steps of the process to find people and businesses to partner with.How they believe this will help the AANA ramp up advocacy efforts.How does the investment process work and where is the capital coming from?Details on the businesses they’re testing right now.   Learn more about Rm8: https://www.rm8lab.com/ About our guest: https://myblockbuddy.com/instructors/jeffrey-molter-crna-msn-mbs/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-young-158126200/ Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com  Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf