Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Our guests in this episode are representatives from Woman Within International, an organization dedicated to empowering women through self-discovery and healing. Katey Hurd, president of the Women Within Central USA Board and Linda Stulz, RN, M. ED, join us to explore why many women find themselves overwhelmed and disconnected from their true selves. Today you’ll learn about the organization’s programs that help women set healthy boundaries, heal from burnout, and build lasting community through circles, weekends, and leadership opportunities. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🌍 Explore the global mission of Woman Within 💬 What makes circles a safe space for healing 🧠 Understanding emotional burnout in healthcare 🛠️ Tools for boundary-setting and resilience 🔄 How ongoing self-work changes lives   Woman Within International: https://www.womanwithin.org/   Woman Within Central USA: https://womanwithincentralusa.org/   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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Have you ever wondered what it would take to make the shift from an RN to a CRNA? Would it be manageable? Today we’re sharing our conversation with two talented women who are in the middle of that process right now. Larry and Kevin sat down with Jasmine Dhalla, BSN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, TNCC and Damilola Olarenwaju, BSN, RN, CCRN, TNCC at the AANA Congress in Nashville so they could share their powerful journeys as ICU nurses taking their first steps toward nurse anesthesia school.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💡 “Why” moments matter: Passion often starts with a powerful, personal experience. 👩‍⚕️ Mentorship is transformative: One connection can change your entire trajectory. 🌍 Conferences are game-changers: Network with CRNAs, residents, and program directors. 🧠 Education is empowerment: RNs are embracing advanced learning and evidence-based practice.   Connect with Damilola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-o-91812bb4/     Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team! Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application   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 a world where men don't usually don't like discussing their feelings, the Mankind Project USA stands as a beacon of hope for men seeking connection and personal growth. In our latest podcast episode, Nathan Ed-wards, CRNA and Boysen Hodgson share their experiences with this transformative organization, which is dedicated to redefining masculinity and fostering a culture of vulnerability and compassion among men. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤝 Discover how vulnerability creates deeper connections 🌍 Explore a global movement redefining modern masculinity 💡 Understand why men struggle to share openly 🛠️ Learn practical tools for personal growth and better relationships 🌟 Embrace authenticity for a happier, healthier life Learn more about the Mankind Project USA: https://mkpusa.org/ 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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Office-based anesthesia (OBA) is no longer the “wild west” of healthcare. It’s a thriving, highly specialized branch of anesthesia practice that’s changing the way patients experience surgery. In this episode, Lynn and Garry take you inside the rapidly growing world of OBA, where 10 million procedures a year are now performed outside hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. They explore why patients and providers are embracing this setting, the evolving safety standards, and the anesthetic techniques that make it work. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📈 OBA is booming – Driven by demand for cosmetic surgery, cost savings, and convenience. 🛡 Safety standards are strong – Accreditation, patient selection, and guideline adherence are key. 💉 PK infusions + nerve blocks – Deliver superior anesthesia without invasive airways. 🤖 Tech innovations – AI decision support & simulation training enhance safety. 🧠 Four Cs for the future – Communication, competency, connectivity, collaboration.   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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

For years, anesthesia providers have relied on subjective assessments to evaluate neuromuscular recovery. These methods, while familiar, often fall short in ensuring patient safety. As evidence mounts regarding the risks associated with residual paralysis, the need for more precise and objective monitoring has never been clearer. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at Quantatative train-of-four (TOF) monitoring with Richie Flowers, CHSE, CRNA, DNP, FAANA and Lisandro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA to learn more about why it’s gaining traction in operating rooms nationwide. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🔬 Quantitative monitoring helps prevent invisible residual paralysis 🧠 0.9 train-of-four ratio is the new baseline, not 0.7 🤔 Subjective tests like breath-holding and head lifts aren’t reliable 🖐️ Hand placement gives better data than facial monitoring 💡 Using data-driven dosing = safer, faster recovery 🎛️ Why they’ve found Senzime’s device to be the easiest to use   The next-generation TetraGraph with Adaptive Intelligence from Senzime delivers real-time, EMG-based train-of-four data to optimize neuromuscular block management and guide precise reversal dosing. Its proprietary Level-of-Block Gauge helps clinicians confidently avoid both under- and overdosing. Discover how TetraGraph supports compliance with clinical guidelines and helps eliminate residual paralysis at senzime.com/nextgen.   Check out the Senzime AANA Both #1218 and learn more here: www.Senzime.com/NextGen  Learn more about Senzime:  https://youtu.be/KvTomBYPOMg Watch the Demo: https://youtu.be/SmRLgZAtsCE   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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate   

For many years, it was rare to see a new CRNA grad get a 1099 opportunity, but that’s been changing over the past decade. This new generation of CRNAs looks at work differently than previous generations and 1099 fits their lifestyle needs much better. So what do you really need to know if you are choosing between traditional W2 employment and the increasingly popular 1099 pathway? Kevin and Larry welcome on Beyond the Mask hosts Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP®, AIF® and Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN to talk tax advantages, income potential and career flexibility. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💡 Understanding 1099 vs. W2 employment 💰 Financial implications and earning potential 📈 Maximizing tax benefits as a 1099 CRNA 🎯 Navigating career flexibility and work-life balance 🧰 Essential tools and resources for 1099 success   Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team! Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application   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

When seconds matter, preparation saves lives. Today’s case study involving a 47-year-old man with severe obesity and obstructive sleep apnea is a great example of that. When a routine EGD resulted in rapid hypoxia shortly after sedation after conventional methods failed, it was the McMurray Enhanced Airway that made all the difference. Sharon shares the experience in this episode and we invited Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA back to the show to talk about how this novel airway tool is changing the game for CRNAs. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 💡 The problem: traditional oral airways don’t reach the distal pharynx 📉 A real emergency: 47-year-old patient crashes post-sedation 💜 How the McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) saves the day 🛠️ Designed for today’s obese and sleep-apneic patients 💰 Life-saving innovation for under $20   Revisit our conversation about the McMurray Enhanced Airway: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/a-groundbreaking-product-to-improve-airway-management/4640/ McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) video link: https://youtu.be/IU1wF923J18?t=2    Website: https://www.mcmurraymed.com/  AANA Congress Booth with Bell Medical: #642   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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Good governance is proactive, not reactive, and a potential bylaw change could help the AANA move more in that direction. In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Jeremy and Sharon welcome AANA vice president Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA to discuss one of the most important proposals facing the AANA: a new bylaw amendment that would establish a clear, fair process for removing a board member before a crisis demands it. We'll ​walk ​through ​what ​the ​amendment ​proposes, ​the ​rationale ​behind ​it, ​and ​the ​potential ​implications ​for ​the ​AANA ​moving ​forward. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📜 Why the AANA needs a removal process for board members 🛑 Current fallback is a public, divisive member vote 🗳️ Proposed policy includes due process and confidentiality ⚖️ Grounds for removal: misconduct, nonperformance, conflict of interest 🧠 Why a strong board culture—and not just bylaws—matters most   Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology? Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions. This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at aana.com/hackathon. 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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

In this episode of Grade 1 View, we had the privilege of speaking with Tom Baribeault, DNP, CRNA, a pioneer in the field of opioid-free anesthesia. As the president and founder of the Society of Opioid Free Anesthesia, Tom has dedicated his career to advancing pain management techniques that prioritize patient safety and comfort. Today he’ll share how his own clinical curiosity led him to abandon intraoperative opioids altogether, and what happened next. From reducing postoperative nausea to improving respiratory safety, this conversation will challenge you to question the status quo and expand your definition of what anesthesia can look like. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 💉 What “opioid-free anesthesia” really means 🧠 Why less fentanyl often leads to better outcomes 💊 Key meds used: Ketamine, Precedex, Lidocaine & more 🏥 How to get buy-in from surgeons, admins & care teams 🎓 Resources for students + a free membership offer   About our guest: https://goopioidfree.com/ 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 a world where access to healthcare can vary dramatically, the role of global outreach initiatives has never been more critical. In this week’s episode, we’re joined by nurse anesthesia doctoral student Chris Wheelock to ​discuss ​the ​impact ​of ​global ​outreach ​and ​how ​an ​initiative ​he ​was ​involved ​in ​is ​shaping ​the ​future ​of ​global ​health ​care. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🌍 Only 1 anesthesia provider per 100,000 people in parts of Africa 📚 The cost to train a nurse anesthetist 🧠 Why long-term investment beats short-term missions 💡 How culture, continuity, and context create better outcomes 💸 A new scholarship that connects donors to students and real change Learn more about Our Heart Your Hands: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/  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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate