Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

As more CRNAs continue practicing well into their 60s and 70s, it raises a critical and complex question: how do we balance respect for experience with the need to protect patient safety? As ​healthcare ​evolves, ​so ​does ​the ​understanding ​of ​how ​aging ​affects ​performance ​in ​high ​stakes ​environments ​like ​the ​operating ​room. Today we’re going to have an open and honest conversation with longtime educator and CRNA Judy Thompson about ​cognitive ​health ​testing ​protocols ​and ​the ​path ​forward ​for ​those ​at ​the ​peak ​of ​their ​careers. With over 35 years of leadership in nurse anesthesia education, Judy brings both professional insight and personal experience to the discussion. We’ll tackle everything from mandatory retirement age debates, discrimination concerns, and the value (and pitfalls) of cognitive testing, to what healthcare systems—and CRNAs themselves—can do to navigate this sensitive issue fairly. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Cognitive testing in late-career CRNAs: fairness or discrimination? 🏥 Patient safety vs. provider autonomy—how do we find the balance? 📉 Aging impacts everyone differently; there’s no one-size-fits-all solution 🛠️ Simulation and early baselines could be part of a better approach 👩‍⚕️ Aging CRNAs bring wisdom—but also face scrutiny and bias   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists: https://www.currentreviews.com/continuing+education+seminars/53rd+annual+refresher+course+for+nurse+anesthetists/ 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  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Today we’re going to break down three life-threatening syndromes that every CRNA, anesthesia provider, and healthcare professional should know: Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH). Though these conditions are rare, their symptoms often overlap—making quick, accurate diagnosis and intervention critical. Garry and Terry take a deep dive into the causes, symptoms, physiology, and treatment protocols for each condition, while also sprinkling in their signature humor and real-world insights. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Understanding the overlap and differences between serotonin syndrome, NMS, and MH 💊 Medication triggers to watch out for—from SSRIs to succinylcholine 🚨 Emergency symptoms that demand immediate action 🧬 The role of genetics and pharmacology in MH 👨‍⚕️ Real-world prevention and treatment strategies for anesthesia providers   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  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD) are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated, but they can dramatically affect a patient’s recovery and long-term quality of life. We’ve invited Dr. Christine Detwiler to join us so we can better understand the science behind POCD, the risk factors, and the strategies anesthesia providers are using to protect brain health. Along with guest co-host Dana Pederson, CRNA, we dive into this topic with Christine while it’s still very fresh on her mind. She shares the insights she uncovered during her doctoral research, including risk factors, early signs to watch for, and why anesthesia providers play a bigger role in brain health than they might think. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 POCD affects more patients than we realize—especially older adults 🔍 Post-op delirium and cognitive dysfunction are different but often overlap 📉 Less is more: lighter sedation may reduce cognitive complications 🩺 Preoperative assessment is key, even with limited time 🗣️ Familiarity, reorientation, and empathy matter in recovery   About our guest: Dr. Detwiler holds great passion for her profession and practice as a CRNA. She has worked with a variety of patient populations as well as served on multiple international medical missions. Dr. Detwiler earned her DNP after ten years as a CRNA and now enjoys supporting current DNP students in their academic journeys. She strives to care for her patients with compassion and the highest standard of care. Dr. Detwiler is a strong advocate for the CRNA profession by her example and drive for growth. Outside of anesthesia, Dr. Detwiler spends as much time with her middle-school-aged daughter as she will allow, gets outside in the sun with her boyfriend to train for the next race, and takes clarinet lessons to keep her brain stimulated with new challenges.   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists: https://www.currentreviews.com/continuing+education+seminars/53rd+annual+refresher+course+for+nurse+anesthetists/ 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  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

All four hosts are back together to welcome an inspirational guest to the show. We’re excited to spend time with David Warren, a nurse practitioner turned CRNA and well-known content creator in the nurse anesthesia community. David opens up about his unconventional journey—going from emergency medicine to nurse anesthesia—and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📚 David’s unique journey from NP to CRNA ❄️ Life lessons from working locums in Alaska 💡 Tips for board prep and using APEX effectively 💼 Navigating job offers, mentorship, and independence 🧠 Why both NP and CRNA training make for a powerful combo   Check out David’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidWarrenNP   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

CRNAs take pride in the precision and care that goes into every procedure, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? In the high-stakes world of healthcare, when something goes wrong, the patient isn’t the only one affected. Today we’re going to shine a light on Second Victim Syndrome—the emotional trauma healthcare professionals experience following adverse patient events. Joined by Maria van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CPPS, FAAN, FAANA and Luci New, DNP, CRNA, FAANA we’ll share personal stories and professional insight on this overlooked phenomenon. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Trauma after adverse events can be emotional, physical, and professional 🤝 Peer support programs play a vital role in recovery 💬 Simple check-ins can make a big difference in someone’s healing 🏥 Culture change is needed—support should be standard, not optional   Learn more about Maria: https://bouve.northeastern.edu/directory/maria-van-pelt/ Learn more about Luci: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/n/luci-l-new Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists: https://www.currentreviews.com/continuing+education+seminars/53rd+annual+refresher+course+for+nurse+anesthetists/ 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

What’s next for CRNAs and the future of nurse anesthesia? Today we’re bringing you an exclusive update from the leadership at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology about the strategic vision for the future of the profession. AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC and President-Elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA join us to share key updates, insights, and advocacy efforts shaping nurse anesthesia. Here are some of the key topics we discuss: 🏛️ CRNA Advocacy Efforts – The fight for full practice authority in the VA 👥 Leadership Development – New programs to support the next generation of CRNAs 📢 Provider Discrimination & Policy Changes – How the AANA is pushing for change 🏡 Inside the AANA Headquarters – The vision for the new facility & archives 🎤 Annual Congress Updates – Exciting changes for networking & professional development   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 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

Why is incivility still a major issue in the healthcare field, and how does it impact students, nurses, and CRNAs? In this episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Larry had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Louisa Martin, a distinguished nurse anesthetist and educator about the widespread issue of workplace incivility in nurse anesthesia training and beyond. Dr. Martin was selected to present at the AANA Annual Congress this year for the Jan Stewart Memorial Wellness Lecture about this topic, so we’re excited to have the chance to gain some wisdom from her. The conversation will focus on her research on how hostile work environments, bullying, and toxic leadership can affect learning, patient safety, and overall job satisfaction. She also discusses practical strategies for handling incivility, advocating for yourself as a student, and creating a culture of support in clinical settings. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🥼Would she recommend CRNAs get a PhD? ⚠️ Incivility in Healthcare – Why it happens & how it affects students 👥 Toxic Work Environments – The long-term impact on learning & patient care 💡 Advocating for fair treatment in clinical settings 🏥 Creating a Supportive Culture – Why mentorship & education matter 📊 Institutional Change – How hospitals & schools can address bullying   About our guest: Dr. ​Martin ​is ​a ​decorated ​nurse ​anesthetist ​who ​obtained ​her ​Master ​of ​Science ​in ​Nursing ​Anesthesia ​from ​Northeastern ​University ​in ​Boston, ​Massachusetts ​in ​2015. ​She ​continued ​on ​to ​obtain ​her ​PhD ​in ​nursing ​at ​Augusta ​University ​in ​2022. ​She ​is ​credited ​in ​multiple ​publications ​regarding ​workplace ​and ​civility ​in ​healthcare ​and ​promoting ​cultures ​of ​civility ​in ​nursing ​learning ​environments. ​She ​is ​currently ​a ​full-time ​assistant ​professor ​in ​the ​Nursing ​Anesthesia ​program ​at ​Augusta ​University. ​   Learn more about the AANA Annual Congress 2025: https://www.aana.com/event/aana-annual-congress-2025/ Visit the ADCE online: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/assembly-of-didactic-and-clinical-educators/ 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

Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes?  Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival. Here are some of the key topics we discuss: 🫀 Onco-Anesthesia Explained – Why anesthesia may affect cancer recurrence 💉 TIVA vs. Gas Anesthesia – Which approach is better for cancer patients? 📊 Immunosuppression Risks – How anesthetics impact the body’s ability to fight cancer 🚨 New Research on Outcomes – What the latest studies reveal about survival rates 🏥 Should CRNAs Specialize in Oncology? – The growing need for expertise in cancer anesthesia   About our guest: Adam Flowe, CRNA, MSN, has been the Chief CRNA at Duke University Medical Center since 2015.  He completed his anesthesia training at the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia (UNCG) and also holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and the College of William and Mary. A former public school teacher, Adam has been a prison, ICU, and pulmonary nurse. He was also a lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service.  Since 2010, Adam has been on more than a dozen global health trips to  Ghana, Haiti and Rwanda   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating room. In this episode, Terry and Gary break down the key differences between these two types of heart failure, their underlying mechanisms, and the best strategies for anesthesia management. They discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology of each condition, as well as how preoperative evaluation can help identify high-risk patients. The episode also covers the importance of intraoperative monitoring, fluid management strategies, and why tailoring anesthesia care to each patient can significantly improve outcomes. Tune in as they unpack the latest evidence, share real-world experiences, and provide practical takeaways for managing heart failure patients in the OR. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🫀 Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure – Key differences & how they impact anesthesia ⚠️ Risk Factors & Symptoms – What to look for in pre-op evaluations 📊 Preoperative Assessment – The role of BNP levels & echocardiography 💉 Anesthesia Management Strategies – Best practices for fluid & medication control 🚨 Avoiding Perioperative Complications – How to reduce surgical risks for heart failure patients   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-elect Jared Crocker, DNP, APRN, CRNA, past president Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, and Libby Milligan, Principal with McCarthy Strategic Solutions to discuss why advocacy matters, how to build relationships with legislators, and the vital role CRNAs play in shaping healthcare policy. Key Topics Covered: 🔹 The importance of CRNA advocacy in shaping healthcare policy 🏛️ 🔹 Building relationships with legislators & the role of lobbyists 🤝 🔹 Real-life stories of impactful advocacy efforts 📢 🔹 How CRNAs can get involved—big or small steps count! 👣 🔹 Why legislative engagement protects the future of nurse anesthesia 🩺   Learn more about Libby and McCarthy Strategic Solutions: https://mssgov.com/team/libby-milligan/ Listen to our previous episode featuring Debbie: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-89-crna-advocacy-and-grc-efforts-with-debbie-barber-dnp-crna/2595/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 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 Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate  Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken