Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

What does wellness really look like for nurse anesthesia residents? Today, Kevin and Charity chat with second-year nurse anesthesia resident Cassie Keefe, co-chair of the AANA Resident Wellness Committee, to answer real questions submitted by residents across the country. From burnout and self-doubt to meal prep and mental health, Cassie, Kevin, and Charity share their strategies for academic and clinical success.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 Coping with burnout, imposter syndrome, and clinical self-doubt  🍱 Meal prep tips, grocery shortcuts, and SRNA nutrition hacks  🩺 Balancing wellness with high expectations in clinical  📚 Study strategies and the magic of Anki, Apex, and time-blocking  🫶 How to set boundaries with family & stay connected   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

Before ​we ​get ​started ​with ​today's ​show, ​we ​want ​to ​take ​a ​moment ​to ​dedicate ​this ​episode ​to ​someone ​very ​special. ​Emma, ​Sharon's ​granddaughter ​and ​the ​daughter ​of ​today's ​guest ​co-​host ​Michelle, ​was ​born ​prematurely ​and ​spent ​her ​short ​life ​in ​the ​NICU. ​She ​passed ​away ​just ​three ​days ​after ​she ​was ​born. ​Today's ​episode ​is released on ​Emma's ​birthday ​and ​we're ​honored ​to ​share ​it ​in ​her ​memory. Our guest today is a mother and former labor and delivery nurse who has become an incredible entrepreneur. Ashley Crafton joins us to share the incredible story behind her startup, Galena Innovations, and the development of the Hannah Cervical Cup, a device designed to help prevent spontaneous preterm birth. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🛠️ How Ashley built a life-saving device from a nurse’s heartbreak ✈️ Stories from war zones: evacuating pregnant women in Afghanistan and Ukraine 🧬 The science of cervical tissue and the Hannah Cup breakthrough 💪 Why nurses and moms are perfect innovators and what holds them back   🎗 Beyond the Mask is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page here: https://www.givemn.org/story/Boi21g 💛   About our guest: https://www.galenainnovations.com/ 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 

The ​nursing ​profession ​has ​always ​been ​a ​cornerstone ​of ​the ​healthcare ​system, ​but ​in ​recent ​years, ​the ​pressure, ​burnout ​and ​emotional ​toll ​have ​reached ​crisis ​levels. That’s why we wanted to spend time with functional health expert Vince Pitstick, founder & CEO of Vidal Coaching, to help bring awareness to the hidden epidemic facing America’s nursing workforce. Vince draws on decades of experience as a coach and advocate for holistic wellness to reveal how chronic stress, broken reimbursement models, immune system overload, and poor nutritional support are pushing nurses to their breaking point. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 The real reasons behind emotional burnout and chronic stress in nurses 💉 Why today’s healthcare model is failing the very people who keep it running 📊 Shocking stats about nurse health, weight gain, and metabolic strain 🌡️ How adrenaline, cortisol, and blood sugar wreak havoc on the body ❄️ The surprising power of cold plunges and breathwork to reset the nervous system   About our guest: https://vidalcoaching.com/who-we-are/vince-pitstick/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vince_pitstick/?hl=en  Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vince_pitstick    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 

From a 72-hour labor in rural India to the operating room as a nurse anesthesia resident, Taranjeet Rathore’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Along with Olivia and Kevin, Taranjeet, a nurse anesthesia resident at National University, opens up about the moment that inspired his career in healthcare, the cultural barriers he’s worked to overcome, and his mission to represent underserved voices in nurse anesthesiology. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🇮🇳 Taranjeet’s journey from rural India to CRNA resident 👨‍⚕️ Breaking cultural stereotypes as a male Sikh nurse 📱 Using social media as a tool for visibility and mentorship 😰 Managing imposter syndrome in school and online 🌎 Human connection in OB anesthesia and beyond   Connect with Tanjareet: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tr57/ 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

It’s bold. It’s fast. And it’s the first of its kind in nurse anesthesiology. Sharon and guest co-host AANA President Jan Setnor welcome back nurse innovator Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL to introduce a groundbreaking addition to the AANA Annual Congress: the first-ever Nurse Anesthesia Hackathon. Rebecca ​has ​always ​challenged ​the ​status ​quo ​and ​this ​year ​she's ​bringing ​that ​energy ​straight ​to ​the ​AANA ​​with ​something ​bold ​and ​exciting. From patient safety to AI to perioperative brain health, the challenges are real, and so is your chance to make a difference. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 💡 What a hackathon is and why it matters in healthcare 🧠 How CRNAs will solve problems like brain health, safety, and AI ethics 🤝 The power of collaboration across different roles and experience levels 📢 Pitching solutions live to expert judges 🚀 Why this could spark careers, companies, and lasting change   Check out Rebecca's Ted Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/rebecca_love_how_nurses_can_help_drive_healthcare_innovation?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare  Learn more about AANA Annual Congress: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/ 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 

(If you're hearing an episode on Dexmedatomidine and using Apple Podcasts, please delete the file and re-download it so you can hear the proper episode about Implanted Cardiac Devices) ... Today, we're diving into a critical topic in modern healthcare: the perioperative management of patients with implanted electronic devices undergoing noncardiac surgery. With significant advancements in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, are becoming increasingly common in the surgical population. From pre-op assessment and EMI planning to post-op reprogramming, this deep dive breaks down complex protocols into actionable, life-saving steps. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🔌 How electromagnetic interference (EMI) affects pacemakers & ICDs 🧲 When and how to use magnets during surgery 📋 Pre-op device ID, interrogation, and collaboration strategies 🛑 Why post-op reprogramming can’t be overlooked ⚠️ Emergency management tips for device failure or inappropriate therapy 📡 What to know about neurostimulators, VADs, and other devices   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

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in 2017, introduced sweeping changes to both individual and business tax provisions—many of which have significantly benefited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). But with key components set to expire at the end of 2025, now is the time to understand what’s at stake and how it might affect your financial picture. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📜 What the TCJA did — and what’s at risk if it expires 💸 How 1099 CRNAs could lose key deductions 📉 What lower standard deductions and higher tax brackets mean for you 🚐 Why CRNAs are buying RVs (hint: depreciation strategy) ⚖️ Policy trade-offs and the $4.5 trillion price tag for extension   Get customized CRNA financial planning: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.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 if that voice in your head saying “you don’t belong here” isn’t telling the truth? So many professionals suffer from imposter syndrome and that’s no different for CRNAs. We’ve had multiple people talk about this subject with us so we wanted to invited on Jeffrey R. Darna, CRNA, ACNP-BC, DNP, program director at USC and one of the nation’s leading voices on imposter phenomenon in nurse anesthesiology. Along with Olivia and Larry, Dr. Darna shares his own story of self-doubt, explains how imposter feelings affect high-achieving professionals, and outlines daily practices that can help students and practitioners manage this silent struggle. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 What imposter phenomenon really is — and why it’s not “just in your head” 👩‍⚕️ Why CRNA residents are especially vulnerable to it 💬 Common thought patterns and avoidance behaviors to watch for 🪞 How mentorship can be a “mirror” for self-worth 🛠️ Simple, proven strategies to counter self-doubt and reclaim confidence About our guest: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/jeffrey-darna/ 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 2017, a fatal medication error shocked the medical world, and its aftermath has left the nursing community forever changed. In this gripping episode, Jeremy and Sharon sit down with RaDonda Vaught, the nurse who was found guilty of two felony charges in 2022. She shares the story of how a routine shift, a medication override, and a system-wide communication failure led to a tragedy — and eventually, criminal prosecution. This is more than a case study in medical error. It’s a conversation about system design, transparency, accountability, and what it means to truly support healthcare professionals in moments of crisis. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: ⚖️ Criminal charges after a medical error — what happened and why 💊 How an override mistake revealed system-wide vulnerabilities 🧠 The emotional toll on nurses and the danger of silence 📉 The legal, ethical, and professional ripple effects 🛑 Why every healthcare provider needs legal protection in an investigation   Learn more about the case: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9724400/   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 

Dexmedetomidine — or “Dex” — has become one of the most intriguing and versatile drugs in the anesthesia world. In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy with hosts Lynn Macksey, MSN, CRNA and Garry Brydges, PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN dive deep into the pharmacology, clinical application, and emerging research surrounding this alpha-2 agonist. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🧠 CNS receptor action and sedative pathways 💉 IV, buccal, spinal, and local delivery methods 🫁 Organ protection and anti-inflammatory effects 🛏️ Potential future use as a sleep aid 🧬 Promising research on cancer immunity and stress modulation   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