Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Sometimes opportunities arise where you least expect them and that’s the situation Keith Denning, CRNA found himself in last year when he became a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we will learn all about his journey from the operating room to an important position in state politics. It might not have been his intention, but Keith is trying to take full advantage of his opportunity to make a positive impact.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why he made the move to politics after a long career as a CRNA. How to find the information you need about your state when you run. The story of how he didn’t meet pushback until he got to the legislature and introduced a bill. The push for full practice authority in Connecticut. What he’s learned about politics and how to get a bill passed. Which CRNA skills best translate to political positions?   About our guest: https://www.housedems.ct.gov/Denning     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’re looking forward to sharing a deep and insightful conversation with Anita Bertrand, a seasoned CRNA, about the challenging topic of nurse anesthesia diversion and recovery. Anita candidly shares her personal journey, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, support, and a compassionate approach to addressing the complex issues that lead to diversion.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What leads a struggling CRNA into diversion? The signs and the indicators that a nurse anesthetist might encounter in the workplace, which could lead them to consider diversion. Resources and organizations you can turn to for support. What are the processes that a state board typically follows and what impact could it have on someone’s career? Her personal journey and the struggles that she has been able to overcome.   About our guest: https://www.aorn.org/outpatient-surgery/article/2017-March-editors-page-a-crnas-story-of-addiction-and-recovery   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

We’re excited to welcome DNP candidates Morgan Mahle, CRNA and Rachael Ellis, CRNA to present their doctoral project on the show, which proposes the implementation of MMI or other non-cognitive testing tools into the admissions process. Join us to learn more about what the MMI process accomplishes and why non-cognitive testing might be able to help differentiate candidates in a highly competitive pool.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What is the Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) process? How the stations work during the process. What their review focused on and the results of the literature review. What they found from the needs assessment they performed. How did they identify the non-cognitive attributes to test.   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 learned years ago that failing doesn’t mean you are a loser, it means you are a learner. Today’s guest unsuccessfully ran for office but that experience provided plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. Matt McCullough, CRNA shares those lessons learned during his campaign for the Pennsylvania State Senate in 2022 and why he has no regrets about pursuing change in his state.    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How a conversation around a table at home made him pursue a spot in the PA State Senate. Why he feels nurses are the perfect candidate to serve in politics. What are the steps you have to take to get a campaign started? Why he wishes he would have started sooner to build relationships and meet more people. Understanding the demographics of your district before you run. The advice he’d give CRNAs that are thinking about running.   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 embark on a journey into the heart of some very challenging and critical issues within the anesthesia profession. Our goal is to shed light on the often-overlooked topics of "Second Victim Anesthesia Providers," the clandestine world of "Diversion of Controlled Substances," and the poignant struggle against "Substance Use Disorders." While today's episode may be somber at times, it is a testament to the importance of addressing these issues. We hope that by shedding light on these topics, we can contribute to the understanding and support of our anesthesia providers.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The stress related to critical incidents can overwhelm even the most resilient individuals. Equipping yourself with the tools necessary to handle these unexpected challenges. The different stages of intervention. The briefing-debriefing model and how it’s used. Why it’s important for providers to feel comfortable with disclosure. PTSD and its implications for CRNAs. We explore the signs and behaviors associated with Substance Use Disorder.   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

Our historical series continues today with a detailed look back on the life and career of Florence ‘Mack’ McQuillen, the first executive director of the AANA and someone who held the position for nearly a quarter century. We’re excited to have Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to tell us about how she helped shape the association and why she was considered by some to be a ‘benevolent dictator.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How she became the first executive director of the AANA. Her notable achievements during her 22 years in the role. A first-hand account of meeting held for mandatory continuing education. Developing a relationship with the ASA. Why she considered a ‘benevolent dictator’ by many people. Her awards and AANA recognitions earned.   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

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 donations Learn 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