Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

You might have noticed a surge in articles and stories about the nurse anesthesia profession in recent days and weeks, and that’s because of the push for regulatory reform. Joe Rodriguez, CRNA, has always been one to push for change and advocate for healthcare policy reform, and that’s the position he’s in once again. He joins us on this episode to discuss the changing landscape in the AANA, why leadership needs to be a priority, and explains what reform can mean for the future.   Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-145-why-regulatory-reform-strengthens-the-crna-profession/3007/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  4:51 – Welcome in Joe 7:28 – Why we’re discussing this right now 10:55 – Background on Joe and his practice   14:44 – Diving into politics   18:22 – Building relationships   20:57 – How advocacy has impacted business 25:28 – Being scared of losing 30:35 – Corporate responsibility 34:30 – Time and effort it takes 38:36 – Collaboration is key 41:43 – Value in nurse anesthesiologist   44:44 – Biggest challenge facing CRNAs   48:42 – Message to folks that disagree with him 54:09 – Final thoughts 54:43 – Lightning round

The issue of diversity isn’t one that’s limited to certain areas of the country or specific professions. It’s a problem that people everywhere are trying to solve, including the CRNA profession. We want to explore the topic and try to get a better understanding of the barriers and challenges for minorities entering this field so we asked Richard Flowers, CHSE, CRNA, DNP, to join the show to provide us with his insight and experience in this area.   Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-144-cultural-humility-in-the-nurse-anesthesia-profession/3002/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode: 4:24 – Excited for our guest today 7:27 – Background on Richie 10:06 – Why is this topic important 13:18 – Where does the problem start? 18:17 – Bringing awareness and context to the problem 20:19 – Barriers to diversity 25:05 – Cultural humility vs Cultural competence 26:58 – Programs at Wake Forest 36:04 – Millennials’ view of race 39:17 – Takeaway for CRNA listeners 44:32 – Why are you teaching this? 53:05 – Lightning round

Back in 2006, the AANA Board of Directors appointed a Doctoral Task Force to explore the future direction in nurse anesthesia education. Sandy Ouellette was chosen to co-chair the task force and help lead those discussions that would shape the future for CRNAs. Today she joins us to provide an inside look at how it was composed, the original purpose and process, and all of the options were on the table.   Get the show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-143-a-complete-look-into-the-aana-doctoral-task-force-with-sandy-ouellette-crna/2983/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode: 2:07 – Welcome back Sandy   4:37 – Events that led to the task force 6:59 – Move to university-based graduate programs 9:00 – What happened in 2004   11:56 – Summit meeting in 2005 to create the Task Force 13:27 – Start of the Task Force 16:33 – Who was appointed to the Task Force?   20:06 – Responsibilities given to the task force 21:49 –  The options they had to decide on 23:59 – Board adopts a position 25:51 – Thoughts behind the options the discussing 32:17 – Option 2 discussed   35:58 – Option 3 38:30 – Option 4   43:36 – Cautionary tales she would share with other directors 49:39 – Lightning Round

As CRNAs continue to push for more awareness and understanding of the profession, social media has emerged as one of the great tools for accomplishing this goal. Rhianna Ferial, CRNA, and her husband have completely embraced the medium on multiple platforms to educate, mentor, and inspire. Today she joins the show to talk about the reason she devotes so much time to social media and how it ties into her entrepreneurial drive in conjunction with anesthesia.   Show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-142-promoting-crnas-anesthesia-through-social-media/2978/    Connect with Rhianna: https://www.instagram.com/rhiannaferial/?hl=en    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  3:32 – Welcome in Rhianna 6:03 – Background on her nursing career 8:07 – Importance and influence of social media   9:50 – Becoming aware of the CRNA profession 10:44 – How she got started in social media and what platforms she uses 13:16 – Pursuits outside of anesthesia 14:42 – Real estate investing 17:40 – Goal to become a millionaire   22:51 – When do you want to retire from anesthesia?   25:52 – Working per diem 27:32 – What’s the ultimate objective 31:05 – Her Financial Freedom business 34:19 – Why the passion for finance? 37:23 – Final thoughts 39:35 – Lightning round

When it comes to saving and investing during your working career, CRNAs can find plenty of help and resources to get them to retirement. Unfortunately, there’s not nearly as much support to help you manage that nest egg and spend down your assets. This period, known as decumulation, is just as important as anything you do with your finances so let’s make sure you know what it takes to retire successfully.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-141-5-things-crnas-must-know-about-decumulation-to-retire-successfully/2972/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  4:00 – The retirement topic we’re covering today 6:24 – Preparing for longevity 9:17 – Finding the right type of support for retirement 12:23 – Fear of spending money is a real thing 15:42 – Risks in retirement 18:43 – Taxes play such an important role. 22:08 – Jeremy shares a client story 24:07 – Replacing your paycheck   27:20 – What age should you start planning? 30:07 – Final thoughts from Jeremy 31:43 – Lightning Round

The beauty of technology is that information is accessible to anyone, anywhere, and the ability to learn is right there at our fingertips. Thanks to FOAM (Free Open Access Meducation), CRNAs are able to pull from all types of resources to continue education and improve their anesthesia skills. To help us understand what is available and how these digital platforms are giving content creators an outlet, we’ve asked Jon Lowrance, MSN, CRNA, the producer at Anesthesia Guidebook, to join us on the show.     Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-140-free-open-access-meducation-leveraging-social-media-podcasting-for-learning/2967/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  2:49 – Background on Jon 9:06 – The educational role of podcasting 14:50 – Asynchronous learning programs 18:05 – Peer review standards 24:03 – Addressing outdated content 28:52 – Charging for content 37:29 – Teaching about CRNA history 40:29 – Learning by audio 47:40 – Closing thoughts 50:47 – Lightning round

Many issues are facing our country right now and nurses will play a key role in helping communities move forward. As the most trusted profession, nursing should embrace that position and that’s what many leaders are trying to do. ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, joins us on this episode to share his view on what he feels are priorities right now, how nurses can impact the future, and why representation is still crucial for the profession.   Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-139-nursing-politics-and-the-future-of-our-country-with-ernest-grant-phd-rn-faan/2960/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  3:03 – Excited to talk with Dr. Ernest Grant 3:54 – Bringing more sectors of nursing together 5:45 – Background on our guest 8:25 – How Sharon and Ernest met 11:45 – Why is this so important right now? 17:01 – Nursing is the most trusted profession 21:43 – Vaccinations 28:52 – AANA Newsletter 30:48 – Health and policy 40:22 – Financial situation for nurses 47:38 – Future of nursing report 54:31 – Bringing more people into the profession 1:03:33 – Lightning round

Before we share anything, please note that this is an emotional episode. Not only was the journey to a DNP a long and arduous one for Sharon with plenty of highs and lows that we’ll discuss, but we begin the show with heartbreaking news about Sharon’s granddaughter, Emma Kate. It’s tough to discuss but it’s important for the healing process and we appreciate everyone for the support along the way.     Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-138-the-highs-lows-of-sharons-journey-to-a-dnp/2951/    Details on the upcoming walk to remember Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/HALOSWALK2021-jillian-pechacek?fbclid=IwAR0h0VNcATrqUTMrJ7xHQqP4YS2kxgoSo7kmIac_BHxsYeiLW-__iuMoSHQ#.YPRcAR48eeA.facebook    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  2:25 – Plan for the show today 3:32 – Heartbreaking loss for Sharon’s family 8:39 – Sharon’s journey to get her DNP 13:01 – The why behind her decision 15:28 – Pros and cons of distance learning 18:34 – Why should you go back to get your DNP? 22:54 – Words of wisdom 26:57 – Getting overwhelmed through this journey 32:46 – Looking back on the process 35:45 – Final message to the younger CRNAs

On this episode, we’re going back to a previous conversation with the three women behind the Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups podcast. This trio does great work for mothers in our profession so we wanted to spotlight them once again on the show. Plus, a lot has changed for them since we talked in early 2020.     Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-137-balancing-motherhood-with-a-crna-career-with-the-smart-mamas-re-release/2946/    About our guests: https://www.facebook.com/heysmartmommas/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  0:50 – Why we’re revisiting this conversation 5:23 – Welcome our guests 6:18 – Background on Laci 7:19 – Background on Ellen 8:23 – Background on Crystal 10:24 – Why this topic is so important 11:52 – Connecting through social media 16:24 – Misconceptions about parenting 18:37 – Breastfeeding 25:58 – Keeping marriage intact 34:56 – What do you do for yourself? 38:18 – Maintaining your own identity 40:45 – How to connect with them 41:25 – Final Thoughts

Testing is never a relaxing experience and that’s why the upcoming CPC Assessment has created some anxiety for CRNAs. Thankfully, the duo behind APEX Live is working hard to help educate and prepare CRNAs through events, podcasting, and teaching. Jeremy Heiner EdD, CRNA and Sass Elisha EdD, CRNA, FAAN join us today to tell us more about the work they’re doing and then take us through some sample questions that might be found on the assessment.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-136-apex-live-anesthesia-helping-crnas-prepare-for-cpc-assessment/2942/    About our guests: https://www.apexlive.com/podcast    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on this episode:  3:45 – Introducing our guests today 5:52 – Background on Jeremy and Sass, and the podcast 9:48 – Educational goals for the podcast 14:26 – Instilling confidence in testing 19:38 – Using humor 25:37 – APEX Live events 31:22 – How they develop their questions 33:44 – Sample questions 37:30 – The four domains on the test 38:08 – Test question 42:33 – Crisis checklist 50:28 – Test question 57:42 – Ways to connect with Jeremy and Sass 1:00:00 – Lightning round