Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Jeremy and Sharon had a chance to speak at the 2020 NCANA/SCANA Virtual Meetings about the impact COVID-19 on CRNAs and their financial security. They’ll provide some eye-opening stats about the economy overall from the past six months and share the direct effect it’s had on CRNAs. But don’t fret, there will also be guidance on what you can be doing to get your financial future in order. Hear that full presentation on this episode.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-97-how-covid-19-has-affected-the-economy-and-crna-retirements/2679/    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 show:  3:05 – Background on where we’re recording and what we’re talking about. 5:09 – How much will the average CRNA make over their lifetime? 6:44 – The impact of COVID on the economy 9:59 – Consumer spending 13:37 – This is different than 2008. 15:12 – Taxes 19:00 – What is GDP? 20:24 – Healthcare changes 26:19 – CRNA work during the pandemic 33:05 – Worries for people nearing retirement. 36:09 – We’re seeing people look to retire earlier than planned. 39:30 – What can CRNAs do to improve their financial situation? 44:13 – How can I make my portfolio pandemic-proof? 46:55 – Thoughts on the continuing rise in CRNA salaries. 49:32  – What could the government do differently?

When you think about your future as a CRNA, you likely to see court playing any part in it. But as nurses are included more and more in lawsuits, there’s a chance you could end up in front of a judge. The best way to be prepared is by understanding the legal process and your role in a trial. Judge April Wood brings nearly 20 years experience on the bench and will share what she knows on the show today.   Show notes & additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-96-why-crnas-need-to-understand-the-judicial-system/2671/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss on the show:  2:43 – Introducing our guest, Judge April Wood. Sharon tells the story of how they got to know each other well. 5:00 – Background on her career 8:30 – What does a judge look for when someone is testifying  9:29 – Know what you’re talking about 12:28 – How should you dress in court? 14:40 – Be aware of judiciary  18:27 – The process of becoming a judge. 22:11 – Current campaigns    24:46 – What is merit selection?  26:47 – How many people voted actually voted on judges last time? 30:53 – Why is Supreme Court a lifetime appointment? 33:15 – What we want to get across to CRNAs 35:08 – How to learn more about Judge Wood 38:31 – Final thoughts from our guest.

Our leadership series continues with a look back to the 1990s with former AANA president  Mary DePaolis Lutzo, CRNA, PhD. That decade featured many heated battles for CRNAs and she was right in the middle of it during that 1994-95 year in office. Today we look back on all the strides the AANA took over that time period, including a transition onto the internet.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-95-courage-to-lead-1994-95-aana-president-mary-depaolis-lutzo-crna-phd/2658/   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 show:  3:21 – Sharon welcomes in Mary DePaolis-Lutzo 4:36 – Her background in the profession  8:30 – Her experience when moving to Florida. 11:35 – Fellowship in human sexuality 13:46 – Getting her doctorate. 16:09 – What was going on when she became president  19:08 – The theme for her year 20:23 – She had an amazing Board of Directors 22:32 – Highlights from her year as president. 26:01 – Establishing the AANA archives 28:23 – Changing the regional director structure 30:56 – Utilizing the internet early on 34:37 - Valuable leadership lessons learned 36:02 – The message she has for new CRNAs

As transgender patients become more common for hospitals across the country, procedures and processes continue to be updated to meet their needs. Jose D. Castillo, III, PhD, MS, CRNA, ARNP, has spent a lot of time researching this subject and educating CRNAs. Today, he’ll address some of our questions and provide us with a better understanding of how best to care for transgender patients.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-94-perioperative-updates-for-care-of-transgender-patients/2652/    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 show:  2:33 – Introducing our guest today 3:58 – Why this is a timely topic 6:00 – Definitions related to the care of transgender patients  8:20 – Pronoun use and best practices 14:30 – The different stages of transition 17:33 – Perioperative experience Sharon had 19:53 – Anesthesia considerations for transgender patients 24:15 – Common medications with hormone replacement therapy 29:10 – Be aware of your biases and prejudices for every patient you care for. 30:26 – How to get more information from our guest

The issue of supervision and direction within our industry has come to the forefront during the COVID pandemic, but it’s anything but a new conversation. We’ve asked Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, to give us another history lesson on the subject. It’s something she’s actively been involved with for over multiple decades. Join us as we define supervision and direction, explain how this has evolved over time, and why it’s just as relevant today.   Read more on this topic: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-93-crna-supervision-direction-its-history-and-relevance-today/2624/      Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss:  2:36 – Sandy Ouellette joins us in the studio. 4:05 – Why we’re talking about supervision and direction. 5:35 – Why is this topic important in 2020?  8:19 – When this concept began.  10:57 – Changes in 1960s and 1980s 14:16 – Reimbursement for supervision 17:36 – AANA position statement on supervision vs direction 21:11 – Prescriptive authority for nurses 24:32 – Care vs Cure 27:03 – Liability 33:55 – Where are we today on this issue?   38:41 – Best time to be a CRNA 40:52 – COVID’s impact on this   45:05 – States opting out temporarily

Substance use can’t be treated without open communication and discussion and that’s what we want to do on this episode. Jack Stem, Peer Assistance Advisor for Ohio, joins the show to share his own personal battle with addiction and how he’s dedicated much of his life to helping others with the same struggles. Find out what you need to know about substance use, why our profession is more vulnerable, and what you can do if someone you know is dealing with an SUD.   Read more on this episode here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-92-substance-use-disorders-in-anesthesia-providers-with-jack-stem/2619/    About our guest: http://www.peerassistance.jackstem.com/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss:  1:42 – Welcome in Jack Stem 2:03 – Background on Jack and what we’re talking about. 4:43 – Jeremy remembers his first kidney stone.  6:13 – Is this a genetic-based disease? 9:15 – A study that shows why our profession has a higher rate of addiction.  10:41 – Medications 14:10 – Jack shares his overdose story. 15:50 – Behaviors to look for 16:50 – What to do if you suspect a peer has a problem. 19:41 – Ways people hide the substance abuse? 22:14 – Peer assistance resources available to you. 24:15 – What happens when someone gets caught diverting? 27:49 – Advice for people returning to work after substance use. 31:06 – Contact info 32:32 – Final thoughts from Jack

Our leadership series continues with this conversation with the 2018-19 AANA president, Bruce Weiner, DNP, MSNA, CRNA. He looks back on the year that just wrapped up and shares his perspective on the challenges facing the board, why leadership development was prioritized, and how the battle for reimbursement continued on.   Read more about this episode: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-91-courage-to-lead-2018-19-aana-president-bruce-weiner-dnp-msna-crna/2611/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   What we discuss:  2:46 – Dr. Bruce Weiner joins us today. Some background on our guest. 5:05 – His experience with the AANA 5:52 – Highlights from his year as president. 10:23 – What millennials want. 14:38 – Leadership development 17:18 – The AANA is member driven 20:45 – Who influenced your leadership style? 24:15 – Dealing with reimbursement issues. 30:03 – What does it mean for each CRNA? 33:09 – Bruce shares a story about what he faced when he first began in the profession. 35:04 – What would you have done differently during your year? 38:48 – The sacrifices that have to be made.    

Running a state association takes a lot of work and it's made even more challenging when the board doesn't have all the tools to do the best job possible. That’s where association management companies come in. Find out how Peggy Blankenship, CAE, and Accent on Management are helping four state associations already and why it can be a big benefit to members.    Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-90-how-association-management-can-help-your-state-association/2606/    About our guest: https://accentonmanagementcom.wordpress.com/our-team/    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   On today's show:  2:12 – Welcome Peggy Blankenship to show 3:11 – Background on Peggy and her business 4:32 – Her certification and the work it took to receive it 5:27 – Why is this topic important? 7:07 – How often should organizations be reviewing governing documents? 8:17 – Communication is a key piece to this. 10:39 – Most common mistakes she sees from boards. 12:04 – Resources that CRNAs could access. 13:00 – How involved do you get with social media issues? 14:24 – Why would people want to use an association management firm? 18:49 – Are their particular clients that might not fit with your group? 20:18 – What should you look for from a management company partnership? 23:39 – How did you and your sister get into this industry together? 25:11 – How are you evaluated? 26:50 – Closing thoughts from Peggy

Gaining a seat at the table is something our profession is working diligently to achieve so CRNAs can advocate for everyone on a local, state, or federal level. This year has served as a reminder that we need to continue fighting to eliminate barriers and moving forward. Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, is the former Chair of the AANA Government Relations Committee and dedicates much of her professional life to pushing for advocacy and increasing awareness among young CRNAs. Today she’s joins us to talk about those efforts along with all of the resources that the AANA has available to members.     Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2595      Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf     On Today's Show: 2:48 – Welcome Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA 3:53 – Some background on Barber 6:38 – The importance of understanding CRNA practice. 8:47 – The resources offered up by the AANA 11:17 – Should the temporary CMS guidelines become permanent? 15:53 – The standard of care is the same 17:14 – State resources available from the AANA. 21:37 – Should students be involved in advocacy? 26:58 – The barriers facing CRNAs. 30:41 – CRNAs need to become the administrator rather than relying on someone else. 34:16 – Running for office could become a great retirement job. 37:44 – What other career would you have chosen if not CRNA? 38:57 – Final thoughts from our guest today.

The next episode in our presidential series provides a thorough look at the challenges - expected and unexpected - that AANA board members face every year. Cheryl Nimmo, DNP, MSHSA, CRNA, was the AANA president in 2016-17 and she dealt with a wide range of issues that she never anticipated, including the departure of CEO Wanda Wilson.     Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2589      Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf     Today's show schedule:  3:27 – Dr. Cheryl Nimmo joins us today. Here’s some background on our guest. 6:45 – Remembering her year as AANA President 10:42 – No matter how prepared you are, there are always fires popping up. 11:45 – The VA issue 13:05 – The next issue that came up was CEO Wanda Wilson deciding to retire. 15:35 – Why she used a third party to search for the new CEO. 18:40 – How the decision was viewed internally. 25:14 – The next issue with Novitas. 27:20 – Then there were all the normal initiatives the board deals with. 30:22 – Most valuable leadership lessons learned during her time. 33:31 – Two other professions she might have chosen if not for CRNA. 36:17 – Everything she’s gained personally and professionally from the AANA.