Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

As the debate over whether the AANA should make the region director positions an at-large vote or maintain the current structure, we wanted to help present both sides of the debate. Today we look at the arguments against Bylaw Amendments 5 & 6 and Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA, Mike MacKinnon, CRNA, MSN, Tracy Young, CRNA, MSNA, MBA, and Joe Rodriguez, CRNA, will provide their perspectives. The issue will be voted on Saturday, August 15, 2020.    Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2583    Read more on the Bylaws here: https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/exec-unit-my-aana-web-documents-(members-only)/goverance-docs/master-2020-proposed-bylaw-amendments-final-7-10-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=1f5ce5a1_2    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Today's show schedule:  2:34 – Introducing our guests today.   4:19 – Joe begins the discussion on why this issue is so important. 6:07 – Why this movement now after the issue passed? 7:21 – Mike on his belief that leadership is about choice. 9:47 – Are Amendments 5 and 6 separate issues and votes? 12:38 – The issue of a lack of member activity. 18:35 – Do you feel like you could represent California if you don’t live there? 21:23 – How the national leaders rely on regional directors. 23:29 – How the board members would be assigned. 29:47 – Would this mean candidates now have to run a national campaign? 31:55 – Will at-large voting disenfranchise minorities? 36:48 – What’s the larger question here? 41:20 – How can we increase interest in running for the board? 44:50 – The importance of face-to-face meetings with CRNAs 47:10 – Closing thoughts from our guests on this topic.

As the debate over whether the AANA should make the region director positions an at-large vote or maintain the current structure, we wanted to help present both sides of the debate. On this episode, we’re joined by Sallie Poepsel. MSN, PhD, CRNA, Julie Linton, MSN, CRNA, and Nick Blank, CRNA, MSN, APN, to hear why region directors should represent the area in which they live. The issue will be voted on Saturday, August 15, 2020.    Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2578    Read more on the Bylaws here: https://www.aana.com/docs/default-source/exec-unit-my-aana-web-documents-(members-only)/goverance-docs/master-2020-proposed-bylaw-amendments-final-7-10-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=1f5ce5a1_2    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Today's show schedule:  2:06 – Background on what we’re talking about. 2:55 – Our guests today. 4:07 – Julie Linton provides background on the issue. 8:44 – Wouldn’t at-large directors provide better qualified candidates? 11:57 – How a change could disenfranchise smaller states. 14:14 – Explaining how at-large voting would work. 18:19 – Nick shares an example from Region 1 21:13 – The perceived problem of regional leadership development. 26:17 – If there are a lot of great leaders out there, why aren’t they running already? 29:59 – If you abolish the current system, how assignments determined? 33:32 – Recommendation for requirements and qualifications to run. 36:49 – The one point of concern for everyone working on this issue. 38:48 – Nick adds to Julie’s point about one region or state having the majority of directors. 41:53 – Why are we going back to undo something that was voted on? 44:41 – Should the AANA function more as a business than it currently does? 47:19 – Making diversity a priority.

Today we bring back Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, to provide us with a look back at an important time in the IFNA’s history. Soon after the organizationwas formed, a meeting with the World Health Organization led to Maura McAuliffe, CRNA, Ph.D, FAAN, being appointed the first official researcher. Find out how it all came about as we document what was learned about nurse anethetistsaround the world over the past 30 years.    Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2569    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Today's show schedule:  2:41 – A topic that came up on a recent podcast about nurse anesthetists.   5:11 – What led to IFNA appointing an official researcher in the 90s? 6:34 – Maura McAuliffe, CRNA, Ph.D, FAAN, appointed as the INFA official researcher. 8:24 – Concerns for the IFNA leaders at the time.   9:29 – Why was Dr. McAuliffe the right person for the job? 11:21 – What was found from the first phase of surveys? 14:56 – How many total nurse anesthetists are there? Do we know? 19:21 – Phase 2 findings 25:09 – Why do European countries avoid using nurses in anesthesia? 31:56 – Ouellette wrote a letter to the editor about this European article. 35:51 – The future of the IFNA.

Now more than ever, putting a focus on your wellness needs to be a priority for every CRNA. We all deal with stress and fatigue each day so giving our body a break is important. The good news is you’ll find a lot of resources and help from the professional organizations supporting CRNAs. Let’s find out more about those along with ways to improve wellness, and we’ll do it with NCANA President Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA.    Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-84:-promoting-professional-wellness-with-ncana-president-linda-stone,-dnp,-crna/2560/    About our guest: https://www.ncana.com/ncana-board-of-directors   Get CE Credit here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf    Today's show schedule:  3:02 – Today we’re joined by NCANA President Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA 4:30 – Why is professional wellness important for CRNAs? 5:57 – Challenges in the workplace. 6:53 – Recent studies show burnout is on the rise. 8:41 – The issue of addiction. 9:43 – Coping mechanisms for CRNAs to use. 12:09 – Ways to develop a healthy workplace. 15:36 – Resources available for students dealing with stress.   19:08 – That feeling when leaving a leadership role. 21:52 – Here’s what the AANA offers for resources. 25:14 – Closing thoughts from Linda.  

The next episode in our presidential series brings us a conversation with Dennis Bless, APRN, MS, CRNA, who served as AANA president for 2013-14. His financial background provided the organization with a new perspective and that helped make significant changes that still live on today. We’ll hear about his experiences and talk with him about diversity, compensation, relationship-building, reallocation and more.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2469    Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf   Today's show schedule:  3:32 – Today we’re joined by Dennis Bless, CRNA. He shares his career background. 9:32 - The ASA PR campaign that ran as he was taking office. 13:07 – His role with helping rebuild the relationship between the NBCRNA and AANA 15:43 – AANA also knew they had to be clear that the members were the focus. 17:05 – Towards the end of his presidency, they held a recertification summit to bring all the important parties together. 18:31 – The feeling they had when first hearing about the NBCRNA and testing. 24:33 – There was also a diversity summit during his year. Some background on how that happened. 29:19 – The work he did on CEO compensation and evaluation. 31:56 – How they decided to reallocate money and established new by-laws. 35:18 – What were the most valuable leadership lessons learned during his time as president 36:47 – Dennis leaves this message for new CRNAs coming into the profession. 38:12 – If there was any other profession he could chose, what would it be?

Nearly a century ago, nurse anesthetists took the first steps towards standardizing education and moving towards an approval process. It was a journey that faced many challenges and took various forms before reaching the point where we are today. Betty Horton, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, and Mike Kremer, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, join the show to take us through this history of education and accreditation along with where we’re headed.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2541    Today's show schedule:  3:34 – Another historical episode today with Betty Horton and Mike Kremer 6:06 – Why was their interest in starting an approval process for the schools of nurse anesthesia? 7:55 – What was Helen Lamb’s role in the process? 8:20 – The AANA archives are impressive. 9:08 – What all went into the accreditation process? 11:57 – When did we start approving nurse anesthesia schools and has that changed over time? 16:37 – How has the education changed for SRNAs and CRNAs 18:55 – Nurse anesthetists have lead the way in the nursing industry. 21:39 – Seeking external approval for accreditation. 25:03 – Challenges for accreditation through history. 29:54 – Physicians tried to shut down the schools at one point. 32:57 – What’s the status of nurse anesthesia education now? 36:31 – Closing thoughts from our guests.

CRNAs already have plenty to worry about each day and it’s convenient to put finances to the side. As we’ve seen in 2020, the unexpected can happen at any time so we need to make sure you have a plan for your money. Today we’ll talk about the way CRNAs typically get off-track with their finances but we’ll also give you steps to getting everything in order.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2533    Get CRNA financial planning guidance here: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/    Get CE Credit here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf    Today's show schedule:  3:38 – If every job paid the same, which one would Sharon choose? 5:26 – What would Jeremy choose? 8:11 – Quote of the Month: “There’s a gigantic difference between earning a great deal of money and being rich.” 9:34 – An interview with Tom Brady stuck with Jeremy. 11:21 – Mailbag question: The coronavirus scare has me convinced that the market will keep crashing again and again. I’m ready to move everything to cash right now. Is there any reason to wait? 14:27 – Getting lost in the financial world happens to a lot of CRNA clients.   15:15 – Examples of bad tools people use that lead them astray in retirement planning. 17:36 – The next issue is bad directions.   19:41 – Another reason people make mistakes is a lack of attention.   21:41 – What you need to do to get back on track. 24:40 – Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 27:30 – Develop a plan for where you want to go and how you want to get there. 29:02 – This COVID pandemic might be a bit of a financial wake-up call for CRNAs.

The continued growth of the CRNA profession will rely on the young generation taking charge and leading the way, and that’s exactly what Julie Linton, MSN, CRNA, is doing as the president of the WVANA. Today we’ll talk to her about the drive to be in leadership positions, why it’s important for all CRNAs to be invested, and how she developed her cow-milking skills.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-80-leader-from-the-start-lessons-learned-from-a-state-presidency-with-julie-linton-msn-crna/2527/    Today's show schedule:  3:16 – Our guest today is Julie Linton 3:48 – Background on her career and current roles. 5:18 – She can teach you how to milk a cow 6:37 – Why she feels it’s important to get involved. 8:13 – Is there a disconnect between leadership and CRNAs 11:42 – Money is the great equalizer. 16:53 – What does Julie think about CRNAs that are non-members. 18:10 – Even if you don’t want to be political, paying dues is essential.  19:38 – The story of how she get involved in leadership roles so early. 23:30 – What’s it like serving on one of these leadership boards? 26:10 – What can we do to get the younger professionals more involved? 28:24 – What has your typical day looked like during your presidency? 33:28 – Favorite thing she’s done in a leadership role. 35:33 – Tell us something interesting about you.  39:25 – Sharon has one shameless request before we go.

You can argue that the passage of direct reimbursement in 1986 was one of the most significant lobbying achievements in healthcare. This process took much of the decade and spanned seven AANA presidents, including Dick and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA. We revisit those momentous years and learn more about all the hard work that went into getting direct reimbursement.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-79-the-path-to-direct-reimbursement-with-dick-sandy-ouellette-crna/2523/    Download the CE Credit form here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf    Today's show schedule:  1:44 – We have a couple of our favorites with us today. 3:20 – Let’s get some background on this great lobbying achievement. 5:30 – What happened when the regulators tried to fix this reimbursement problem? 9:10 – The unintended consequences of TEFRA Seven Steps 11:22 – Healthcare costs over $3 trillion today. 11:50 – PPS and DRGs 15:25 – What we brought to legislatures when we first started pushing direct reimbursement. 17:27 – Things can change quickly. 19:38 – Difficulty understanding the numbers. 20:55 – What was the plan for economic survival? 24:25 – Direct Reimbursement created some conflict.    26:17 – Let’s talk the actual road to reimbursement from 1983-89. 31:53 – The passage finally happens and the announcement that followed. 32:45 – It took the effort of all the members to make this happen. 34:03 – What did they do back then without a DC office? 35:42 – It was just as difficult in the years following direct reimbursement. 40:55 – Did you think we’d still be dealing with issues three decades later? 43:25 – A big victory for nursing as a whole. 44:36 – Closing thoughts on how great of a time this is for CRNAs.

Our next guest in the Presidential Leadership Series is Deb Geisler, CRNA, who served as AANA President from 2001-02. Not only did she oversee some significant issues during her year in charge, but she’s also been a part of multiple committees through the years whose decisions have shaped direction of the profession.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2508    Today's show schedule:  2:37 – We’re still in quarantine and talking to Deb Geisler today. 3:15 – A former AANA president and a UNC graduate. 5:13 – Historical overview of the supervision battle with physicians. 8:53 – Here’s what the problem is with this supervision law. 11:53 – The letters that were being written to the legislature about nurse anesthetists. 12:22 – It’s a reimbursement issue.  15:07 – How the SODC began. 20:43 – The other goal for the SODC and how it was funded. 22:27 – The states were given funds in the form of a loan 25:21 – Helping states that were in position to be attacked. 27:12 – How was the dues increase embraced at the time? 31:51 – Being part of that committee is something she’s eternally grateful for. 34:04 – Some history on how regions were formed. 37:17 – She chaired the committee in 2003 to look at regional re-allocation 38:24 – A statistical analysis was done to see if the structure of the regions had anything to do with electability. 39:05 – The committee devised a study and sent it out to members to determine a course of action. 41:49 – From that study, the committee came up with a five region concept. 44:35 – How did people react to the regional suggestion.  46:16 – Sharon has always been a big fan of Deb. 47:33 – The most valuable leadership lessons that she’s learned through her career.