
Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
A podcast for the CRNA industry. Discussing the important issues that happen both in, and beyond, the operating room. With Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF. Innovations & opportunities for CRNAs & APRNs. Visit our website for more great information https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ and to learn how you can get CE Credit as a CRNA just by listening to the podcast. Don’t miss our special series on CRNA History, CRNA Personal Finance & Retirement, Political Conversations, CRNA Career Issues, and our leadership series called Courage To Lead. Check out new episodes of Beyond The Mask every week with distinguished guests from the CRNA community... #anesthesiology #rn #surgery #healthcare #nurseanesthesiologist #crnaschool #nursing #srnalife #nurselife #nursingstudent #ornurse #nurseanesthesia #crnalife #nursepractitioner #medschool #anesthesialife #scrublife #icunurse #hospital #futurecrna #medical #crna #nurse #anesthesia #srna #nurseanesthetist #nurses #surgical #operatingtheatre #medicalstudent #operatingroomnurse #studentnurse #diversitycrna #ccrn #nursepractitioner #APRN #APRNchat #NPchat #midwife #NP
Latest episodes

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 16min
Reversing the Clock: Longevity Secrets for Healthcare Professionals
Today’s episode is about aging and longevity—topics that have intrigued humanity for millennia. But today, we have cutting-edge science that shows aging is not just a random, unstoppable process; it’s governed by specific biological pathways, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. We’re going to explore the cutting-edge science and evidence-based strategies for enhancing both lifespan and healthspan—because it's not just about living longer, but living better.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The blue zones around the world where people typically live well past 100 years of age.
Polyphenols are found in plants that have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Social structures and how healthy structures can impact longevity.
The significant changes our cardiovascular systems undergo as we get older.
Several key biochemical pathways that control the aging process have been identified.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 27, 2024 • 25min
BREAKING NEWS: The AANA Files a Lawsuit to Prevent Discrimination Against CRNAs
The Provider Non-Discrimination law from the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits commercial payers from discrimi-nating against providers based on their licensure, has been in effect for more than a decade now. In 2020, Congress re-quired the federal government to issue rules and enforcement policies that would prevent commercial payers from dis-criminating against providers. But enforcement isn’t happening, and deadlines keep getting missed. This has led to two big commercial payers to institute policies paying CRNAs 15% less than physician anesthesiologists for the exact same services, which has created a discriminatory environment.
On September 27, 2024, the AANA took action to protect patients' access to care and prevent further discrimination on its members by filing a writ of mandamus against the Biden administration for failure to do more to enforce this law. Why did AANA feel compelled to bring this lawsuit? What does this mean for CRNAs and the facilities where they work? And ultimately, what does this mean for the patients they serve?
Today, we're going to get the latest and learn the details from AANA CEO Bill Bruce, AANA President Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), ASAFR, NC, and AANA President-elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA. This could be a huge moment in time for the profession and we’re going to fill you in on everything the AANA hopes to accomplish.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why now for the lawsuit and what exactly does the writ of mandamus mean?
The cost shift that will happen and what it means for billing.
Are CRNAs able to recoup financial damages?
Can AANA members get involved?
What is the AANA doing to further prevent Anthem’s policy or stopping Cigna’s policy?
What is the timeline for everything moving forward?
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate

Sep 26, 2024 • 47min
NBCRNA Update – Clearing Up Confusion Around the New MAC Program
We’ve seen and heard a lot of questions about the new Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program from the NBCRNA so we’re going to tackle as many of those as we can head-on with incoming president Garry Brydges, PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN. This innovative four-year program is designed to streamline credentialing and reflect CRNA's commitment to continuous improvement in safe, quality patient care, and we’ll discuss all of the details today.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The history of the CPC program and all of the dialogue surrounding it at the beginning.
What is the role of the Board of Nursing compared to the NBCRNA?
Why do the modules go away?
What can you expect from the questions and how are they evaluating scores?
Why do they want to know how confident you are in answers?
About the MAC program: https://www.nbcrna.com/certification-programs/mac
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 19, 2024 • 26min
Should CRNAs Worry About the Election & the Economy?
Election season can be a stressful time for many, especially when it comes to financial concerns. The uncertainty of political outcomes often leads to anxiety about the future of the economy and the stock market. But is your fear warranted? Today we’re going to remove the emotion and look at election season from a historical perspective.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why the Federal Reserve changes interest rates and will this help prevent a recession?
An economics lesson and some insight into the factors moving the market in recent months.
Let’s go all the way back to 1949 and look at how the S&P 500 has reacted to different presidents.
What returns look like for different parties in the White House and Congress.
What your investing strategy should be if you’re concerned about the election.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 17, 2024 • 42min
Anesthetic Choices that Save Lives: The Propofol Debate in Cancer Survival
In the ever-evolving field of anesthesia, new research constantly reshapes how we approach patient care. In this episode, we explore the compelling findings of a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the impact of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) on cancer outcomes.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
We’ll provide an overview of the study and some of the key findings.
The biological underpinnings of propofol’s benefits.
The preservation of immune function could be a key factor in why propofol is associated with better survival outcomes.
Dissecting the findings on recurrence-free survival.
A deep dive into propofol’s role in lung cancer.
Clinical implications and practical considerations.
The future of anesthesia and cancer research.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 12, 2024 • 53min
Everything You Need to Do When You Become a 1099 CRNA – NCANA Session 2
More and more CRNAs are making the decision to move from a W-2 employee to a 1099 CRNA. Sharon made this move in recent years and is sharing this experience on the podcast to help educate other CRNAs who are weighing the pros and cons. Once you’ve made the decision to go 1099, how do you make sure you’re doing everything right?
Today is part two of a three-part session and we’re answering that question to make sure you’re prepared to be a 1099 CRNA. Join us as we provide a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate the transition smoothly.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How should you set up your company and who should be helping you.
Should you be a sole proprietorship or a PLLC? We’ll give you details on how it impacts taxes.
What accounts do you need to open up?
Keeping records for tax purposes and why it matters if you plan to work in different states.
How you can make your annual meeting a tax deduction for your S corp.
Are you a Resident or CRNA looking to transition into independent practice? The AANA and Beyond the Mask are here to help you thrive as your own boss!
Introducing the 1099 CRNA Institute – taught by 'Beyond the Mask' hosts Jeremy Stanley and Sharon Pearce. This comprehensive educational series provides detailed guidance on business structure, legal and tax implications, and financial management tailored specifically for 1099 CRNAs.
Visit AANA.com/1099 to learn more and take the first step toward your new future.
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 10, 2024 • 32min
Nociception Unveiled: What the NOL Index Means for Anesthesia
In this episode, we’re spotlighting a cutting-edge study on the nociception level (NOL) index and its potential impact on intraoperative opioid management. The NOL index, a tool that uses machine learning to assess nociception during general anesthesia, promises a more precise way to monitor patient responses to pain. However, as we’ll discuss, a recent meta-analysis found that NOL monitoring did not significantly reduce opioid consumption compared to traditional methods, raising questions about its effectiveness in everyday clinical practice.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is the NOL index and can it help improve patient outcomes?
Background on the study and the research involved.
What did the meta-analysis reveal about the effectiveness of NOL monitoring in reducing intraoperative opioid use?
The reduction in extubation time is a positive finding and suggests that NOL monitoring might help anesthesiologists manage the overall anesthesia experience more effectively.
Our thoughts on the study and where we think things could be headed in the future.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Sep 5, 2024 • 27min
Deciding with Confidence: An Algorithm For Patients With a History of Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use
In the ever-evolving world of anesthesia, patient safety and clinical outcomes are paramount. This is especially true for patients with a history of substance use, such as cocaine or methamphetamine. Today we’re joined by Laurent Estrada, Omar Silva, and Jake Abel, doctoral students from USC, who have dedicated their research to developing an algorithm designed to manage elective procedures for these patients. Find out how this could impact clinical practice and help standardize care for a growing issue.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why has methamphetamine and cocaine use become a growing problem for CRNAs and how they’re addressing the lack of guidelines for anesthesia?
What signs can you look for to tell if a patient has cocaine or meth toxicity?
A detailed walkthrough of their algorithm and background on how they developed it.
The challenges they’ve faced as they’ve developed this algorithm.
See the algorithm here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Algorithm-.pdf
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Aug 29, 2024 • 40min
AANA Executive Update: Latest Developments, Partnerships & the Future with Bill Bruce, CEO
During our trip to the AANA Annual Congress in San Diego, we had the chance to catch up once again with Bill Bruce, AANA CEO, to update you on the latest developments and initiatives that will impact CRNAs and SRNAs across the country. Today’s show will get you up to speed on the Rm8 Innovation Lab, the AANA’s focus on access to educational materials, an insurance partnership, and much more.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
An update on the new AANA building in Rosemont, Illinois, and the new technology they’re incorporating.
The opportunities and collaborations coming out of the Rm8 Innovation Lab.
A new insurance partnership to benefit CRNAs.
Bill’s vision for making the AANA the educational home for all CRNAs.
The organization hopes to build stronger relationships with the next generation of CRNAs.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 1min
Pain Perspectives: Cutting-Edge Approaches in Non-Surgical Care
In this episode, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of pain management with a focus on non-surgical approaches. While nurse anesthetists are known for their expertise in managing pain in the operating room, this episode delves into the broader and often complex world of chronic pain management.
Today we’re joined by Randy Cornelius, DNP, CRNA, ARNP, a current member of the AANA Board of Directors, and Ben Levinson, CRNA, NSPM-C, a credentialed expert in non-surgical pain management. Together, they discuss the latest strategies, treatments, and innovations in the field.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The other factors besides influencing the manifestations of pain.
Neurotransmitters, inflammatory mediators, and pain syndromes and their development.
Risk Factors and Theories/Patient related factors slides.
The Assessment, diagnosis, and creating a plan of care of a non-surgical pain patient
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
***Use coupon code BEYOND1999 to get 20% off through November 2024
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken
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