Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

From Healers to Healing: The Hidden Side of Care

CRNAs take pride in the precision and care that goes into every procedure, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? In the high-stakes world of healthcare, when something goes wrong, the patient isn’t the only one affected.
Today we’re going to shine a light on Second Victim Syndrome—the emotional trauma healthcare professionals experience following adverse patient events. Joined by Maria van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CPPS, FAAN, FAANA and Luci New, DNP, CRNA, FAANA we’ll share personal stories and professional insight on this overlooked phenomenon.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Trauma after adverse events can be emotional, physical, and professional
🤝 Peer support programs play a vital role in recovery
💬 Simple check-ins can make a big difference in someone’s healing
🏥 Culture change is needed—support should be standard, not optional
 
Learn more about Maria: https://bouve.northeastern.edu/directory/maria-van-pelt/
Learn more about Luci: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/n/luci-l-new
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists: https://www.currentreviews.com/continuing+education+seminars/53rd+annual+refresher+course+for+nurse+anesthetists/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): 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

An Exclusive AANA Update: Advocacy, Leadership & The Road Ahead

What’s next for CRNAs and the future of nurse anesthesia? Today we’re bringing you an exclusive update from the leadership at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology about the strategic vision for the future of the profession. AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC and President-Elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA join us to share key updates, insights, and advocacy efforts shaping nurse anesthesia.
Here are some of the key topics we discuss:
🏛️ CRNA Advocacy Efforts – The fight for full practice authority in the VA
👥 Leadership Development – New programs to support the next generation of CRNAs
📢 Provider Discrimination & Policy Changes – How the AANA is pushing for change
🏡 Inside the AANA Headquarters – The vision for the new facility & archives
🎤 Annual Congress Updates – Exciting changes for networking & professional development
 
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

Grade 1 View – Ep. 7 – Putting an End to Incivility in the OR

Why is incivility still a major issue in the healthcare field, and how does it impact students, nurses, and CRNAs? In this episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Larry had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Louisa Martin, a distinguished nurse anesthetist and educator about the widespread issue of workplace incivility in nurse anesthesia training and beyond.
Dr. Martin was selected to present at the AANA Annual Congress this year for the Jan Stewart Memorial Wellness Lecture about this topic, so we’re excited to have the chance to gain some wisdom from her. The conversation will focus on her research on how hostile work environments, bullying, and toxic leadership can affect learning, patient safety, and overall job satisfaction. She also discusses practical strategies for handling incivility, advocating for yourself as a student, and creating a culture of support in clinical settings.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🥼Would she recommend CRNAs get a PhD?
⚠️ Incivility in Healthcare – Why it happens & how it affects students
👥 Toxic Work Environments – The long-term impact on learning & patient care
💡 Advocating for fair treatment in clinical settings
🏥 Creating a Supportive Culture – Why mentorship & education matter
📊 Institutional Change – How hospitals & schools can address bullying
 
About our guest:
Dr. ​Martin ​is ​a ​decorated ​nurse ​anesthetist ​who ​obtained ​her ​Master ​of ​Science ​in ​Nursing ​Anesthesia ​from ​Northeastern ​University ​in ​Boston, ​Massachusetts ​in ​2015. ​She ​continued ​on ​to ​obtain ​her ​PhD ​in ​nursing ​at ​Augusta ​University ​in ​2022. ​She ​is ​credited ​in ​multiple ​publications ​regarding ​workplace ​and ​civility ​in ​healthcare ​and ​promoting ​cultures ​of ​civility ​in ​nursing ​learning ​environments. ​She ​is ​currently ​a ​full-time ​assistant ​professor ​in ​the ​Nursing ​Anesthesia ​program ​at ​Augusta ​University. ​
 
Learn more about the AANA Annual Congress 2025: https://www.aana.com/event/aana-annual-congress-2025/
Visit the ADCE online: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/assembly-of-didactic-and-clinical-educators/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

The Connection Between Cancer & Anesthesia with Adam Flowe

Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes?  Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival.
Here are some of the key topics we discuss:
🫀 Onco-Anesthesia Explained – Why anesthesia may affect cancer recurrence
💉 TIVA vs. Gas Anesthesia – Which approach is better for cancer patients?
📊 Immunosuppression Risks – How anesthetics impact the body’s ability to fight cancer
🚨 New Research on Outcomes – What the latest studies reveal about survival rates
🏥 Should CRNAs Specialize in Oncology? – The growing need for expertise in cancer anesthesia
 
About our guest:
Adam Flowe, CRNA, MSN, has been the Chief CRNA at Duke University Medical Center since 2015.  He completed his anesthesia training at the Raleigh School of Nurse Anesthesia (UNCG) and also holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and the College of William and Mary. A former public school teacher, Adam has been a prison, ICU, and pulmonary nurse. He was also a lieutenant in the U.S. Public Health Service.  Since 2010, Adam has been on more than a dozen global health trips to  Ghana, Haiti and Rwanda
 
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

Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure Defined

Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating room. In this episode, Terry and Gary break down the key differences between these two types of heart failure, their underlying mechanisms, and the best strategies for anesthesia management.
They discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology of each condition, as well as how preoperative evaluation can help identify high-risk patients. The episode also covers the importance of intraoperative monitoring, fluid management strategies, and why tailoring anesthesia care to each patient can significantly improve outcomes.
Tune in as they unpack the latest evidence, share real-world experiences, and provide practical takeaways for managing heart failure patients in the OR.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🫀 Systolic vs. Diastolic Heart Failure – Key differences & how they impact anesthesia
⚠️ Risk Factors & Symptoms – What to look for in pre-op evaluations
📊 Preoperative Assessment – The role of BNP levels & echocardiography
💉 Anesthesia Management Strategies – Best practices for fluid & medication control
🚨 Avoiding Perioperative Complications – How to reduce surgical risks for heart failure patients
 
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

From Grassroots to Government: Navigating Advocacy at the State Level

We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-elect Jared Crocker, DNP, APRN, CRNA, past president Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, and Libby Milligan, Principal with McCarthy Strategic Solutions to discuss why advocacy matters, how to build relationships with legislators, and the vital role CRNAs play in shaping healthcare policy.
Key Topics Covered:
🔹 The importance of CRNA advocacy in shaping healthcare policy 🏛️
🔹 Building relationships with legislators & the role of lobbyists 🤝
🔹 Real-life stories of impactful advocacy efforts 📢
🔹 How CRNAs can get involved—big or small steps count! 👣
🔹 Why legislative engagement protects the future of nurse anesthesia 🩺
 
Learn more about Libby and McCarthy Strategic Solutions: https://mssgov.com/team/libby-milligan/
Listen to our previous episode featuring Debbie: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-89-crna-advocacy-and-grc-efforts-with-debbie-barber-dnp-crna/2595/
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

Grade 1 View – Ep. 6 – Adapting to New Technologies in Education – Takeaways from Attending ADCE 2025

In this episode of Grade 1 View, host Olivia Conn shares her experiences and insights gained from attending AANA’s Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators (ADCE) conference and provides her perspective on the importance of student participation. The ADCE might not seem like an event aimed at students, but understanding the educators' perspectives and engaging in discussions can enhance the learning experience for future CRNAs.
Tune in for a robust discussion with Charity and Kevin about topics impacting the future of CRNA education, like the use of AI and animated curricula.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🎤 ADCE Conference Insights:
Importance of SRNAs participating in conferences for a deeper learning experience
🤖 AI in Education:
How AI is enhancing learning through lecture transcriptions and customized exam questions
🎬 Animated Curriculum:
Using animated videos to simplify complex subjects like pharmacology and physics
🧮 Mental Math Deficit:
Discussing the critical need for SRNAs to develop strong mental math skills
 
March 17 Resident Roundtable: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/residents/resident-wellness/
You can register directly here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkdeCrqj8iGNfYbM6hkR20n8MXGEUHUNuJ#/registration
 
Visit the ADCE online: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/assembly-of-didactic-and-clinical-educators/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Courage to Lead: Former AANA President Hilda Salomon

We’re back with another Courage to Lead special and we’re honoring the legacy of Hilda Salomon, a pioneering figure in nurse anesthesia and the third president of the AANA. Join us as we look back on her remarkable journey from her early life in Lynn, Massachusetts, to her influential role in shaping the nurse anesthesia specialty.
With special guests and past AANA presidents Sandy and Dick Ouellette, we explore Hilda's contributions, challenges, and the profound impact she had on the profession.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Her childhood in Massachusetts where she was raised by her grandmother after losing her parents at age 10.
A look back on her nurse training and the decorated career she would go on to have.
Personal stories from interactions with Hilda.
How she was asked to leave after arriving five minutes late to one of her first interviews.
Her role in the founding of the AANA.
What happened while she was in charge and what areas of the profession did he help change?
 
REPLAY: ‘Navigating the 1099 CRNA Landscape in 2025: Insights and Strategies for Success’ webinar replay will be avialable in March - Link coming soon
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