Ep 82: The Story of Nurse Anesthesia Education and Accreditation

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.

Ep 81: How CRNAs Get Lost in the Financial World

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.

Ep 80: Leader From the Start - Lessons Learned From a State Presidency with Julie Linton, MSN, CRNA

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.

Ep 79: The Path to Direct Reimbursement with Dick & Sandy Ouellette, CRNA.

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.

Ep 78: Courage to Lead - Former AANA President Deb Geisler, CRNA

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.

Ep 77: 10 Predictions for the Next Year from AANA CEO Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA

With so much uncertainty in our lives right now, it’s hard enough to figure out what’s going to happen over the next week much less the next year. But that’s what AANA CEO Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, has spent a lot of time thinking about to help the organization and its members plan for the next year. Find out what he thinks will happen in the industry and the profession over the next 12 months.

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2516 

Today's show schedule: 

1:03 – Jeremy just got back from a trip to the beach.

1:37 – Our guest today is Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA CEO of the AANA

2:07 – How this show idea came up.

3:55 – What is view of the impact of unemployment on healthcare delivery and reimbursement.

5:18 – Does this lead us further down the path of a single payer system?

8:16 – Will the reliance on foreign countries for drugs and supplies change?

10:37 – What could the future waves of COVID-19 look like for our country?

14:52 – What effects might we see on CRNAs and members of the AANA.

18:02 – Has there been an increase in the AANA help line during this time?

19:07 – Do you think rural hospital may close as a result of what’s happening?

21:20 – Will big hospitals acquire those hospitals and use them or close them?

22:31 – How does this improve telehealth?

27:58 – Where will elective care go over the next year?

33:48 – Another big winner out of this is commercial payers.

35:48 – CRNAs are in a great position as scope of practice is modernized.

Ep 76: Where Should CRNAs Turn for Financial Advice?

You likely seek financial advice from lots of different sources. And some of those sources will certainly have good intentions, but they’ll often give bad financial advice. Let’s look at some examples and explore the reasons why we have to be very careful from whom we’re taking this important guidance.

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2496 

Get in touch with Jeremy's financial planning team: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/

Today's show schedule: 

1:33 – How are we handling quarantine?

3:12 – Looking back on your life, what would you tell yourself 20 years ago that you know now?

5:22 – If you could go back to any age, what would it be?

6:39 – Quote of the week on the quickest way to double your money.

8:36 – Let’s take some listener questions. Mailbag question #1: I retired two years ago with more than million in my IRA, which I thought would be more than enough to give me the lifestyle I want. I’ll probably be fine but I get nervous every time I withdraw from my account because I don’t want to worry about running out. Am I worrying too much?

13:09 – Let’s talk about finance some more and talk about bad advice.

14:17 – Many people get their financial advice from their family. Sharon shares her experience.

17:13 – Why that advice from family might not be good for you.

18:02 – What about advice from friends?

20:48 – Getting financial advice from CPAs

23:26 – Listening to financial experts in the media.

25:02 – Money leads to a lot of arguments in marriage.

25:58 - Stats on the average amount saved by age group.

31:07 - Here’s how much Jeremy’s CRNA clients usually have saved.

31:36 - Here’s what to do if you need to improve your retirement savings.

32:05 - Final words of wisdom from Jeremy.

Ep 75: Identifying & Coping with the Mental Health Effects of COVID-19

Workers in the healthcare industry have always prioritized others over self, and that sacrifice has grown even larger during the COVID-19 pandemic. That also means we have even less time for self-care and that’s leading to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. We're joined by Linda Stone, DNP, MSN, CRNA, and Rigo Garcia, CRNA, to talk about what you can do to help someone that might be struggling and find out what resources are available to you on a state and national level. 

Here all the contact info you need to access the many resources available:  

888-883-8433
https://parkdalecenter.com/
https://parkdalecenter.com/support-the-front
AANA 24/7 Helpline Number: 800-654-5167

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2480 

Today's show schedule: 

1:55 – We’re joined today by Linda Stone.

3:16 – Rigo Garcia is also on the show with us today.

3:53 – Some background on Garcia and Parkdale.  

5:02 – Today we’re talking about coping with the mental affects of COVID.

5:34 – What type of mental health issues is Linda seeing with SRNAs?

7:22 – What is Rigo seeing from CRNAs?

8:17 – Many nurses are facing serious mental health issues.  

10:37 – Anxiety and depression has been common in the nursing profession for some time.   

11:37 – How many people in our population have substance abuse issues?

13:33 – Why is it important for us to be talking about this right now?

14:42 – What are the signs that someone might be in trouble or needs help?

17:04 – What are some coping strategies you can use?

21:28 – What should you do if you suspect someone is dealing with mental health issues?

23:00 – Here are some of the resources that are available from the AANA.           

26:49 – We all need to exercise more empathy as a society.

28:34 – What is Rigo hearing from people on the front lines?

30:03 – If you’re worried how someone might react if you attempt to help them, here’s some guidance.

32:57 – The problems Parkdale is seeing during this health crisis.

36:10 – What resources are available to SRNAs?

38:31 – There will likely be long-term effects from COVID-19.

40:00 – Final message from Linda.

40:37 – Final message from Rigo.

Ep 74: Engaging New Graduates In Healthcare Advocacy with Angela Mund, CRNA

Healthcare continues to evolve every year with the industry becoming more complex in the process. As changes happen, it’s important for CRNAs to be educated and put in a position to have a voice in local and national policies. Angela Mund, CRNA, has made this the focus of her career and she joins us to discuss ways to get our young professionals involved in advocacy.

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2454 

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: 

1:50 – Angela Mund joins us for the show today. 

2:02 – Background on Angela’s 22-year CRNA career.

2:48 – Engaging new graduates in healthcare advocacy is an important topic.

3:40 – What’s the optimal route for nurses to study health policy?

4:56 – Is it best to catch nurses while they’re young?

5:21 – Why is this more important now?

6:05 – How do we make sure our profession is educated about policy?

7:40 – Are there any programs that help foster this interest in politics to younger CRNAs?

9:13 – The AANA mid-year assembly

11:49 – What advice would you give other program directors?

13:19 – The difference in generations within the CRNAs.

16:07 – How did Angela ‘fall into’ a leadership role?

17:20 – How do you address the CRNAs that don’t to be involved in politics?

19:14 – We’re all lobbyists whether you know it or not.

20:50 – If you don’t want to get involved at a national level, what about the local level?

25:26 - Final message from Angela on getting involved in healthcare advocacy.

Ep 73: Candidate Interviews for 2020 AANA Election

On this special episode of Beyond the Mask, we sat down with many of the candidates running for a position on the 2020-21 AANA Board of Directors. Hear more about their qualifications, their goals, and their vision for the future of CRNAs.

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-73:-candidate-interviews-for-2020-aana-election/2460/ 

Learn more about the candidates from the AANA here: https://www.aana.com/candidates

Today's show schedule: 

1:01 - Message from Jeremy Stanley about this episode.

President-elect

2:04 - Heather Rankin, DNP, MBA, CRNA - Alabama

9:23 - Maribeth Massie, PhD, MS, CRNA - New York

Vice President

12:57 - Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA - South Carolina

17:56 - Debra Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CDR - Florida

Treasurer

23:02 - Sonya Moore, DNP, CRNA, CCRN - Ohio

Director - Region 2

26:17 - Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA - Virginia

Director - Region 3

28:52 - LTC Peter Strube, DNAP, CRNA, MSNA, AP - Wisconsin

Director - Region 6

32:06 - Jeffrey Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA - Ohio

Director - Region 7

33:56 - Erik Rauch, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C - Florida

37:06 - Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN - Texas

Ep 72: CRNAs Balancing Fitness and a Busy Life with Jamie B and Jamie C

Jamie Bailey, CRNA and Jamie Chamberlain, CRNA are the motivated women running a popular social media fitness account that promotes the balance between working and working out. They joined us on the podcast to share their story, tips for beginners, and how they stay motivated even when they aren’t. 

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2419 

Today's show schedule: 

2:00 – We’re excited for this conversation.   

2:22 – Welcome in our guests today.

2:55 – Give us some background on yourself and how long you’ve been doing this.   

4:29 – How they started working out together.

5:35 – The early morning workout schedule. 

6:07 – What time do you go to bed?

6:57 – What’s the key to getting started down this fitness path?

8:18 – Working out in the morning changes your entire mood for the day.

9:14 – What’s the key to staying motivated?

10:27 – Do you hold yourself accountable?

11:18 – Strong Instagram following

13:57 – What eating routine do you have?

18:14 – It’s important to make it fun.

19:07 – What fitness person motivates them?

21:28 – What’s the Sweat App?

22:53 – Do other CRNAs connect with you?

24:13 – What’s the best way to get started if you haven’t worked out in years?

26:09 – Sharon shares a story about a friend who went from smoking to breaking a running record.

27:42 – A final message from the Jamies. 

Ep 71: Courage to Lead: Former AANA President Jackie Rowles, MBA, CRNA, ANP-BC, FAAN

Our presidential leadership series rolls along with a visit from Jackie Rowles, MBA, CRNA, ANP-BC, FAAN, who served as AANA President in 2009-10. She brought a background in pain management to the position and led the organization through a transitional period for the board. Not only has she made a significant impact on the profession, but she continues to be a leader at the International level. 

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2336 

Today's rundown: 

2:47 – Welcome in our guest Jackie Rowles, who gives us a quick overview of her career. 

3:42 – Jackie’s dad was an amazing person and took such an interest in nurse anesthesia.

7:08 – How she had been recruited into a pain management practice before becoming president. 

9:12 – In October of 2008, they had their first AANA sponsored pain management education and the timing worked out for her.

10:14 – Pain management has come full circle and has been legitimized and appreciated today. But it took 15 years.

11:11 – The VA Pain Act was signed. 

12:49 – What were some of the internal issues she dealt with during her presidency?

15:34 – Why it was different working with John Garde.

17:04 – John Garde made the change of Executive Director smooth but he got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

21:08 – After John’s funeral, Jackie became interim Executive Director during the final weeks of her presidency. 

22:33 – Sharon shares her memory of Jackie during that time and the story about a cruise they were taking together.  

25:15 – A couple more highlights that Jackie wants to document. 

31:13 – The most valuable leadership lessons she learned. 

36:05 – What message would you give new CRNAs?

37:25 – If she could pick any other profession, what would it be?

39:07 – Jackie’s final message to everyone.

Special Announcement: CE Credit Expanding!

Over the past year, we’ve published a handful of shows that have given listeners a chance to earn continuing education credits through the AANA. Today we’re beyond excited to reveal that this opportunity is expanding, and we have all the details on this special episode.

Read more and get additional details here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2411 

Today's show rundown:  

1:08 – Listeners gave us this wonderful idea.

1:32 – Time for the big announcement!

2:11 – How the credits breakdown.

2:25 – Class A vs Class B

4:01 – This is one of the most exciting things we’ve been able to announce lately.  

4:48 – Class A credits require an evaluation piece.  

Ep 70: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 2

This is the conclusion to the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. Find out the details to the depositions, how a few of the anesthesiologists were caught lying, and how a couple became expert witnesses. Plus, we’ll find out how it all ended and how much time and money went into the case.

Get part one here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-67-the-story-of-crnas-an-antitrust-victory-with-tafford-lori-oltz-part-1/2348/ 

Read more about this episode and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2391 

Today's show rundown: 

2:04 – Pre-trial settlements and the summary judgement

3:08 – Taff and Lori had a lot going on at this time.

4:19 – After the first depositions, Taff got a surprise call.

6:03 – Demands came to fire them.

7:22 – The remaining three anesthesiologists were each deposed but conspired to not tell the whole truth.

8:11 – In the meantime, St. Peter’s Chief of Staff received a subpoena with instructions. 

9:15 – Taff tells the story of the last two anesthesiologists and how depositions went down.

10:20 – First settlement was offered but rejected by the Oltzs.

10:41 – Let’s shift to post-trial rulings.

14:42 – How long did it take to close this case and the costs associated?

16:02 – The court ordered a settlement conference and required all 24 hospital board members to attend.

16:45 – Taff details settlement money.

18:30 – Final thoughts on this experience from Taff.   

21:15 – How CRNAs can use this case.

23:29 – Final thought from Lori on MDAs and CRNAs

Ep 69: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 1

This is the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. When we heard it, we had to talk with Taff and his wife Lori - also a CRNA - to hear how it all happened. It’s a fascinating story that hinges on a manilla folder and you’ll hear all the details that led up to the trial in part one.

Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2348 

Today's rundown: 

2:30 – We think this is going to be one of the most interesting podcast we’ve done.

3:50 – Background on the Oltz vs St. Peter’s Community Hospital case.

3:47 – Tafford Oltz and his wife Lori tell us about their background.

4:54 – The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

5:15 – How their employment was structured in the 70s and how the relationship with St. Peter’s began.

9:23 – Taff shares one specific patient story he still remembers.

9:56 – The medical landscape in Montana in the mid-70s.

10:31 – When the third MD arrived, he informed the vascular surgeon the use of a CRNA was medical malpractice.

11:46 – Here’s how a typical day looked for Taff with a 100-mile commute.

13:05 – What changed with his situation?

14:45 – The story turns because of a folder. Taff explains.

17:40 – Lori shares details of what was actually written in some of the letters.

19:38 – How was that working relationship after finding out about their plans?

21:52 – How the lawsuit began.

22:45 – What anti-trust litigation is and the three things you need for a case.

27:07 - Many courts aren’t familiar with anti-trust cases. There had only been one prior in Montana.

28:41 - Once they started investigating, they found St. Peter’s market power near 84%. 

30:31 - The hospital produced a letter that the anesthesiologists were increasing charges by 10%.

32:58 - How do you choose legal representation for a case like this and what were the costs?

37:15 - How important were other cases at the time?

44:17 - The role Lori played during the trial.

46:07 - To be continued…