Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

From Standards to Testimony: The Anatomy of Medical Legal Review

Today we're going to dive into an interesting topic: some medical legal considerations. And we’ll talk a little bit about being an expert witness. We'll cover anesthesia standards created and published by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, and share some of our own experiences acting as expert witnesses in medical legal complaints filed on behalf of patients. Perhaps just as important though, we're going to talk about ways that you can keep yourself out of hot water and keep your patients safe.
It's important that as providers we periodically review the standards by which we're expected to practice. Both for the benefit of our patients and to make sure that we're practicing at the highest levels of anesthesia care every single day.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Reviewing the Standards for Nursing Practice from the Professional Practice Manual.
The most common problems that I have seen that have resulted in litigation fall into four main categories.
Who evaluates whether or not the standard of care has been satisfied?       
The difference between a deposition and trial testimony and how it impacts you.
 
Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
 
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Health and Wellness for CRNAs and SRNAs

CRNAs spend their days providing support for others, but we don’t always give ourselves the attention we need. Today we tackle the health and wellness challenges CRNAs face in the current healthcare climate with Donna Keeney, CRNA and Dr. Cathy Horvath. Both women are on the Health and Wellness Committee at the AANA, and the insights shared in this episode will resonate with anyone in healthcare trying to maintain their passion for the profession amidst burnout.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How to get rid of negative self-talk and why that’s so important.
Two strategies that can improve clinician well-being at your place of employment.
Two strategies that you can employ today to start taking steps toward better health and wellness.
Resources and support for CRNAs and SRNAs to access.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

Running for Office & CRNA Advocacy with Lee Bias

As the fight for the future of anesthesia continues, having a seat at the table to discuss the issues becomes more and more important. That’s why we’re excited to feature another guest who’s been in the arena. Sharon and guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Bias, a CRNA with an eye on political office, to talk about the critical role political engagement plays in the anesthesia profession.
Discover how Lee's journey into the political arena underscores the importance of advocacy, highlighting the significant influence politics has on our ability to deliver top-notch anesthesia care, particularly in rural communities.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The importance of being proactive as a CRNA and how you can do that close to your home.
There are so many more ways to support a campaign beyond giving money.
Why Lee believes that everything falls into three categories and that’s how you should determine how to direct your energy.
The role PACs play during the campaign process.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

Automated Bliss: Transforming Anesthesia Care through Artificially Intelligent Drug Delivery

Today's episode explores the revolutionary landscape of automated drug delivery systems in anesthesia. The hosts unravel the intricacies of these technologies, discussing real-world examples and contemplating the integration of adaptive, intelligent computer systems.
So, whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the convergence of medicine and technology, this podcast episode serves as an insightful gateway to the forefront of precision anesthesia. Join the conversation and stay informed about the transformative potential of automated drug delivery in anesthesia.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
An overview of what we mean by automated drug delivery systems.
How is AI influencing how we administer anesthesia, and how does it impact patient outcomes?
Controlling the delicate balance between nociception and antinociception poses unique challenges.
The sophisticated control methods shaping the future of closed-loop systems.
 
Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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

IFNA Past, Present & Future: Contributions to Global Anesthesia and Surgical Care

Join us as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists with past president Sandy Ouellette, CRNA and current president Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA.
 
We travel from the federation's humble beginnings in Lucerne, Switzerland, to its growth into a beacon of progress, setting the stage for the future of international collaboration and standards in nurse anesthesia. We think you’ll enjoy this journey through the evolution of a specialty that has revolutionized the way anesthesia and surgical care are delivered across the world.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Steps leading to the foundation of IFNA.
How they developed a governing structure for IFNA and how that has evolved through the years.
What do we know today about the need for nurse anesthetists on the global stage.        
The IFNA activities that are focused on advancing quality care.
Details on the United Nations Global Surgery Project that Jackie has been appointed to.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

Get Gritty With It: How CRNAs Can Reduce Burnout and Achieve Long-Term Goals

Burnout has always been an issue for nurses and CRNAs but the issue has risen ever since COVID and the added stress that’s put on the healthcare industry. What if there was a way to help individuals guard against it? Today we dissect the concept of grit with Michell Smith, CRNA and explore how passion and perseverance are not just buzzwords but critical tools for CRNAs striving to achieve their long-term goals.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Grit is perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals and is predictive of success in a variety of domains.
The four stages of grit: interest, practice, purpose, and hope.
Higher rates of burnout in CRNAS since COVID but higher grit scores are correlated with lower burnout rates.
An individual can grow and cultivate grit over time.
How to set goals and prioritize them for yourself.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

The Anesthesia Enigma: Decoding Sedation and Cognitive Aftermath

Today, we will closely examine a phenomenon that’s growing in frequency and importance and getting more and more attention in the anesthesia community: postoperative delirium. As our population ages and more and more elderly people are having surgery for more and more procedures, are concerned about postop with delirium and its complications and long-term implications have become more and more critical. So, hang onto your scrub caps, ladies and gentlemen, as we explore postoperative delirium, its antecedents, consequences, and how to reduce its incidence.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What delirium looks like and what you can anticipate from patients who are experiencing it.
The characteristics of patients that increase their risk of experiencing delirium.
Some of the precipitating factors that happen around the operating room.
The debate over the impact of depth of anesthesia and the duration of surgery on delirium risk.
Good habits that can reduce the risk of delirium.
 
Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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

How to Own or Direct an Ambulatory Surgery Center as a CRNA

Most CRNAs are so focused on the work they do day-to-day that they don’t stop to think about the other opportunities that might exist in the healthcare industry. Today’s guest, Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA, is here to show us the path to owning or directing an Ambulatory Surgery Center after doing it on his own over the past eight years. We’ll take you through a remarkable journey that begins with organ failure and then uncover the vast career opportunities for CRNAs, spotlighting the importance of adaptability and embracing the diversity of roles that await passionate individuals.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How an organ failure at age 32 opened this door for him. 
Why you can be the owner of an independent surgical practice.
We’ll share some of the resources that are available to help you get started.
The healthcare landscape is changing dramatically, which makes this option even more
The pandemic opened opportunities for those who are willing to take risks and get out of their comfort zone.
The biggest challenges he’s faced as a director/owner and what he’s learned.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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