Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Employing an Effective Mentoring Program to Recruit, Retain, & Increase Satisfaction for CRNAs

As CRNAs look for ways to attract and retain good people, mentorship programs might be the key to growing the profession. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, Abby Bisch, DNP, CRNA and Elvira Sayfutdinova, MSN, CRNA join the show to share what they’ve learned about building a successful mentorship program in St. Louis. With personal anecdotes and wisdom, they’ll provide a clear picture of their initiative's success, from easing new hires into a high-pressure setting to fostering enduring professional relationships.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Abby and Elvira got into the profession and became involved in mentorship.
Formal CRNA mentorship programs are underutilized and should be adopted by more anesthesia departments.
The many benefits of a formal CRNA mentorship program and how it improves our profession.
The goal of the program is to ensure newly-hired CRNAs have all the tools & guidance they need to succeed.
The crucial elements you need to include to employ a successful CRNA mentorship program.
 
Learn more about their mentorship program: https://anesthesiology.wustl.edu/patient-care/crna/crna-mentorship-program/
 
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 Remimazolam Revolution: Changing the Anesthetic Game

Today Garry and Terry will be focusing on the revolutionary benzodiazepine – remimazolam. In this episode, we unravel the intriguing tales from diverse case studies, exploring the unique applications and benefits of remimazolam in different surgical scenarios. From thyroid surgeries to emergency cardiac procedures, remimazolam emerges as a promising ally in ensuring smoother inductions, minimal postoperative complications, and enhanced patient experiences.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Understanding the mechanism of action behind remimazolam.
We talk about the context of intravenous benzodiazepines.
How remimazolam's versatility makes it a potential candidate for various clinical scenarios, catering to the unique needs of both procedural sedation and general anesthesia.
What have the different case studies taught us?
How could the landscape evolve as more research is conducted?
 
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 Our Heart Your Hands is Supporting Nurse Anesthetists in Africa

The Fab Four is back together for a great cause as we shine the light on the Our Hearts Your Hands organization that is supporting nurse anesthesia growth globally. Today we want to share the story of two amazing and incredibly dedicated nurse anesthetists in Uganda who need financial support to earn a degree that will be transformational for them and their community. Learn all about the work Our Hearts Your Hands is doing across Africa and how you can be a part of this mission to raise $10,000 for two deserving nurses.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The changes we’ve seen this organization help facilitate in these communities.
The access to quality care is even more important than access to care at all.
The amazing story of two nurse anesthetists who received grants in Uganda to help them continue their education.
What are the best ways to support this charity?
What this would mean for obstetrical care and women’s health in Africa.
 
About the charity: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/
 
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

Treating PTSD and Considerations for the Healthcare Provider

It’s estimated that more than 31 million Americans have PTSD but we still don’t have a great grasp on how to support and treat those struggling with this. Today we’re going to explore anesthesia’s role in patient care with guest host Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA and Major Randy Cornelius, DNP, MBA, CRNA.
They’ll draw on their personal experience to highlight the unique considerations necessary when administering anesthesia to PTSD patients, from personalized anesthetic plans to the vital utilization of drugs like ketamine and dexmedetomidine. With their guidance, we peel back the layers of empathy and precision required to create a safe and supportive perioperative environment for these patients.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How treating someone from the Fort Hood shooting made him aware of PTSD and the difficulty at the time providing medication for it.
What to do and what not to do with treating an individual with PTSD.
The different medications and treatments have been most effective.
Understanding the pathophysiology behind PTSD.
The criteria for being diagnosed with PTSD.
 
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

The Importance of Creating an ICU RN/CRNA Shadow Program

Imagine the impact a structured shadowing program can have on ICU nurses thinking about a future as a CRNA. That’s why today’s guest, Caroline Killmon, MS, CRNA has helped create a shadow program at her hospital in North Carolina and will share the experience so far. We’ll look at the positive ripple effects it can have on the nursing community, the success stories emerging from these shadowing experiences, and the impact a well-constructed shadowing opportunity could have on the future of healthcare.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Background on how the program originated and why she saw the need for it.
How to get everyone to buy in and how to spread the word.
Processes that she would recommend for shadow programs.
What do CRNAs stand to gain from doing all the work to run a shadow program?
 
About our guest: https://www.wakehealth.edu/providers/k/caroline-d-killmon
 
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

Hematoma or Hemostasis: Anticoagulants’ Influence on Anesthetic Outcomes

Today we want to unravel the intricate relationship between anticoagulants and regional anesthesia. Join Garry and Terry as they navigate through the delicate balance of benefits and risks associated with these practices. We’ll dive into the world of anticoagulation reversal agents, discussing FDA-approved options such as Idarucizumab and Andexanet.
So join Garry and Terry as they navigate the complexities of anticoagulants and regional anesthesia, emphasizing the critical role guidelines play in ensuring patient safety in the ever-evolving landscape of anesthetic practices.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The evolving perspectives on NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, and aspirin, emphasizing recent data that challenges initial concerns about spinal hematomas.
Neuraxial anesthesia, celebrated for positive outcomes, brings its own set of risks, notably bleeding and hematoma formation.
Heparin administration, both subcutaneous and intraoperative, prompts nuanced considerations, ensuring safety in the neuraxial procedure.
Insights into thrombolytic therapy, urging caution due to limited clinical data.
 
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

Engaging the Late Career CRNA with Cindy Farina

Examples of ageism can be found in just about any profession but is this something that CRNAs should be concerned about? This episode, with the help of co-host Jackie Rowles, MBA, CRNA, ANP-BC, FAAN and guest Cindy Farina, DNP, CRNA explores how the cultural fixations on youth can not only undermine job satisfaction but can also nudge experienced CRNAs towards premature retirement. We also want to recognize the relevance of late career CRNAs, their contributions to the nurse anesthesiology profession, and the potential challenges they face.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What made Cindy become more aware of ageism in the workplace.
The value of late-career CRNAs and their contributions to the profession.
The factors that drive CRNAs to continue working or make the decision to retire.
The strategies for keeping CRNAs in the workforce.
What can late-career CRNAs do to maintain career satisfaction.
 
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
 
 

Captain, We Have a Problem! Medical Emergencies at 30,000 Feet

Imagine being woken up in the middle of a transatlantic flight by a flight attendant asking for your assistance in a medical emergency. That’s the situation today’s guest, Dr. Erin Foley, found herself in recently. Find out how she navigated the tense situation and what she learned about these types of incidents that happen far more often than we hear about.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The medical emergency that she responded to while flying to Europe for the IFNA Conference.
The unexpected discovery she made in the stool sample cup.
What she found researching these types of incidents and what she found about altitude sickness.
What medical equipment do they keep on the plane?
Why you might want to reconsider asking for reimbursement for helping on a flight.
 
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