Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Grade 1 View – Ep. 12 – SRNAs Make Global Medical Service Trips

What happens when SRNAs take their training to the global stage? Today, Charity welcomes Natalie, Cailtyn, and Mamawa to discuss their recent life-changing medical service trips to Mauritania and Honduras. These future CRNAs share their experiences providing anesthesia in resource-limited settings, highlighting the unique challenges and rewarding moments they encountered along the way.
Thanks to these three for sharing their experience!
Natalie Janes, 3rd year SRNA, Wayne State University – Service Trip to Honduras
Caitlyn Pichette, 3rd year SRNA, Wayne State University – Service Trip to Honduras
Mamawa Hollendyke, 3rd year SRNA, York College (graduating in a week!) – Service Trip to Mauritania (Africa)
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🌍 Stories from SRNAs working in Honduras and Mauritania
💉 Delivering anesthesia without standard equipment
⚡ When the power goes out mid-surgery…twice
🧠 Cultural insights and creative problem-solving in global ORs
❤️ Why these trips changed their perspective on care and humanity
 
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 Surge in Placenta Accreta: What Anesthesia Providers Need to Know

Placenta accreta is one of the most dangerous and rapidly growing challenges in obstetrics, and CRNAs are often on the front lines when things go wrong. This week we’re joined by OB anesthesia specialists Kira Bruck, CRNA and Kelsey Getzloff, DNP, CRNA to share the latest research, discuss the reasons behind the increase in cases, and outline essential anesthesia strategies for managing high-risk deliveries.
Coordination, communication, and preparation saves lives and this episode will help inform CRNAs about what’s most important to know about accreta cases.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Understanding the placenta accreta spectrum: accreta, increta, percreta
⚠️ Why diagnosis is missed in 50% of cases and what that means for CRNAs
💉 Anesthesia strategies for known vs. unknown accreta cases
💬 Real-world insights from a high-volume OB anesthesia team
🔄 How CRNAs can advocate for transfers to higher levels of care
 
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side! Click here for more details and to register
 
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Stopping the Bleed: The Power of TXA in Anesthesia

Today, we’re excited to bring back Emily Funk, DNP, CRNA to talk about tranexamic acid, or TXA—a drug making waves for its ability to control bleeding and improve surgical outcomes. Originally developed decades ago, TXA has gained new momentum due to its remarkable ability to control bleeding and improve surgical outcomes. Join us as we explore the fascinating story behind TXA’s discovery, its evolving applications, and the impact it’s having on patient safety and recovery.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💉 The fascinating origin story of tranexamic acid
🧠 TXA’s evolving uses in anesthesia, trauma, OB, and pediatrics
🚀 Why researchers are studying TXA for space exploration
🧪 How TXA helps reduce bleeding — explained through paper cuts and scabs
👩‍🔬 Honoring the pioneering woman who helped develop TXA
 
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side! Click here for more details and to register
 
About our guest: https://nursing.duke.edu/directories/emily.funk
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
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. 11 – Lead AANA Lobbyists Talk CRNA Advocacy

What does it really mean to advocate for your profession, and why does it matter before you even graduate? In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kevin and Larry sit down with AANA lead lobbyists Matt Thackston and Kristina Weger to provide a look into the world of CRNA advocacy.
From behind-the-scenes insights on Capitol Hill to tips for making your voice count at Mid-Year Assembly, they share eye-opening stories, practical advice, and real talk about how change happens in healthcare policy.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🏛️ What CRNA advocacy looks like at the federal and state level
🗣️ How your story—not just stats—moves legislators to act
🧠 Common myths policymakers believe about CRNAs (and how to fix them)
📨 Why following up after Mid-Year is just as important as showing up
🔄 How to engage 365 days a year—not just during conferences
 
Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-thackston/
Connect with Kristina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-weger-12365a160/ 
 
Learn more about the Mid-Year Assembly: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/mid-year-assembly/ 
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

Engaging the AANA & Building the Future with New CRNA Grads

Today, ​we're ​focusing ​on ​the ​next ​generation ​of ​CRNAs ​and ​the ​importance ​of ​early ​engagement ​with ​the ​American ​Association ​of ​Nurse ​Anesthesiology ​and ​the ​AANA ​Foundation. ​As ​new ​grads ​step ​into ​their ​careers, ​they ​have ​a ​unique ​opportunity ​to ​connect, ​contribute ​and ​grow ​within ​the ​profession. ​Recent grad Jake Bonnema, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins us to ​discuss ​why ​it’s so important to engage and how ​CRNAs ​can ​play ​a ​pivotal ​role ​in ​shaping ​the ​future ​of ​nurse ​anesthesia.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🗳️ What CRNA PACs actually do—and why they matter
🤝 How mentorship sparked Jake’s path into advocacy
💬 Making the ask: peer-to-peer power in growing PAC support
🎓 Why new grads should attend Mid-Year Assembly (and leave inspired)
 
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side! Click here for more details and to register
 
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Unlocking Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders: From Risk to Resilience

Have you ever wondered about the potential impact of surgery and anesthesia on cognitive function? Today’s show will discuss the complexities of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders (PND), a term encompassing conditions like postoperative delirium (POD), postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), and delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNR).
Through insightful discussions rooted in the latest research, we aim to shed light on:
The prevalence and impact of PND, drawing from studies highlighting its occurrence after various surgical procedures.
Potential risk factors that may make individuals more susceptible to developing PND.
Innovative approaches for prevention and management, including the investigation of medications like dexmedetomidine and anesthetic techniques such as total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol, which some studies suggest may have neuroprotective properties.
The intricate underlying mechanisms of PND, exploring the roles of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and even insulin signaling in the central nervous system.
The use of monitoring techniques like electroencephalography (EEG) to better understand and potentially mitigate neurocognitive complications.
The importance of early identification and comprehensive care for individuals experiencing PND.
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
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. 10 – Green Anesthesia Techniques for Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! In this special episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Olivia explore how anesthesia providers can make a real impact on the environment, one case at a time. As healthcare professionals, CRNAs play a significant role in the healthcare sector, which is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. This episode emphasizes the importance of being environmentally conscious in our practices, especially when it comes to anesthesia.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🌎 How volatile anesthetics contribute to climate change
💉 Three green anesthesia techniques you can implement today
🔬 Real data comparing low flow, TIVA, and regional approaches
🧪 The truth about compound A, oxygen consumption, and CO₂ absorbers
📉 How education and clinical tools can drive sustainable practice
 
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

Gastric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS): A Preoperative Assessment Tool

How can a quick bedside ultrasound transform patient safety in anesthesia? Today, Sharon and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN explore the growing role of gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS), a tool helping anesthesia providers assess stomach contents in real time.
Joined by Rachel Edgerton, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, CHSE and three doctoral students from St. Mary’s University - Molly O’Neill, BSN, RN, Hannah Peine, BSN, RN, CCRN, CMC, Alyssa Klein, BSN, RN - the episode dives into their groundbreaking DNP project educating CRNAs on this skill.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🩻 How gastric PoCUS helps assess aspiration risk
💉 GLP-1 medications and their impact on NPO status
📈 DNP students’ national education project and outcomes
⚠️ Why current NPO guidelines are no longer enough
💬 Real-world barriers and solutions to implementing PoCUS in practice
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
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/
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken