Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

The Future of Acute Pain Management – Suzetrigine: A Game Changer?

The world of anesthesia is evolving, and pain management is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary non-opioid analgesic, Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor making waves in perioperative and acute pain management. With increasing pressure to reduce opioid dependence while maintaining effective pain control, anesthesia providers must stay ahead of cutting-edge developments. Join us as we break down the pharmacology, safety profile, clinical trial data, and real-world implications of this game-changing drug.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
We’ll talk about dosing in extreme detail because, as anesthesia providers, we know that precision matters.
The drug interactions is a critical consideration and we’ll run through adjustments that need to be made.
We get to the into the physiology and pharmacology implications of Suzetrigine, focusing on what this means for nurse anesthetists.
The pharmacological properties of Suzetrigine and how it functions at a molecular level to modulate pain perception.
The side effects and contraindications.
Scientific trials and comparisons to other analgesics for nurse anesthetists.
 
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Navigating Healthcare Policy: A New Approach to Organizational Advocacy

We're ​diving ​into ​the ​world ​of ​policy, ​legislation ​and ​regulation ​with ​Nick Blanck, MSN, CRNA, APN-Anesthesia, who is the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs in New Jersey.
Along with guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we’re going to learn more about Nick’s pivotal role in ensuring ​consistency ​and ​clarity ​in ​the ​ever-evolving ​landscape ​of ​healthcare ​policy ​in ​this ​state. His unique approach is shaping the CRNA industry in New Jersey and we want to find ways that states can implement similar models for improved advocacy.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Crafting the right message is all about having versatile, long-term, consistent messaging.
What advantage does consistent visibility have with political advocacy?
Why a CRNA and a lobbyist have driven his advocacy campaign?
What are some of the biggest lessons he’s learned from success?
What does he envision for the future of the healthcare landscape for CRNAs in your region?
 
About our guest:
Currently serving the New Jersey Association of Nurse Anesthetists and it members as the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs; and Chairman of their Government Relations Committee. In this capacity he tirelessly advances legislation aimed at removing restrictive barriers to profession of Nurse Anesthesiology. Nicholas spends a tremendous amount of time working with various stakeholder groups, both in New Jersey and across the county, aimed at building a consensus about how best to understand the overall value CRNA's have in healthcare markets. To decision makers and lawmakers in New Jersey, Nicholas is a well-established authority on the scope of practice of New Jersey CRNA's, and well as the regulatory and compliance processes surrounding these professionals.
 
Join our upcoming webinar ‘Navigating the 1099 CRNA Landscape in 2025: Insights and Strategies for Success’ - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_k3i11leGQFOwvixEHUS9Cg?utm_campaign=1099%20CRNA%20Institute&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_nw-WeZT9JBDErnfLekoQnV3lNLRwCdk2IDvoFeMTd90oHNdmqoXo-4nptpTScKkQT_ql6#/registration
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
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Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
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Grade 1 View - Ep. 5 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Anesthesia

Today we’re going to talk about something that’s very important and needs attention in the nurse anesthesia space, and that’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Hosts Larry and Kevin are joined by Donté Flanagan, DNP, CRNA, FAANA during Black History Month to have a conversation pressing need for diversity in healthcare and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all CRNAs.
Whether ​it's ​mentoring, ​faculty ​development ​programs, ​or ​wellness ​support ​groups ​for ​the ​students ​around ​the ​country ​that ​are ​kind ​of ​isolated ​and ​feel ​alone, Doc explains that he’s been focused ​on helping grow ​the ​profession and continue ​the ​excellence ​that ​we ​have ​inside ​of ​nurse ​anesthesia.
 
Check Out The AANA Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Timeline and Milestones: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DEI.History.pdf
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How people have helped him through his career and the opportunities he’s been given.
The goals for the Multicultural CRNA Conference and details on a successful inaugural event.
We don’t talk enough about how isolating it can be in these professional spaces.
What tips does he have for folks that want to speak up but don’t want to make things uncomfortable or awkward.
The future of diversity in the anesthesia profession.
About our guest: https://drdonteflanagan.com/
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Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
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Where Are We Headed With Healthcare And Providers?

What does a second Trump term mean for the future of healthcare? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Becker, founder and publisher of Becker’s Healthcare, to break down the potential changes, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape. With major shifts ahead, understanding how policies may shape healthcare access, quality, and costs is more important than ever.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What significant policy shifts does Scott anticipate during President Trump’s second term?
Why Medicare Advantage has become a complete debacle.
Are we moving to a two-tiered system and what could that look like?
What do all these changes mean for CRNAs?
Is he hearing about any possible solutions for the workforce problem?
 
Check out Becker's Hospital Review: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/ 
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
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Ciprofol Chronicles: The New Star in Procedural Sedation

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ciprofol, a cutting-edge intravenous anesthetic that has been making headlines in both clinical research and operating rooms worldwide. With its innovative formulation and promising safety profile, Ciprofol is poised to transform the landscape of anesthetic practice.
Join us as we explore how this new drug compares to established agents like propofol and what it could mean for the future of procedural sedation and anesthesia.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What is Ciprofol, and why are nurse anesthetists buzzing about it?
The reduction in dosage isn’t just about using less drug—it has ripple effects.
What about its pharmacokinetics? Does it have the same quick onset and recovery profile that we’ve come to rely on with Propofol?
How does Ciprofol stack up when it comes to adverse events?
We dissect the study—a randomized, double-blind trial conducted in China.
Is Ciprofol the future?
 
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
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Seamless Transitions: Improving Intraoperative Anesthesia Handoffs

With ​lives ​on ​the ​line, ​the ​smallest ​misstep ​in ​communication ​can ​have ​critical ​consequences. Patient data gets transferred at the handoff from the preoperative area to the operating room to the postoperative area, but most anesthesia practices have been slow to adopt a standardized approach to sharing this information.
Today’s guest, Pete Montrie, CRNA, DNP, created the AMPLE approach for his DNP project, and he’ll explain how this streamlined process can improve communication and enhance patient safety.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why he chose this topic for his DNP at the University of Alabama.
The main issues that the literature identified during these handoffs.
How he developed his project and his plan going in.
The project resulted in a 70% increase in handoffs based on billing data.
Read Pete’s DNP Project: https://ir-api.ua.edu/api/core/bitstreams/fc700ea9-3ec8-44e2-a255-0591ceab4be2/content 
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
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Grade 1 View - Ep. 4 - Navigating Relationships in CRNA School

Relationships are hard enough on their own so how do you find the time and energy to maintain one while also trying to go to CRNA school? Whether you’re just starting a relationship or married, it’s difficult to find balance between academic responsibilities and personal life.
Zach and Kate Bekken are living that experience right now as she navigates her third year as an SRNA at Samford University in Birmingham, AL. They join Olivia and Larry to share their personal experiences and insights on maintaining a healthy relationship amidst the rigors of nursing education.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The many conversations Kate had over the course of months before making her decision.
Her experience having a mentor and how they pushed them to pursue school.
What it was like for Zach to uproot his life for her career and how they worked through that together.
Why they’ve approached this journey as a business trip.
How are they intentional with their time and how do you manage a long distance relationship?
What are the conversations like as they get near the end of school?
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/
Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 
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Don’t Sleep On Your Dreams: Mastering the Art of the TED Talk

Have you ever been inspired by a TED Talk and wondered whether you could inspire people with your own experience? Today’s guest did just that recently. Johnny Garza, MSN, CRNA, delivered a memorable TED Talk inspired by his practice and a personal story that proves life is too short and we should act on our most vulnerable dreams. He’ll share his experience from that TED Talk and tell us more about this inspirational story.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What motivated him to take the stage and how did he get a spot in TEDx?
The story of the 25-year-old who inspired this story after he administered her anesthesia.
The stress and emotion of delivering that speech in front of an audience and why anesthesia helps prepare you for this.
What advice would he share with others in this position?
His move from CRNA to being a pilot.  
 
About our guest:
Johnny Garza, MSN, CRNA attended Loma Linda University in Southern California where he completed his Master’s degree in Nurse Anesthesia. He has been practicing independently in Central and Southern California since he graduated in early 2018. As he transitioned into the independent provider role he also found a new passion for education and serves as a clinical associate professor. In addition, he proudly serves on the board of the California Association of Nurse Anesthetists (CANA) and is committed to the success of the profession. Johnny is dedicated and eager to share the knowledge gained with future generations of clinicians and supporting CRNA leadership.
 
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