Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Ep 248: Hear from the Candidates for 2023-24 AANA Board of Directors

Voting started this week for the next round of AANA Board of Directors elections, and we want to help you get to know your candidates a little better. Thanks to our friends at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, we will share the opening statements from the Board of Director Candidates’ Forum during the Mid-Year Assembly so you can hear first-hand from each of the talented CRNAs running for office.
 
Remember that you can cast your vote now so visit the AANA Election Center and get all of the information you need.
 
Here’s who you’ll hear from on this show:
Candidate for Director: Mike MacKinnon, DNP, FNP-C, CRNA 2:04
Candidate for Director: Jodie Szlachta, PhD, RN, CRNA 4:05
Candidate for Director: Andrea Roberts, DNAP, CRNA, APRN 6:06
Candidate for Director: Howie Goodwin, DNAP, CRNA 8:07
Candidate for Director: Susan Newell, MSN, CRNA 10:10
Candidate for Director: Daniel King, DNP, CRNA, CPPS 12:12
Candidate for Director: Stacy Yancey, CRNA 14:21
Candidate for Treasurer: Eric Rauch, DNP, CRNA 16:21
Candidate for Treasurer: Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA 19:33
Candidate for Vice President: Jeffrey Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA 22:30
Candidate for President-Elect: Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col (ret) 25:32
 
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Ep 247: The Commission for Nurse Reimbursement with Rebecca Love

The issue of reimbursement is one that we’ve covered from many different perspectives on this show but now it’s time to take the problem into our own hands. Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL is leading a commission along with Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA for nurse reimbursement to tackle this broken financial model once and for all. Today we’ll tell you all about the commission’s plan and why we think this will transform the healthcare system and help end the terrible nursing crisis our country is facing.
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
History of the current financial model and why it’s a problem. 4:00
Why is this perpetuating the nursing shortage? 9:21
Where is the money going right now if it’s not going to nurses? 14:30
This next generation is much more in tune with the financial realities of the world.  19:55
The problem with nurses that are being brought in from overseas. 26:59
Details on the commission, who is involved, and what you can do to help. 32:06
Thoughts on why this is so critical for nursing moving forward. 36:27
 
About the Commission: https://commissionfornursereimbursement.com/
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Ep 246: POCUS of the Cricothyroid Membrane

Emergency cricothyrotomy is a rare, but incredibly important procedure that can be lifesaving. A primary step when performing a cricothyrotomy is correct identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM). 
In this episode Jeremy and Sass discuss the anatomy related to the CTM. They talk about palpation methods for finding the CTM, discuss current evidence for the use of ultrasound identification, and break down the ultrasound techniques that are useful in clinical practice. This is the podcast that will excite you to use POCUS for identification of the CTM!
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
Understanding and identifying the anatomy. 2:21
The two most effective ways to find the cricothyroid membrane. 8:32
A couple of relevant studies that provide good information. 12:45
The ultrasound procedure to help identify it. 17:19
The educational resources that Jeremy recommends. 21:48
The String of Pearls technique. 22:40
 
Show Notes & Resources:
Kristensen MS, Teoh WH, Rudolph SS. Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane: best evidence, techniques, and clinical impact. Br J Anaesth. 2016 Sep;117 Suppl 1:i39-i48. doi: 10.1093/bja/aew176. Epub 2016 Jul 17. PMID: 27432055.
Rai Y, You-Ten E, Zasso F, De Castro C, Ye XY, Siddiqui N. The role of ultrasound in front-of-neck access for cricothyroid membrane identification: A systematic review. J Crit Care. 2020 Dec;60:161-168. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2020.07.030. Epub 2020 Aug 13. PMID: 32836091. Journal of Anaesthesia, Volume 117, Issue suppl_1, September 2016, Pages i39–i48, https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aew176
Hung KC, Chen IW, Lin CM, Sun CK. Comparison between ultrasound-guided and digital palpation techniques for identification of the cricothyroid membrane: a meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. 2021 Jan;126(1):e9-e11. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.08.012. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 32896429.
Kristensen MS, Teoh WH. Ultrasound identification of the cricothyroid membrane: the new standard in preparing for front-of-neck airway access. Br J Anaesth. 2021 Jan;126(1):22-27. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.10.004. Epub 2020 Oct 31. PMID: 33131758.
Siddiqui N, Arzola C, Friedman Z, Guerina L, You-Ten KE. Ultrasound Improves Cricothyrotomy Success in Cadavers with Poorly Defined Neck Anatomy: A Randomized Control Trial. Anesthesiology. 2015 Nov;123(5):1033-41. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000848. PMID: 26352376.
Airway Management for Anaesthesiologists. Ultrasound guided marking of the cricothyroid membrane using:
Transverse TACA Technique: https://airwaymanagement.dk/ultrasound_needle_cricothyrotomy
Longitudinal “String of Pearls” Technique: airwaymanagement.dk/pearls
 
 
About our hosts: https://www.kpsan.org/school/people/
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Ep 245: Your Bank Account Might Be Ready for Retirement, But Are You?

One of the things you find out about CRNAs as they approach retirement is that their bank account might be ready for retirement but they might not be. Many people don’t consider the consequences of walking away from that daily routine of being at the hospital and interacting with colleagues, and not being prepared for that can leave you with a lack of fulfillment in retirement. Today we’ll discuss the importance of not only planning financially for retirement but also preparing emotionally and mentally for this significant life change.
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
Most CRNAs fall in one of two camps when they retire. 5:50
Has COVID caused more burnout among CRNAs? 7:41
Why it’s so important to develop a plan for the next stage of life. 11:29
You have to be prepared for a retirement that could last for 40 years. 18:09
What is the sweet spot for retirement? 24:28
The important takeaways from this discussion. 31:35
 
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
 

Ep 244: Military CRNAs – Lessons Learned & Lives Well Lived

The military isn’t a career path for everyone but those that choose that life get an experience and training that can’t be found anywhere else. Today we spend some time with one of those wonderful people to learn more about life in the military as a CRNA and the lessons that were learned along the way.
Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA is a retired Colonel with the US Air Force Reserve Nurse Corps and someone we talked to last year about how she helped bring full practice authority to that branch of the military. Today she joins us to tell us more about her time in the military, how it helped prepare her for civilian life, and what she thinks will happen with the VA issue still being debated.
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
What made her decide to serve? 6:45
The advantages and disadvantages to being in the military. 9:00
Why she made the switch from flight nurse to CRNA. 13:57
Jan’s insight on the VA issue and what she’s seen. 18:31
What are the differences in CRNA training in the military vs civilian world. 27:43
Jan details what it was like going to war. 30:00
Is there a threat to independent practice for the military? 40:40
 
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Ep 243: A Crisis of Malignant Proportions

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare and dreaded complication specific to anesthesia. It’s a systemic hypermetabolic syndrome that can result in severe disability or even death. In this episode Jeremy and Sass review the pathophysiology, preoperative considerations, signs and symptoms, complications, and management of this uncommon, but significant critical event.
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
The pathophysiology of Malignant Hyperthermia 3:29
How can you identify patients who might be at risk of MH? 5:54
What’s the best way to test for this and what are the major signs and symptoms? 9:44
How do we manage an MH case when we think we have one? 15:48
The antidote to make this situation stop. 19:10
Details on dosing. 23:06
The potential complications that could occur. 26:43
 
Resources:
Connect with the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS): 1-800-664-9737 https://www.mhaus.org/
 
About our hosts: https://www.kpsan.org/school/people/
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Ep 242: The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Creating a Preferred Workplace for CRNAs

Today we’re excited to dive into a topic we’ve been very curious about with a guest we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing previously. Tom Davis, DNAP, MAE, CRNA is an Air Force-trained CRNA with a lot of high-level experience in anesthesia, and throughout his CRNA career, he’s really focused on two aspects of the profession: healthcare leadership and patient safety. In doing this, he’s learned so much about emotional intelligence and the role it plays in creating a preferred workplace. He joins us this episode to define emotional intelligence, explain why listening is crucial, and help us better understand how we can improve our own EI.
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
What does emotional intelligence look like? 5:11
The role that emotional intelligence plays in the workplace. 8:04
Why listening is at the heart of emotional intelligence. 11:32
Level 3 and Level 4 listening is so important in connecting with people. 17:45
How emotional intelligence can help improve the CRNA shortage. 21:53
What is the ‘drama triangle’? 25:25
Amygdala hijack and the emotional response that happens. 33:24
The behavioral continuum and how it impacts what you think, say and do. 42:41
What’s the best leadership style for the workplace and how can you bring in emotionally intelligent people? 46:46
 
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Ep 241: Top Retirement Planning Mistakes CRNAs Need to Avoid

Are you a CRNA who feels lost in the complicated world of retirement planning? With many different accounts and investment options, it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to your finances. In this episode, Jeremy Stanley, CFP® will cover some of the mistakes CRNAs make with their retirement plan and help you better understand how to best utilize different account types to save for the future.
 
Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:
The different types of retirement accounts CRNAs commonly have. 3:50
What you should do with those retirement accounts with former employers? 7:52
Are you rebalancing your portfolio enough? 10:12
Why Target Date Funds aren’t as effective as you might believe. 11:26
Do you know what fees and costs you’re paying? 15:35
Investing options for CRNAs who are 1099 and independent contractors 18:12
Final retirement planning thoughts from Jeremy. 29:28
 
Get retirement planning assistance: http://crnafinancialplanning.com
Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf