Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
A podcast for the CRNA industry. Discussing the important issues that happen both in, and beyond, the operating room. With Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF. Innovations & opportunities for CRNAs & APRNs. Visit our website for more great information https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ and to learn how you can get CE Credit as a CRNA just by listening to the podcast. Don’t miss our special series on CRNA History, CRNA Personal Finance & Retirement, Political Conversations, CRNA Career Issues, and our leadership series called Courage To Lead. Check out new episodes of Beyond The Mask every week with distinguished guests from the CRNA community... #anesthesiology #rn #surgery #healthcare #nurseanesthesiologist #crnaschool #nursing #srnalife #nurselife #nursingstudent #ornurse #nurseanesthesia #crnalife #nursepractitioner #medschool #anesthesialife #scrublife #icunurse #hospital #futurecrna #medical #crna #nurse #anesthesia #srna #nurseanesthetist #nurses #surgical #operatingtheatre #medicalstudent #operatingroomnurse #studentnurse #diversitycrna #ccrn #nursepractitioner #APRN #APRNchat #NPchat #midwife #NP
Episodes

Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Don’t Sleep On Your Dreams: Mastering the Art of the TED Talk
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
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

Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Processed EEG Monitoring and Outcomes: What is the Evidence?
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
Tuesday Jan 28, 2025
In this episode, hosts Garry and Terry explore the transformative role of processed EEG monitors in anesthesia. EEG, or electroencephalography, has been around for a while, but its application in anesthesia is relatively new and incredibly promising.
They dive into the differences between the two, discussing the benefits and controversies surrounding these technologies. From improving patient safety to optimizing anesthesia depth, discover how processed EEG is changing the landscape of anesthesia care.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
We’ll explain what EEG is and how it's traditionally been used?
Some key differences between Raw EEG interpretation and BIS monitors.
Processed EEG or Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring is generally recommended during general anesthesia to ensure appropriate depth of anesthesia and to reduce the risk of awareness.
The controversies surrounding EEG monitors.
‘The Triple Low’ phenomenon has gotten attention in the anesthesia community.
The potential benefit of including processed EEG monitors when caring for geriatric patients.
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Launching a Medical Device Company with David Gomez
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own medical business but aren’t sure how to bring an idea to life? Today we’re excited to welcome on David Gomez, CRNA, to share his experience of starting a medical device company from the ground up. David's story is one of perseverance and ingenuity, as he transitioned from a nurse anesthetist to an entrepreneur, bringing life-changing medical devices to the forefront of the healthcare industry through Infinitus Medical Technologies.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What steps did he take to give life to his idea and start the company?
The real obstacles that he faced and the resources he utilized.
The truth behind the patent process and the hurdles that need to be overcome.
What are the commercialization challenges in healthcare?
Can we improve on the way we do things and how long does innovation take to hit the market?
David wanted to share a couple messages:
Thanks to Dan Nash of Maverick, sorry I forgot your name!!
Rm8 shout out to Eric O’Conner and David Anderson.
Learn more about Infinitus Medical Technologies: infinitusmedical.com
Get in touch with David: d.gomez@infinitusmedical.com or 817-454-1516
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate

Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
Tuesday Jan 21, 2025
We’re excited to sit down with a distinguished CRNA and a leader in our profession for our first interview. Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA has devoted much of her life to pain management and it’s taken her to the height of the profession. She’s currently the president of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists and formerly served as the AANA president, making her a pivotal figure in global advocacy and education.
Today she opens up on her fascinating journey through pain management and offers up incredible advice and insight that any young CRNA can benefit from.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How her father, a surgeon from Iran, inspired her to become a nurse anesthetist.
Her advice for students who want to be more involved in healthcare and leadership positions beyond outside of the operating room.
The different types of fellowships for CRNAs and what that process looks like.
How does CRNA school today compare to what schooling was like when she was going through.
What advice does she have for faculty to ensure students have resources for wellness?
What’s the scope of practice for CRNAs outside of the United States?
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

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Strengthening the CRNA Workforce Through Innovative Education
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
With the growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in healthcare, developing and preparing future nurse anesthetists is more important than ever. As training needs and educational requirements continue to evolve, anesthesia programs have to adapt as well to maintain the high standards needed to provide the right care.
Today’s guest is Michael Greco, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, who has been at the forefront of addressing this critical need through innovative educational strategies. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how his initiatives are reshaping the CRNA workforce and improving access to quality anesthesia care.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
A brief history of the DNP degree and the evolution of educational requirements.
The purpose of the combined AGACNP/CRNA program.
How much buy-in has there been and what pushback has he received?
How can our nurse anesthesiology profession benefit from these combined programs?
The details that are most important to know.
About our guest: https://jobs.northwell.edu/blog/2019/01/20/celebrating-crna-week-meet-michael-greco-spearheading-big-changes-crnas-northwell-health/
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Grade 1 View - Ep. 2 - Uprooting Your Life
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
The transition to a new place is hard on its own but add in the stress of CRNA school and it can quickly feel like you aren’t prepared. Moving for school is not just about packing boxes and finding a new place to live. It involves a complete lifestyle shift, requiring careful planning and emotional resilience.
Join us for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of relocating for school, managing personal relationships, and finding balance in a demanding academic environment.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The differences between staying local around family/friends and moving a long distance away.
The logistics of moving to a new location.
A story about Olivia’s cat eating a rubber band right before getting in the car for 20+ hours and the craziness that caused.
Jumping in and starting school even though you don’t feel 100 percent financially ready.
What would we do differently if we could go back to the beginning?
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

Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Thursday Jan 09, 2025
Maintaining a culture of respect is crucial, and without it you can shake the foundation of any profession. Yet, incivility remains a significant challenge in nurse anesthesia educational programs, affecting both students and faculty. Today we’re discussing strategies or creating the right culture and professionalism with Nancy A. Moriber, PhD, APRN-CRNA, FAANA and Maribeth Massie, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Incivility is a problem in our society and has infiltrated the healthcare setting and nursing academia, including nurse anesthesia.
Incivility negatively impacts the teaching-learning environment, undermines professionalism, creates unnecessary stress and anxiety, and can lead to significant mental health issues.
The different biases that can impact incivility.
Strategies to combat these behaviors.
Ways to create and sustain positive environments for teaching and learning.
Get the Positive Psychology Coursera course mentioned in the show here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/positive-psychology-resilience
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
Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Grade 1 View - Ep. 1 - Meet The Hosts
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Tuesday Jan 07, 2025
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grade 1 View! Before we jump into the topics and discussions impacting future CRNAs, we want to introduce you to our hosts: Kevin Chem, BSN, RN, Olivia Conn, MSN, RN, Charity Garno, BSN, RN, and Larry Sears, BSN, RN.
In future episodes, Grade 1 View aims to cover various topics, including navigating the CRNA application process, mental health and wellness, and effective communication within the healthcare team. We’re excited to share this journey with everyone and would love to hear about your experiences as well.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
A little personal background on each of our hosts.
Why each host wanted to be a part of this podcast.
What we like most about podcasts and what makes them effective for learning.
The topics you can expect us to cover on this show.
Some of the things we do to unwind after clinical.
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