Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Ep 70: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 2

This is the conclusion to the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. Find out the details to the depositions, how a few of the anesthesiologists were caught lying, and how a couple became expert witnesses. Plus, we’ll find out how it all ended and how much time and money went into the case.
 
Get part one here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-67-the-story-of-crnas-an-antitrust-victory-with-tafford-lori-oltz-part-1/2348/ 
 
Read more about this episode and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2391 
 
Today's show rundown: 
2:04 – Pre-trial settlements and the summary judgement
3:08 – Taff and Lori had a lot going on at this time.
4:19 – After the first depositions, Taff got a surprise call.
6:03 – Demands came to fire them.
7:22 – The remaining three anesthesiologists were each deposed but conspired to not tell the whole truth.
8:11 – In the meantime, St. Peter’s Chief of Staff received a subpoena with instructions. 
9:15 – Taff tells the story of the last two anesthesiologists and how depositions went down.
10:20 – First settlement was offered but rejected by the Oltzs.
10:41 – Let’s shift to post-trial rulings.
14:42 – How long did it take to close this case and the costs associated?
16:02 – The court ordered a settlement conference and required all 24 hospital board members to attend.
16:45 – Taff details settlement money.
18:30 – Final thoughts on this experience from Taff.   
21:15 – How CRNAs can use this case.
23:29 – Final thought from Lori on MDAs and CRNAs

Ep 69: The Story of CRNAs & an Antitrust Victory with Tafford & Lori Oltz - Part 1

This is the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. When we heard it, we had to talk with Taff and his wife Lori - also a CRNA - to hear how it all happened. It’s a fascinating story that hinges on a manilla folder and you’ll hear all the details that led up to the trial in part one.
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2348 
 
Today's rundown: 
2:30 – We think this is going to be one of the most interesting podcast we’ve done.
3:50 – Background on the Oltz vs St. Peter’s Community Hospital case.
3:47 – Tafford Oltz and his wife Lori tell us about their background.
4:54 – The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
5:15 – How their employment was structured in the 70s and how the relationship with St. Peter’s began.
9:23 – Taff shares one specific patient story he still remembers.
9:56 – The medical landscape in Montana in the mid-70s.
10:31 – When the third MD arrived, he informed the vascular surgeon the use of a CRNA was medical malpractice.
11:46 – Here’s how a typical day looked for Taff with a 100-mile commute.
13:05 – What changed with his situation?
14:45 – The story turns because of a folder. Taff explains.
17:40 – Lori shares details of what was actually written in some of the letters.
19:38 – How was that working relationship after finding out about their plans?
21:52 – How the lawsuit began.
22:45 – What anti-trust litigation is and the three things you need for a case.
27:07 - Many courts aren’t familiar with anti-trust cases. There had only been one prior in Montana.
28:41 - Once they started investigating, they found St. Peter’s market power near 84%. 
30:31 - The hospital produced a letter that the anesthesiologists were increasing charges by 10%.
32:58 - How do you choose legal representation for a case like this and what were the costs?
37:15 - How important were other cases at the time?
44:17 - The role Lori played during the trial.
46:07 - To be continued…

Ep 68: CARES Act - What CRNAs Need to Know About Coronavirus Aid

As we continue to devote our attention to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, let’s move our focus to the aid options for CRNAs. On this episode, we’ll break down the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and explain the ways in which you might be able to get some financial relief during these difficult times.
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-68-cares-act-what-crnas-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-aid/2376/ 
 
Click here to download the PDF with more CARES Act FAQs: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CRNA-FP-BTM-CARES-Act-FAQs-V4.pdf 
 
Today's rundown: 
1:41 – Here’s the topic for this episode.
2:53 – Will CRNAs be able to benefit from the cash payments the stimulus will provide?
4:18 – What options do people have for withdrawing money from retirement accounts?
6:33 – You need to have coronavirus-related reasons for taking advantage of this option.
7:28 – If you’re diagnosed with coronavirus, does it qualify for workers’ comp?
8:16 – Are you still required to take your RMDs this year?
9:38 – What unemployment benefits are available?
12:12 – The loan options available to small business owners.
15:43 – Paycheck protection program could be very beneficial for CRNAs 
22:05 – The government is acting quickly and might be rolling more out.
23:14 – Employee retention credit
25:02 - The AANA is also providing relief
27:32 - Let’s all do little things to help each other

Ep 67: Mission for Masks - A Millennial Influencer Making a Difference During COVID-19 Outbreak

When we finally make it through the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be stories from across the country about heroes on the front lines that saved lives and prevented disasters. Nurses everywhere are battling the virus, and one millenial SRNA is giving them a voice now through an anonymous platform.
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2370 
 
See the Mission for Masks form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqX7mNJv4cZtJTAsyb9ZEf-9VOxlXk9xwVehO8sy0h5XKbbg/viewform 
 
Today's rundown: 
2:56 – Welcome in our guest Sonja Schwartzbach, BSN, RN, CCRN
3:45 – Sonja explains what her book is all about.  
5:02 – Sharon found out about Sonja just recently and the impact she’s been making.  
6:16 – How she started her Instagram account and found a way to use it to build the nursing community.
8:38 – She’s been doing a lot of work involving COVID-19 right in a hard hit area and describes where the biggest needs are.
9:48 – She started the Mission for Masks Google Form template to anonymously collect stories and got a lot of feedback immediately.
11:29 – These strains are happening across the country, not just in CA, NY, and WA.
12:59 – This is giving nurses a platform to speak out and share info from the frontlines.
15:10 – The history of retaliation in the nursing profession.
18:16 – What else has happened since the article came out in the The New York Times?
19:44 – Sonja shares some of the stories she’s hearing around the country right now.
21:33 – ‘There’s a sense of such helplessness.’
23:45 – Hopefully we come out of this and are much more prepared for an outbreak like this.
27:28 – Wrapping up the conversation with a final message from Sonja.   

Bonus Episode: Global Update on Nurse Anesthesia and COVID-19

When we talk about COVID-19, our attention goes immediately to our own cities and states, but the US is one of more than 150 countries dealing with the pandemic right now. To get an update on how CRNAs around the globe are being impacted, we talk with IFNA President Jackie Rowles, MBA, CRNA, ANP-BC, FAAN.
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2363 
 
Today's rundown: 
1:42– Jackie Rowles updates us on some of the headlines globally, which countries are being impacted, and how students are being called to help.
7:06– Jackie details her visit to Brussels before returning back to the US.
8:27– How is everyone holding up around the world?
11:32– We’re all going to deal with a learning curve through this ordeal but we also have to do an in-depth analysis after to become more prepared.
12:40 – Do countries have the personal protective equipment that they need?
13:49– Why was the US so underprepared?
20:28– The bottomline is there’s just so much uncertainty with this and it’s impacting employment.
23:16– Teamwork rises above the politics and we’re all having to come together.
25:26– There’s a demand for healthcare and the elective procedures will come back strong.
28:04– We need to take more precautions when we’re traveling.
32:07 – Jackie’s final message about being blessed to serve the IFNA on behalf of our country.

Bonus Episode: COVID-19 Has Impacted My Income - What are My Options?

No one could have predicted the outbreak we’ve seen from COVID-19, and it’s served as a wake up call for many people. We’ve all been impacted financially or emotionally or both, and now we’re getting a lot of questions about how we can manage finances when income is up in the air. On this bonus episode, we’ll look at the options you have during this uncertain time.  
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/bonus-episode-covid-19-has-impacted-my-income-what-are-my-options/2358/ 
 
Contact CRNA Financial Planning here: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/ 
 
Today's rundown:
1:32 – Everyone is being impacted financially and emotionally right now.
4:08 – Things can change in an instant, like employment status, so you need to have an emergency fund.
7:19 – Roles and responsibilities for CRNAs are even changing during this pandemic.
10:09 – A lot of CRNAs are worried right now about income.  
14:30 – Can I file for unemployment?
16:47 – What if you work for a company/hospital and get reduced hours?
18:09 – Options for hospital-employed CRNAs
22:03 – How is the unemployment amount calculated?
24:27 – Hopefully we all learn a lot from this experience once it passes.  
26:32 – Basic financial steps you need to be taking everyday.
30:32 – Don’t forget that tax deadlines have been pushed back.
32:50 – Jeremy’s final message for everyone.

Ep 66: Nursing & Public Policy: Why Nurses Need to Be Involved with Lt. Governor of Delaware

Nursing continues to grow its presence in politics and no one represents those achievements better than Bethany Hall-Long. The Lt. Governor of Delaware became the first nurse in the country to hold that esteemed position and she joins the show today to talk about the importance of being involved and having a voice in policy-making.
 
About our guest: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/ 
 
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2353 
 
Today's rundown: 
1:44 – We’re excited to welcome Bethany Hall-Long on the show.
2:19 – Bethany gives us a little background on herself and career.  
4:15 – The Coronavirus shows why it’s so important to having the calming voices of nurses in the policy-making world.
5:30 – Sharon begins the conversation with a story about connecting with Bethany.
6:44 – Where did Bethany’s interest in a political career come from?
9:32 – Take us back to your first election and what lessons you learned from that?
14:09 – Why should nurses be involved in policy?
16:11 – What are some of the risks when nurses aren’t at the table?
19:02 – If no one is speaking for nurses, who will?
20:04 – We’re seeing examples of this with COVID-19.  
21:44 – Nurses seem to have the makeup to be strong leaders. Why don’t they run very often?
25:31 – Bethany will be joining the candidate school for nurses at Yale.
29:08 – If you could choose another profession, what would it be?
32:19 – Bethany leaves us with one final message.

Ep 65: The Road to State Presidency with Sharon Pearce, Jackie Rowles, Tracy Castleman & Carole Doyscher

Have you ever aspired to be the association president in your state but aren’t completely sure how to get there? We brought together four former state presidents for a roundtable discussion on the path to reach that position. We’ll talk about the traits you need, the importance of getting involved, and what everyone gained from the experience.  
 
Read more and get additional CRNA resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2323 
 
Today's show rundown: 
2:25 – A Facebook message sparked the idea for this episode.
2:58 – Former presidents Jackie Rowles, Tracy Castleman & Carole Doyscher join us today.
4:03 – What’s the first step on that path to presidency?
5:48 – Carole feels finding a mentor is very important.  
6:36 – Tracy was a big part of the AANA’s mentorship program getting started.
8:19 – Jackie shares her perspective on what it takes to rise up.
9:51 – If a young CRNA wants to get involved, what should that first step be?
11:41 – The women discus character traits they’ve seen from leaders.
15:48 – You have to be able to identify someone that can come up behind you and be your replacement.  
17:04 – There’s a sacrifice to be made when you take a leadership position.  
19:22 – What resources do we have at the AANA level?
23:06 – How do you prepare for issues?
25:04 – Carole shares her point of view working in a small state like South Dakota.
27:44 – Teamwork is important and finding a great lobbyist is crucial
28:45 – As a president in a state, what exactly do you do?  
30:56 – Remember that you are a representative the entire profession.
32:04 – Summarizing what everyone feels about the role of the president.
33:37 – What did each woman get out of taking the president role in their state?