Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Grade 1 View – Ep. 20 – Strategies for Resident Success & Belonging with Dr. Jorge Valdes

CRNA school is one of the toughest journeys a nurse can take, but success isn’t just about grades and clinical skills. It’s also about wellness, belonging, and support. Today’s guest is a passionate advocate for students in CRNA school and someone you want to listen to if you’ve felt stressed or anxious about the process.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, Olivia sits down with Dr. Jorge Valdes, clinical professor and dean at Florida International University, to talk about what it really takes for SRNAs to thrive. You quickly understand how much he cares about the future of this profession as he shares why community, kindness, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical training.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
🧠 Testamentary capacity for students – Success requires both knowledge and belonging.
🏃 Wellness matters – Exercise, endorphins, and small celebrations fuel resilience.
💬 Kindness over fear – Students learn better when they feel supported, not intimidated.
👥 Sense of belonging – Community and connection are vital for persistence and success.
🎓 Pay it forward – Preceptors should foster passion, not perpetuate negative experiences.
 
About our guest: https://populationhealth.fiu.edu/jorge-valdes/
 
Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!
Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
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

Thoracic Anesthesia: Airway, Esophagus, and Mediastinal Mastery with Dr. Melissa Puskac

Thoracic anesthesia is one of the most complex and high-stakes specialties in medicine, where the airway may literally be open on the table, and every breath depends on seamless teamwork.
In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy, Lynn and Garry welcome Dr. Melissa Puskac, a CRNA and thoracic anesthesia expert, to unpack the challenges and breakthroughs that define this field. From carinal resections and sleeve lobectomies to esophagectomies and mediastinal mass surgeries, Dr. Puskac explains how modern techniques like cross-field ventilation, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), and ECMO are transforming survival and recovery.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
 🌬️ Airway mastery
🫁 Carinal & sleeve resections
🥼 Esophagectomy techniques
⚠️ Complications matter
🧠 Collaboration is key
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 

Catching Up with AANA CEO Bill Bruce at the Annual Congress

The AANA’s Annual Congress just set a new record—over 4,000 CRNAs and SRNAs came together in Nashville for the largest meeting in the association’s history. In this special episode of Beyond the Mask, Bill Bruce, CEO of the AANA, sat down with us in Nashville to ​share ​what's ​happening ​at ​the ​national ​level ​and ​how ​it ​directly ​impacts ​CRNAs ​across ​the ​country.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📈 Record-breaking Congress – Over 4,000 attendees, the biggest AANA event ever.
👩‍⚕️ Membership growth – Strong retention and 1,700+ RNA PRN student members.
💡 Innovation spotlight – Hackathon, pitch competition, and new “Airway Exchange” podcast.
⚖️ Advocacy updates – Opt-outs, payer discrimination, and federal action around reimbursement.
 
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 

From Burnout to Balance: Women’s Support in Healthcare

Our guests in this episode are representatives from Woman Within International, an organization dedicated to empowering women through self-discovery and healing. Katey Hurd, president of the Women Within Central USA Board and Linda Stulz, RN, M. ED, join us to explore why many women find themselves overwhelmed and disconnected from their true selves. Today you’ll learn about the organization’s programs that help women set healthy boundaries, heal from burnout, and build lasting community through circles, weekends, and leadership opportunities.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🌍 Explore the global mission of Woman Within
💬 What makes circles a safe space for healing
🧠 Understanding emotional burnout in healthcare
🛠️ Tools for boundary-setting and resilience
🔄 How ongoing self-work changes lives
 
Woman Within International: https://www.womanwithin.org/  
Woman Within Central USA: https://womanwithincentralusa.org/
 
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 

Grade 1 View – Ep. 19 – Transitioning From an RN to CRNA (Live from AANA Congress)

Have you ever wondered what it would take to make the shift from an RN to a CRNA? Would it be manageable? Today we’re sharing our conversation with two talented women who are in the middle of that process right now. Larry and Kevin sat down with Jasmine Dhalla, BSN, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CCRN, TNCC and Damilola Olarenwaju, BSN, RN, CCRN, TNCC at the AANA Congress in Nashville so they could share their powerful journeys as ICU nurses taking their first steps toward nurse anesthesia school.  
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
💡 “Why” moments matter: Passion often starts with a powerful, personal experience.
👩‍⚕️ Mentorship is transformative: One connection can change your entire trajectory.
🌍 Conferences are game-changers: Network with CRNAs, residents, and program directors.
🧠 Education is empowerment: RNs are embracing advanced learning and evidence-based practice.
 
Connect with Damilola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-o-91812bb4/
 
 
Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!
Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application
 
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

Stronger Through Vulnerability: A Path to Authentic Connections

In a world where men don't usually don't like discussing their feelings, the Mankind Project USA stands as a beacon of hope for men seeking connection and personal growth. In our latest podcast episode, Nathan Ed-wards, CRNA and Boysen Hodgson share their experiences with this transformative organization, which is dedicated to redefining masculinity and fostering a culture of vulnerability and compassion among men.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🤝 Discover how vulnerability creates deeper connections
🌍 Explore a global movement redefining modern masculinity
💡 Understand why men struggle to share openly
🛠️ Learn practical tools for personal growth and better relationships
🌟 Embrace authenticity for a happier, healthier life
Learn more about the Mankind Project USA: https://mkpusa.org/
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 

Beyond the OR Walls: How Office-Based Anesthesia is Decentralizing Healthcare

Office-based anesthesia (OBA) is no longer the “wild west” of healthcare. It’s a thriving, highly specialized branch of anesthesia practice that’s changing the way patients experience surgery. In this episode, Lynn and Garry take you inside the rapidly growing world of OBA, where 10 million procedures a year are now performed outside hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. They explore why patients and providers are embracing this setting, the evolving safety standards, and the anesthetic techniques that make it work.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
📈 OBA is booming – Driven by demand for cosmetic surgery, cost savings, and convenience.
🛡 Safety standards are strong – Accreditation, patient selection, and guideline adherence are key.
💉 PK infusions + nerve blocks – Deliver superior anesthesia without invasive airways.
🤖 Tech innovations – AI decision support & simulation training enhance safety.
🧠 Four Cs for the future – Communication, competency, connectivity, collaboration.
 
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 

Measured vs Observed: The Monitoring Debate with Richie Flowers & Lisandro Hernandez

For years, anesthesia providers have relied on subjective assessments to evaluate neuromuscular recovery. These methods, while familiar, often fall short in ensuring patient safety. As evidence mounts regarding the risks associated with residual paralysis, the need for more precise and objective monitoring has never been clearer. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at Quantatative train-of-four (TOF) monitoring with Richie Flowers, CHSE, CRNA, DNP, FAANA and Lisandro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA to learn more about why it’s gaining traction in operating rooms nationwide.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🔬 Quantitative monitoring helps prevent invisible residual paralysis🧠 0.9 train-of-four ratio is the new baseline, not 0.7🤔 Subjective tests like breath-holding and head lifts aren’t reliable🖐️ Hand placement gives better data than facial monitoring💡 Using data-driven dosing = safer, faster recovery
🎛️ Why they’ve found Senzime’s device to be the easiest to use
 
The next-generation TetraGraph with Adaptive Intelligence from Senzime delivers real-time, EMG-based train-of-four data to optimize neuromuscular block management and guide precise reversal dosing. Its proprietary Level-of-Block Gauge helps clinicians confidently avoid both under- and overdosing. Discover how TetraGraph supports compliance with clinical guidelines and helps eliminate residual paralysis at senzime.com/nextgen.
 
Check out the Senzime AANA Both #1218 and learn more here:
www.Senzime.com/NextGen 
Learn more about Senzime: 
https://youtu.be/KvTomBYPOMg
Watch the Demo:
https://youtu.be/SmRLgZAtsCE
 
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