Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Ep #25: Unintended Consequences Relative To Nurse Anesthesia Education & The Nurse Anesthesiologist Descriptor

We've talked in a past episode about the doors that could very well be opened by a switch to the Nurse Anesthesiologist descriptor. However, what kind of unintended consequences might we face as a result? This week, we'll shift perspectives and speak with four nurse anesthesia educators about how they believe this change would affect not only their own particular educational programs, but CRNA students as a whole.

Ep #24: International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) 30th Anniversary

June 10, 2019 is the 30th anniversary of IFNA, and to celebrate, we're talking to Sandra Ouellette, who was one of the founders of the organization as well as a past president of IFNA. She'll give us a brief history of the organization from the earliest discussions to present day. We'll also hear from Jackie Rowles, current president of IFNA, about how the federation has made enormous strides over the last several years to connect with other international organizations, and to help create solutions for global access to care.

Ep #23: The Wealthy CRNA

It's unfortunate but true, that as much time as CRNAs spend in school, there's little to no education offered on personal finance. So this week, Jeremy is bringing us a crash course. We'll get some simple tips on dealing with topics like budgets, debt, and insurance, and we'll learn what it takes to build a strong financial foundation and become a truly wealthy CRNA.

Ep #22: Mike McKinnon - Risks of Anesthesiologist Assistants

We finally got a chance to talk to Mike McKinnon, past president of the Arizona ANA, and he has a wealth of information to share about Anesthesiologist Assistants in the current healthcare environment. What kind of role do AAs play in overall healthcare costs, access to care, and the greater objectives of the ASA? What kinds of risks do they pose to CRNAs? We'll dive into these pressing issues, as well as some possible solutions moving forward.

Ep #21: The Oklahoma Legislative Fight That Every CRNA Needs To Hear!

This week, we speak with special guest Jenny Schmitt, President of the Oklahoma ANA, about the troubling state of the Oklahoma healthcare system. Amidst this struggle, the Oklahoma State Medical Association has launched a ruthless million-dollar anti-CRNA campaign aimed at frightening patients about receiving care from CRNAs. Jenny discusses how local CRNAs have fought to be heard, and why she believes CRNAs are the key to turning the tides in the future of Oklahoma healthcare.

Ep #20: "What If" Series: What If The AANA Didn't Exist?

Current AANA CEO Randall Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA joins us live at the Mid-Year Assembly to discuss some thought-provoking hypotheticals. Who would advocate for CRNAs if the AANA didn't exist? How would the profession be different today without the organization? Find out on our first episode of the "What If" Series.

Ep #19: Ralph Kohl - On The Hill Advocating For Your Profession

We're joined this week by Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs for the AANA, Ralph Kohl. Ralph has his finger on the pulse of all the current Congressional topics relevant to CRNAs, and he works each day to advocate for our goals as an organization.  He'll share with us why it's essential for CRNAs to get involved in advocating both locally and nationally, as well as some simple ways you can take part. If you're not familiar with the AANA Mid-Year Assembly, or if you're not quite sure of the importance of your state and federal PACs, this is the episode for you.

Ep #18: A Moment With The 2019 AANA Election Candidates

At the mid-year assembly we took the opportunity to extend an offer to all the candidates running for office in the upcoming AANA elections to join us for a few minutes on this podcast. Not all candidates took us up on the offer, but all were invited. On this episode, you'll get to hear the candidates that did participate outline their platforms and vision for the future of the AANA.