Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

The Earliest Nurse Anesthesia Pioneers

Step back in time as we celebrate the trailblazing nurse anesthetists who forged a path for today's CRNAs. In this episode, we’re joined by guests Stacy Yancey, MSNA, CRNA and Megan Conner, PhD, CRNA to pay homage to formidable women like Sophie Winton and Gertrude Gerrard, whose remarkable bravery and dedication earned them medals and a place in history. Hear stories of the first nurse anesthetists, whose contributions to medicine have often been overshadowed by time but are no less significant.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Nurses were not only the first to give anesthesia, but were and continue to be the clear experts in anesthesia with an amazing safety record from the beginning of surgical anesthesia until today.
Nurses went to the frontlines to care for soldiers and administer anesthesia, and nurse anesthetists are still the ones on the frontlines.
The stories of these early nurse anesthetists need to be told because history often leaves them out.
Today’s CRNAs should be educated and proud of our nurse anesthesia history and know our profession would not be where it is today without the commitment of these ladies.
It’s exciting to think what the 60,000 plus CRNAs will accomplish in the future going forward for our patients and our profession.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
 
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A Groundbreaking Product to Improve Airway Management

Most CRNAs have come up with solutions in the operating room for airway management, but today’s guest took it a step further and developed a product to address issues we face as patient body types change. Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA takes us on her journey from recognizing the urgent need for better tools to inventing a groundbreaking device, the McMurray Enhanced Airway.
As patient demographics shift and sedation practices evolve, Roxanne shares the challenges anesthesia providers encounter and the creative, patient-centric solutions that are emerging. Our discussion unveils how these innovations not only enhance safety and comfort but also reflect the ingenuity that CRNAs bring to the operating table.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How she came up with the idea and what it took to make it a reality.
The process for developing and securing a medical patent.
How products are tested to see how long they will last.
Roxanne shares stories and outcomes they’ve experienced so far with the product being used.
How this compares to CPAP devices.
 
About our guest: https://www.mcmurraymed.com/
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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
 
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Stigma Surrounding Substance Use Disorder in Anesthesia Providers: Are We Part of the Problem?

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) impacts all types of people but trying to confront addiction is never easy. Today we’ll try to unravel the stigma surrounding SUD among anesthesia providers with Amy Yerdon, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CNE. Our discussion illuminates the personal and professional challenges that arise when confronting substance abuse within our ranks. We tackle the complexities of recognizing signs of diversion and the imperative actions that follow, while sharing the poignant emotional toll it takes on everyone involved.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Her perceptions about people with SUD and how that’s changed as she’s learned more about the disease.
Stories that highlight how much more common this is than many people want to believe.
Understanding the pharmacology and physiology of substance use disorder may help decrease our negative perceptions.
Understanding the occupational and personal factors making anesthesia providers more likely to fall into SUD may help change negative perc
Why anesthesia providers should look out for one another and communicate when they see something.
 
About our guest: https://scholars.uab.edu/6674-amy-yerdon
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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
 
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From Standards to Testimony: The Anatomy of Medical Legal Review

Today we're going to dive into an interesting topic: some medical legal considerations. And we’ll talk a little bit about being an expert witness. We'll cover anesthesia standards created and published by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, and share some of our own experiences acting as expert witnesses in medical legal complaints filed on behalf of patients. Perhaps just as important though, we're going to talk about ways that you can keep yourself out of hot water and keep your patients safe.
It's important that as providers we periodically review the standards by which we're expected to practice. Both for the benefit of our patients and to make sure that we're practicing at the highest levels of anesthesia care every single day.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Reviewing the Standards for Nursing Practice from the Professional Practice Manual.
The most common problems that I have seen that have resulted in litigation fall into four main categories.
Who evaluates whether or not the standard of care has been satisfied?       
The difference between a deposition and trial testimony and how it impacts you.
 
Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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

Health and Wellness for CRNAs and SRNAs

CRNAs spend their days providing support for others, but we don’t always give ourselves the attention we need. Today we tackle the health and wellness challenges CRNAs face in the current healthcare climate with Donna Keeney, CRNA and Dr. Cathy Horvath. Both women are on the Health and Wellness Committee at the AANA, and the insights shared in this episode will resonate with anyone in healthcare trying to maintain their passion for the profession amidst burnout.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How to get rid of negative self-talk and why that’s so important.
Two strategies that can improve clinician well-being at your place of employment.
Two strategies that you can employ today to start taking steps toward better health and wellness.
Resources and support for CRNAs and SRNAs to access.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

Running for Office & CRNA Advocacy with Lee Bias

As the fight for the future of anesthesia continues, having a seat at the table to discuss the issues becomes more and more important. That’s why we’re excited to feature another guest who’s been in the arena. Sharon and guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Bias, a CRNA with an eye on political office, to talk about the critical role political engagement plays in the anesthesia profession.
Discover how Lee's journey into the political arena underscores the importance of advocacy, highlighting the significant influence politics has on our ability to deliver top-notch anesthesia care, particularly in rural communities.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The importance of being proactive as a CRNA and how you can do that close to your home.
There are so many more ways to support a campaign beyond giving money.
Why Lee believes that everything falls into three categories and that’s how you should determine how to direct your energy.
The role PACs play during the campaign process.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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 

Automated Bliss: Transforming Anesthesia Care through Artificially Intelligent Drug Delivery

Today's episode explores the revolutionary landscape of automated drug delivery systems in anesthesia. The hosts unravel the intricacies of these technologies, discussing real-world examples and contemplating the integration of adaptive, intelligent computer systems.
So, whether you're a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about the convergence of medicine and technology, this podcast episode serves as an insightful gateway to the forefront of precision anesthesia. Join the conversation and stay informed about the transformative potential of automated drug delivery in anesthesia.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
An overview of what we mean by automated drug delivery systems.
How is AI influencing how we administer anesthesia, and how does it impact patient outcomes?
Controlling the delicate balance between nociception and antinociception poses unique challenges.
The sophisticated control methods shaping the future of closed-loop systems.
 
Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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

IFNA Past, Present & Future: Contributions to Global Anesthesia and Surgical Care

Join us as we celebrate the 34th anniversary of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists with past president Sandy Ouellette, CRNA and current president Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA.
 
We travel from the federation's humble beginnings in Lucerne, Switzerland, to its growth into a beacon of progress, setting the stage for the future of international collaboration and standards in nurse anesthesia. We think you’ll enjoy this journey through the evolution of a specialty that has revolutionized the way anesthesia and surgical care are delivered across the world.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Steps leading to the foundation of IFNA.
How they developed a governing structure for IFNA and how that has evolved through the years.
What do we know today about the need for nurse anesthetists on the global stage.        
The IFNA activities that are focused on advancing quality care.
Details on the United Nations Global Surgery Project that Jackie has been appointed to.
 
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
 
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