Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Get Gritty With It: How CRNAs Can Reduce Burnout and Achieve Long-Term Goals

Burnout has always been an issue for nurses and CRNAs but the issue has risen ever since COVID and the added stress that’s put on the healthcare industry. What if there was a way to help individuals guard against it? Today we dissect the concept of grit with Michell Smith, CRNA and explore how passion and perseverance are not just buzzwords but critical tools for CRNAs striving to achieve their long-term goals.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Grit is perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals and is predictive of success in a variety of domains.
The four stages of grit: interest, practice, purpose, and hope.
Higher rates of burnout in CRNAS since COVID but higher grit scores are correlated with lower burnout rates.
An individual can grow and cultivate grit over time.
How to set goals and prioritize them for yourself.
 
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 

The Anesthesia Enigma: Decoding Sedation and Cognitive Aftermath

Today, we will closely examine a phenomenon that’s growing in frequency and importance and getting more and more attention in the anesthesia community: postoperative delirium. As our population ages and more and more elderly people are having surgery for more and more procedures, are concerned about postop with delirium and its complications and long-term implications have become more and more critical. So, hang onto your scrub caps, ladies and gentlemen, as we explore postoperative delirium, its antecedents, consequences, and how to reduce its incidence.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What delirium looks like and what you can anticipate from patients who are experiencing it.
The characteristics of patients that increase their risk of experiencing delirium.
Some of the precipitating factors that happen around the operating room.
The debate over the impact of depth of anesthesia and the duration of surgery on delirium risk.
Good habits that can reduce the risk of delirium.
 
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

How to Own or Direct an Ambulatory Surgery Center as a CRNA

Most CRNAs are so focused on the work they do day-to-day that they don’t stop to think about the other opportunities that might exist in the healthcare industry. Today’s guest, Brett Maxfield, MS, CRNA, is here to show us the path to owning or directing an Ambulatory Surgery Center after doing it on his own over the past eight years. We’ll take you through a remarkable journey that begins with organ failure and then uncover the vast career opportunities for CRNAs, spotlighting the importance of adaptability and embracing the diversity of roles that await passionate individuals.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How an organ failure at age 32 opened this door for him. 
Why you can be the owner of an independent surgical practice.
We’ll share some of the resources that are available to help you get started.
The healthcare landscape is changing dramatically, which makes this option even more
The pandemic opened opportunities for those who are willing to take risks and get out of their comfort zone.
The biggest challenges he’s faced as a director/owner and what he’s learned.
 
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 

Employing an Effective Mentoring Program to Recruit, Retain, & Increase Satisfaction for CRNAs

As CRNAs look for ways to attract and retain good people, mentorship programs might be the key to growing the profession. Together with co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, Abby Bisch, DNP, CRNA and Elvira Sayfutdinova, MSN, CRNA join the show to share what they’ve learned about building a successful mentorship program in St. Louis. With personal anecdotes and wisdom, they’ll provide a clear picture of their initiative's success, from easing new hires into a high-pressure setting to fostering enduring professional relationships.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How Abby and Elvira got into the profession and became involved in mentorship.
Formal CRNA mentorship programs are underutilized and should be adopted by more anesthesia departments.
The many benefits of a formal CRNA mentorship program and how it improves our profession.
The goal of the program is to ensure newly-hired CRNAs have all the tools & guidance they need to succeed.
The crucial elements you need to include to employ a successful CRNA mentorship program.
 
Learn more about their mentorship program: https://anesthesiology.wustl.edu/patient-care/crna/crna-mentorship-program/
 
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 

The Remimazolam Revolution: Changing the Anesthetic Game

Today Garry and Terry will be focusing on the revolutionary benzodiazepine – remimazolam. In this episode, we unravel the intriguing tales from diverse case studies, exploring the unique applications and benefits of remimazolam in different surgical scenarios. From thyroid surgeries to emergency cardiac procedures, remimazolam emerges as a promising ally in ensuring smoother inductions, minimal postoperative complications, and enhanced patient experiences.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Understanding the mechanism of action behind remimazolam.
We talk about the context of intravenous benzodiazepines.
How remimazolam's versatility makes it a potential candidate for various clinical scenarios, catering to the unique needs of both procedural sedation and general anesthesia.
What have the different case studies taught us?
How could the landscape evolve as more research is conducted?
 
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

How Our Heart Your Hands is Supporting Nurse Anesthetists in Africa

The Fab Four is back together for a great cause as we shine the light on the Our Hearts Your Hands organization that is supporting nurse anesthesia growth globally. Today we want to share the story of two amazing and incredibly dedicated nurse anesthetists in Uganda who need financial support to earn a degree that will be transformational for them and their community. Learn all about the work Our Hearts Your Hands is doing across Africa and how you can be a part of this mission to raise $10,000 for two deserving nurses.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The changes we’ve seen this organization help facilitate in these communities.
The access to quality care is even more important than access to care at all.
The amazing story of two nurse anesthetists who received grants in Uganda to help them continue their education.
What are the best ways to support this charity?
What this would mean for obstetrical care and women’s health in Africa.
 
About the charity: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/
 
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

Treating PTSD and Considerations for the Healthcare Provider

It’s estimated that more than 31 million Americans have PTSD but we still don’t have a great grasp on how to support and treat those struggling with this. Today we’re going to explore anesthesia’s role in patient care with guest host Angela Mund, DNP, CRNA and Major Randy Cornelius, DNP, MBA, CRNA.
They’ll draw on their personal experience to highlight the unique considerations necessary when administering anesthesia to PTSD patients, from personalized anesthetic plans to the vital utilization of drugs like ketamine and dexmedetomidine. With their guidance, we peel back the layers of empathy and precision required to create a safe and supportive perioperative environment for these patients.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How treating someone from the Fort Hood shooting made him aware of PTSD and the difficulty at the time providing medication for it.
What to do and what not to do with treating an individual with PTSD.
The different medications and treatments have been most effective.
Understanding the pathophysiology behind PTSD.
The criteria for being diagnosed with PTSD.
 
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

The Importance of Creating an ICU RN/CRNA Shadow Program

Imagine the impact a structured shadowing program can have on ICU nurses thinking about a future as a CRNA. That’s why today’s guest, Caroline Killmon, MS, CRNA has helped create a shadow program at her hospital in North Carolina and will share the experience so far. We’ll look at the positive ripple effects it can have on the nursing community, the success stories emerging from these shadowing experiences, and the impact a well-constructed shadowing opportunity could have on the future of healthcare.
 
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Background on how the program originated and why she saw the need for it.
How to get everyone to buy in and how to spread the word.
Processes that she would recommend for shadow programs.
What do CRNAs stand to gain from doing all the work to run a shadow program?
 
About our guest: https://www.wakehealth.edu/providers/k/caroline-d-killmon
 
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