Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
Episodes
The First Nurse Anesthesia Hackathon Coming to AANA Annual Congress
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s bold. It’s fast. And it’s the first of its kind in nurse anesthesiology. Sharon and guest co-host AANA President Jan Setnor welcome back nu...
Don't Get Zapped! Anesthesia Safety with Implanted Cardiac Devices
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
(If you're hearing an episode on Dexmedatomidine and using Apple Podcasts, please delete the file and re-download it so you can hear the proper episod...
What CRNAs Need to Know Before the Tax Cut And Jobs Act Expires This Year
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in 2017, introduced sweeping changes to both individual and business tax provisions—many of which have sig...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 14 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Jeffrey Darna
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if that voice in your head saying “you don’t belong here” isn’t telling the truth? So many professionals suffer from imposter syndrome an...
RaDonda Vaught Speaks Out After Landmark Healthcare Case
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 2017, a fatal medication error shocked the medical world, and its aftermath has left the nursing community forever changed. In this gripping episod...
Dexmedetomidine: The Alpha-2 Enigma in Anesthesia and Beyond
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dexmedetomidine — or “Dex” — has become one of the most intriguing and versatile drugs in the anesthesia world. In this episode of Anesthesia ...
Insights from Future CRNAs – A Crossover Episode
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special crossover episode of Beyond the Mask, we sit down with two hosts from the Grade 1 View, a new podcast hosted by nurse anesthesia resid...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 13 – Study Smarter: CRNA Board Prep Advice with Dr. Joshua Olson
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What if studying for boards could actually be fun and sustainable? In this episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin Chem sits down with Dr. Joshua Olson DNP, CR...
Advancing the Role of CRNAs: The Latest From AANA CEO Bill Bruce
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does leadership look like in a profession that never stands still? In this episode, we’re excited to welcome back Bill Bruce, CEO of the Americ...
Meet the AANA Board of Directors Candidates for 2025-2026
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s election season for the AANA, and that means it’s time to hear directly from the candidates. In this special edition of Beyond the Mask, we c...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 12 – SRNAs Make Global Medical Service Trips
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when SRNAs take their training to the global stage? Today, Charity welcomes Natalie, Cailtyn, and Mamawa to discuss their recent life-cha...
The Surge in Placenta Accreta: What Anesthesia Providers Need to Know
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Placenta accreta is one of the most dangerous and rapidly growing challenges in obstetrics, and CRNAs are often on the front lines when things go wron...
Stopping the Bleed: The Power of TXA in Anesthesia
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re excited to bring back Emily Funk, DNP, CRNA to talk about tranexamic acid, or TXA—a drug making waves for its ability to control blee...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 11 – Lead AANA Lobbyists Talk CRNA Advocacy
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it really mean to advocate for your profession, and why does it matter before you even graduate? In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kevi...
Engaging the AANA & Building the Future with New CRNA Grads
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're focusing on the next generation of CRNAs and the importance of early engagement with the ...
Unlocking Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders: From Risk to Resilience
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever wondered about the potential impact of surgery and anesthesia on cognitive function? Today’s show will discuss the complexities of Per...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 10 – Green Anesthesia Techniques for Earth Day
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Earth Day! In this special episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Olivia explore how anesthesia providers can make a real impact on the environment,...
Gastric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS): A Preoperative Assessment Tool
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can a quick bedside ultrasound transform patient safety in anesthesia? Today, Sharon and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN explor...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 9 – Breaking the Silence on Substance Use Struggles
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Grade 1 View, we sat down with two incredibly brave and inspiring guests, Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA and Rigo Garcia, MSN, MBA, CRNA,...
Navigating Late Career CRNA Practice & Patient Safety with Judy Thompson
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As more CRNAs continue practicing well into their 60s and 70s, it raises a critical and complex question: how do we balance respect for experience wit...
Who Turned Up the Heat? Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, and Malignant Hyperpyrexia
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re going to break down three life-threatening syndromes that every CRNA, anesthesia provider, and healthcare professional should know: Sero...
Mind Over Memory: Unpacking Postoperative Cognitive Disorders with Dr. Christine Detwiler
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD) are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated, but they can dramatically affect a patient’s r...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 8 – From NP to CRNA with David Warren
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
All four hosts are back together to welcome an inspirational guest to the show. We’re excited to spend time with David Warren, a nurse practitioner ...
From Healers to Healing: The Hidden Side of Care
27 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
CRNAs take pride in the precision and care that goes into every procedure, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? In the high-stakes worl...
An Exclusive AANA Update: Advocacy, Leadership & The Road Ahead
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s next for CRNAs and the future of nurse anesthesia? Today we’re bringing you an exclusive update from the leadership at the American Associa...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 7 – Putting an End to Incivility in the OR
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why is incivility still a major issue in the healthcare field, and how does it impact students, nurses, and CRNAs? In this episode of Grade 1 View, Ke...
The Connection Between Cancer & Anesthesia with Adam Flowe
13 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes? Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesi...
Systolic and Diastolic Heart Failure Defined
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating ...
From Grassroots to Government: Navigating Advocacy at the State Level
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-ele...
Grade 1 View – Ep. 6 – Adapting to New Technologies in Education – Takeaways from Attending ADCE 2025
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Grade 1 View, host Olivia Conn shares her experiences and insights gained from attending AANA’s Assembly of Didactic and Clinica...
Courage to Lead: Former AANA President Hilda Salomon
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re back with another Courage to Lead special and we’re honoring the legacy of Hilda Salomon, a pioneering figure in nurse anesthesia and the th...
The Future of Acute Pain Management – Suzetrigine: A Game Changer?
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The world of anesthesia is evolving, and pain management is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary n...
Navigating Healthcare Policy: A New Approach to Organizational Advocacy
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're diving into the world of policy, legislation and regulation with Nick Blanck, MSN, CRNA, APN-Anesthesia, who is...
Grade 1 View - Ep. 5 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Anesthesia
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re going to talk about something that’s very important and needs attention in the nurse anesthesia space, and that’s diversity, equity,...
Where Are We Headed With Healthcare And Providers?
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does a second Trump term mean for the future of healthcare? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Becker, founder and publisher of Becker’s H...
Ciprofol Chronicles: The New Star in Procedural Sedation
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ciprofol, a cutting-edge intravenous anesthetic that has been making headlines in both clinical research and...
Seamless Transitions: Improving Intraoperative Anesthesia Handoffs
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With lives on the line, the smallest misstep in communication can have critical consequences. Patient data gets...
Grade 1 View - Ep. 4 - Navigating Relationships in CRNA School
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Relationships are hard enough on their own so how do you find the time and energy to maintain one while also trying to go to CRNA school? Whether you’...
Don’t Sleep On Your Dreams: Mastering the Art of the TED Talk
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been inspired by a TED Talk and wondered whether you could inspire people with your own experience? Today’s guest did just that recent...
Processed EEG Monitoring and Outcomes: What is the Evidence?
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Garry and Terry explore the transformative role of processed EEG monitors in anesthesia. EEG, or electroencephalography, has b...
Launching a Medical Device Company with David Gomez
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own medical business but aren’t sure how to bring an idea to life? Today we’re excited to welcome on David ...
Grade 1 View - Ep. 3 - Dr. Jackie Rowles on Leadership, Legacy, & Advanced Education
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to sit down with a distinguished CRNA and a leader in our profession for our first interview. Jackie Rowles, DNP, CRNA, NSPM-C, FAANA ...
Strengthening the CRNA Workforce Through Innovative Education
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in healthcare, developing and preparing future nurse anesthetists is more ...
Grade 1 View - Ep. 2 - Uprooting Your Life
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The transition to a new place is hard on its own but add in the stress of CRNA school and it can quickly feel like you aren’t prepared. Moving for s...
Why Are You Being So Mean? The Impact of Bullying and Incivility in Nurse Anesthesia Education
09 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Maintaining a culture of respect is crucial, and without it you can shake the foundation of any profession. Yet, incivility remains a significant chal...
Grade 1 View - Ep. 1 - Meet The Hosts
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Grade 1 View! Before we jump into the topics and discussions impacting future CRNAs, we want to introduce you to o...
Suicide Prevention for CRNAs and RRNAs
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Warning: today’s topic is sensitive but urgent. We’ll be discussing suicide in general and shining a light on the rising rates among nurses and st...
TEG Talk: Unlocking the Secrets of Blood Coagulation
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re going to explore the transformative role of Thromboelastography (TEG) in blood coagulation and transfusion therapy. This grou...
The Future of Anesthesia in 2025 and Beyond
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For the third straight year, we’re bringing on NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA to up...
AI in Anesthesia: A New Frontier for Healthcare Professionals
19 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we're exploring a captivating topic at the intersection of technology and medicine: the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on hea...
Calcium Scores & Coronary Clues: Unmasking Cardiac Risks in Anesthesia
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dive into the cutting-edge world of perioperative care this week with Terry and Garry. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of coronary imaging and its...
AI in Healthcare: Harnessing Tech and Social Data to Improve Outcomes
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Artificial Intelligence has disrupted many different industries despite it being a relatively young technology, and there’s no doubt that AI will gr...
Tax Planning for CRNA Self-Employment Taxes
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating the world of taxes can be overwhelming, especially for CRNAs who often juggle both clinical responsibilities and financial planning. Today ...
Let’s Give Thanks for Everything Anesthesia Provides Us
28 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Thanksgiving! Today we want to take some time to show our gratitude—gratitude for the AANA, for our profession, and for those who work tireles...
Strain and Substance Use: The Workplace Connection Challenge
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s show will address the workplace challenges that contribute to risk and impact substance use disorder in healthcare environments, which is a ...
Talking to People in the Community about Fentanyl and Propofol
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Anesthesia medications play a crucial role in modern medicine, enabling pain-free surgeries and procedures. However, their potent effects also pose si...
Smooth Transitions: Empowering New CRNAs in Practice
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you ready to support the next generation of CRNAs as they transition into their professional careers? The transition from student to practicing CR...
Nurses in Leadership: Shaping the Future from the Boardroom with Jana Bailey
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leadership and advocacy mean getting out of your comfort zone for most CRNAs, and today’s guest is tapped into what it takes to step into roles beyo...
A 6th Anniversary Special
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join hosts Jeremy and Sharon in celebrating the sixth anniversary of Beyond the Mask, with over 400 episodes and a global reach in 125 countries. In t...
Medical Podcasting: They Will Always Be Listening
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we started the podcast years ago, we wanted to provide a platform for CRNAs to learn more about the profession and collaborate with other industr...
CRNA Boss Moves with Laura Ardizzone & Kirsten Meister
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you looking for ways to enhance your leadership skills and advance your career? Today’s episode is all about the world of CRNA boss moves and we...
Onboarding Excellence: Standardized Orientation for State Nurse Anesthesiology Boards
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to welcome Julie Linton, DNAP, APRN, CRNA back to the show to explore the development and implementation of a standardized orientation...
Understanding Cognitive Biases in Anesthesia
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cognitive biases are systematic errors in thinking that can influence clinical judgment and potentially lead to adverse outcomes for patients. By unde...
Gut Feelings: Exploring Aspiration Risks with GLP-1 Agonists
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Breakthroughs in healthcare are always exciting to learn more about and one that caught our attention is GLPs, a group of therapeutic agents revolutio...
Tax Strategies & Health Insurance Options for the 1099 CRNA – NCANA Session 3
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a CRNA, transitioning to 1099 work can be a game-changer for your career and financial future. Sharon made this move in recent years and is sharing...
Reversing the Clock: Longevity Secrets for Healthcare Professionals
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode is about aging and longevity—topics that have intrigued humanity for millennia. But today, we have cutting-edge science that shows...
BREAKING NEWS: The AANA Files a Lawsuit to Prevent Discrimination Against CRNAs
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Provider Non-Discrimination law from the Affordable Care Act, which prohibits commercial payers from discrimi-nating against providers based on th...
NBCRNA Update – Clearing Up Confusion Around the New MAC Program
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve seen and heard a lot of questions about the new Maintaining Anesthesia Certification (MAC) Program from the NBCRNA so we’re going to tackle ...
Should CRNAs Worry About the Election & the Economy?
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Election season can be a stressful time for many, especially when it comes to financial concerns. The uncertainty of political outcomes often leads to...
Anesthetic Choices that Save Lives: The Propofol Debate in Cancer Survival
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the ever-evolving field of anesthesia, new research constantly reshapes how we approach patient care. In this episode, we explore the compelling fi...
Everything You Need to Do When You Become a 1099 CRNA – NCANA Session 2
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
More and more CRNAs are making the decision to move from a W-2 employee to a 1099 CRNA. Sharon made this move in recent years and is sharing this expe...
Nociception Unveiled: What the NOL Index Means for Anesthesia
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’re spotlighting a cutting-edge study on the nociception level (NOL) index and its potential impact on intraoperative opioid mana...
Deciding with Confidence: An Algorithm For Patients With a History of Cocaine and Methamphetamine Use
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the ever-evolving world of anesthesia, patient safety and clinical outcomes are paramount. This is especially true for patients with a history of s...
AANA Executive Update: Latest Developments, Partnerships & the Future with Bill Bruce, CEO
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During our trip to the AANA Annual Congress in San Diego, we had the chance to catch up once again with Bill Bruce, AANA CEO, to update you on the lat...
Pain Perspectives: Cutting-Edge Approaches in Non-Surgical Care
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of pain management with a focus on non-surgical approaches. While nurse anesthetists are known...
Does It Make Sense for CRNAs to Go 1099? – NCANA Session 1
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As healthcare continues to evolve, CRNAs find themselves in a unique position – should they stick to the traditional W-2 employment model or transit...
How to Retain Your Brain as You Age
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As science improves, we’re learning more and more about brain health and how to maintain our youth even as we age. Today we’re joined by Ryan Sull...
Pain Sensitivity: What Every CRNA Should Know
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon Pearce and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN are joined by Lori Schirle, CRNA, PhD, ...
From RN to CRNA: The Power of Developing a Local Mentorship Network
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we have the pleasure of hosting Ike Bartel, BSN, RN, CCRN, an aspiring CRNA from Kansas. Ike's journey from being an RN to pursuing a career as ...
The Conversation is Different When You Sit with Warriors
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
CRNAs are self-starters who strive in individual settings, but we’re all much stronger and successful with the support of others. In our latest podc...
Nurse Anesthetists in the Eye of the Storm: A Critical Role in Disaster Response
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we’ll explore nurse anesthetists’ indispensable role in disaster response and mass casualty incidents (MCIs). Drawing from real-l...
CRNA Financial Preparation for the Final 8000 Days
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Retirement represents a pivotal milestone in a CRNA’s life and it ushers in a new phase that could extend over 20 to 30 years or more. How do you be...
CRNA Advocacy and Campaigning with Kellie Deeter
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re thrilled to spend time today with a special guest who is not just a nurse anesthetist but also a passionate advocate for healthcare and commun...
From Diploma to Doctoral Entry: The Evolution of Nurse Anesthesia Education (Part 2)
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anestheti...
Ticking Time Bombs: Unveiling Alpha-Gal Syndrome
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re joined by the distinguished Elena Meadows, DNP, CRNA, who is the Associate Director of Didactic Education at Wake Forest University’s ...
From Diploma to Doctoral Entry: The Evolution of Nurse Anesthesia Education (Part 1)
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anestheti...
Improving Patient Outcomes for the Intellectually & Developmentally Disabled
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, we tackle a topic that is sometimes overlooked and deserves more attention: the care of individuals with intellectual and de...
The Clot Thickens: Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy Revealed
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're diving deep into a critical and often deadly complication in septic patients: Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy or SIC. We'll be discussing the ...
What is Your CRNA Money Story?
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever stopped to think about how your upbringing and personal experiences shape your financial decisions? Even if you don’t classify yoursel...
A TV Sitcom About Anesthesia? It Could Happen
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How would you enjoy turning on your favorite streaming platform and finding a sitcom about anesthesia? It could become a reality if a CRNA’s efforts...
Disparities in Healthcare
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently our dean asked our faculty to include education about disparities in healthcare in one of our introductory courses in our graduate nursing pr...
Balancing a Career in Music with Being a CRNA
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The CRNA community is filled with multi-talented individuals and today’s guest is a wonderful example of that. In this episode, Sharon and guest hos...
Courage to Lead: 1998-99 AANA President Linda Williams
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited to add another chapter to our Courage to Lead series with 1998-99 AANA President Linda Williams, JD, CRNA. In this episode, Sharon and...
All Things AANA with President Dru Riddle & CEO Bill Bruce
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're delving in the heart of all matters concerning the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, an...
Hear from the Candidates for 2024-25 AANA Board of Directors
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s another special edition of Beyond the Mask where we let you hear directly from the candidates running for various AANA offices in the upcoming ...
Charting a Course for Perioperative Hemodynamic Stability
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Terry and Garry tackle the pressing topic of hemodynamic instability in surgical patients, exploring its implications, challeng...
The Life & Experiences of a Military CRNA with Dr. Debra Diaz
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re excited for today’s episode as we explore the intersection of anesthesia, leadership, and military service with the incredible Debra Diaz, D...
Dysphoria: Current Understanding & Recommendations to Prevent Post-Op Cognitive Decline
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we're exploring a topic that goes deeper into the realms of medicine and neuroscience, and it's something that affects us all: cognitive health ...
Like Mother, Like Daughter: Discover the Unique Bond of a Mother-Daughter CRNA Team
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this heartfelt episode of Beyond The Mask, a story of unique dynamics when working alongside family in the world of anesthesia comes to life. Jerem...
Ventilating the Future: CRNAs at the Forefront of Lung Protective Strategies
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, hosts Terry and Garry take listeners on a journey through the evolution of anesthesia, reflecting on the remarkable changes witnessed...