Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

What does wellness really look like for nurse anesthesia residents? Today, Kevin and Charity chat with second-year nurse anesthesia resident Cassie Keefe, co-chair of the AANA Resident Wellness Committee, to answer real questions submitted by residents across the country. From burnout and self-doubt to meal prep and mental health, Cassie, Kevin, and Charity share their strategies for academic and clinical success.  

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Coping with burnout, imposter syndrome, and clinical self-doubt

 🍱 Meal prep tips, grocery shortcuts, and SRNA nutrition hacks

 🩺 Balancing wellness with high expectatio...

Before ​we ​get ​started ​with ​today's ​show, ​we ​want ​to ​take ​a ​moment ​to ​dedicate ​this ​episode ​to ​someone ​very ​special. ​Emma, ​Sharon's ​granddaughter ​and ​the ​daughter ​of ​today's ​guest ​co-​host ​Michelle, ​was ​born ​prematurely ​and ​spent ​her ​short ​life ​in ​the ​NICU. ​She ​passed ​away ​just ​three ​days ​after ​she ​was ​born. ​Today's ​episode ​is released on ​Emma's ​birthday ​and ​we're ​honored ​to ​share ​it ​in ​her ​memory.

Our guest today is a mother and former labor and delivery nurse who has become an incredible entrepreneur. Ashley Crafton joins us to share the incredible story behind her startup, Galena Innovations, and the development of the Hannah Cervical Cup, a device designed to help prevent spontaneous...

The ​nursing ​profession ​has ​always ​been ​a ​cornerstone ​of ​the ​healthcare ​system, ​but ​in ​recent ​years, ​the ​pressure, ​burnout ​and ​emotional ​toll ​have ​reached ​crisis ​levels. That’s why we wanted to spend time with functional health expert Vince Pitstick, founder & CEO of Vidal Coaching, to help bring awareness to the hidden epidemic facing America’s nursing workforce. Vince draws on decades of experience as a coach and advocate for holistic wellness to reveal how chronic stress, broken reimbursement models, immune system overload, and poor nutritional support are pushing nurses to their breaking point.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🧠 The real r...

From a 72-hour labor in rural India to the operating room as a nurse anesthesia resident, Taranjeet Rathore’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Along with Olivia and Kevin, Taranjeet, a nurse anesthesia resident at National University, opens up about the moment that inspired his career in healthcare, the cultural barriers he’s worked to overcome, and his mission to represent underserved voices in nurse anesthesiology.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🇮🇳 Taranjeet’s journey from rural India to CRNA resident
👨‍⚕️ Breaking cultural stereotypes as a male Sikh nurse
📱 Using social medi...

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 nurse innovator Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL to introduce a groundbreaking addition to the AANA Annual Congress: the first-ever Nurse Anesthesia Hackathon.

Rebecca ​has ​always ​challenged ​the ​status ​quo ​and ​this ​year ​she's ​bringing ​that ​energy ​straight ​to ​the ​AANA ​​with ​something ​bold ​and ​exciting. From patient safety to AI to perioperative brain health, the challenges are real, and so is your chance to make a difference.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

💡 W...

(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 episode about Implanted Cardiac Devices)

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Today, we're diving into a critical topic in modern healthcare: the perioperative management of patients with implanted electronic devices undergoing noncardiac surgery. With significant advancements in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery, cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), including pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices, are becoming increasingly common in the surgical population. From pre-op assessment and EMI planning to post-op reprogramming, this deep dive breaks...

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), enacted in 2017, introduced sweeping changes to both individual and business tax provisions—many of which have significantly benefited Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). But with key components set to expire at the end of 2025, now is the time to understand what’s at stake and how it might affect your financial picture.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

📜 What the TCJA did — and what’s at risk if it expires
💸 How 1099 CRNAs could lose key deductions
📉 What lower standard deductions and higher tax brackets m...

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 and that’s no different for CRNAs. We’ve had multiple people talk about this subject with us so we wanted to invited on Jeffrey R. Darna, CRNA, ACNP-BC, DNP, program director at USC and one of the nation’s leading voices on imposter phenomenon in nurse anesthesiology.

Along with Olivia and Larry, Dr. Darna shares his own story of self-doubt, explains how imposter feelings affect high-achieving professionals, and outlines daily practices that can help...

In 2017, a fatal medication error shocked the medical world, and its aftermath has left the nursing community forever changed. In this gripping episode, Jeremy and Sharon sit down with RaDonda Vaught, the nurse who was found guilty of two felony charges in 2022.

She shares the story of how a routine shift, a medication override, and a system-wide communication failure led to a tragedy — and eventually, criminal prosecution. This is more than a case study in medical error. It’s a conversation about system design, transparency, accountability, and what it means to truly support healthcare professionals in moments of c...

Dexmedetomidine — or “Dex” — has become one of the most intriguing and versatile drugs in the anesthesia world. In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy with hosts Lynn Macksey, MSN, CRNA and Garry Brydges, PhD, DNP, MBA, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAAN dive deep into the pharmacology, clinical application, and emerging research surrounding this alpha-2 agonist.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 CNS receptor action and sedative pathways
💉 IV, buccal, spinal, and local delivery methods
🫁 Organ protection and anti-inflammatory effects
🛏️ Potential future use as a sleep aid
🧬 Promising research on cancer immunity and stress modulat...

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 residents for nurse anesthesia residents. Kevin Chem and Charity Garno join Sharon and Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA to reflect on mentorship, the student experience, and the future of the CRNA profession.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🎓 The student experience and navigating clinicals with confidence
🧑‍🏫 Why mentorship and grace are essential in training
🎧 Favorite moments from Grade One View podcast
🌍 The future o...

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, CRNA, CRNA educator, and co-creator of the Olivate app, to talk about the realities of CRNA education, board exam burnout, and what it means to walk alongside students instead of just lecturing from the front of the room.

From the emotional toll of imposter syndrome to the power of spaced repetition, Dr. Olson offers both empathy and innovation, sharing why he’s passionate about changing how CRNAs prepare, teach, and stay me...

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 American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, to talk about the challenges and opportunities for CRNAs in 2025. Since ​stepping ​into ​his role, ​Bill ​has ​brought ​a ​fresh ​perspective ​and ​a ​deep ​commitment ​to ​advancing ​the ​role ​of ​CRNAs ​across ​the ​healthcare ​landscape.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🧑‍⚕️ What Bill Bruce learned from shadowing CRNAs in practice
🏛️ Honoring past presidents and staff contributions to AANA
🌍 Expanding CRNA influence on the global healthcare stage
...

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 continue the annual tradition of giving CRNAs across the country an opportunity to listen to the voices, values, and visions of those running for national office.

You’ll hear from all 10 candidates for Director, both Treasurer candidates, and the individuals running for Vice President and President-Elect. Each message has been lightly edited for clarity and time, but the core message is unchanged: these are the professionals who want to help s...

What happens when SRNAs take their training to the global stage? Today, Charity welcomes Natalie, Cailtyn, and Mamawa to discuss their recent life-changing medical service trips to Mauritania and Honduras. These future CRNAs share their experiences providing anesthesia in resource-limited settings, highlighting the unique challenges and rewarding moments they encountered along the way.

Thanks to these three for sharing their experience!

Natalie Janes, 3rd year SRNA, Wayne State University – Service Trip to Honduras

Caitlyn Pichette, 3rd year SRNA, Wayne State University – Service Trip to Honduras

Mamawa Hollendyke, 3rd year SRNA, York Coll...

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 wrong. This week we’re joined by OB anesthesia specialists Kira Bruck, CRNA and Kelsey Getzloff, DNP, CRNA to share the latest research, discuss the reasons behind the increase in cases, and outline essential anesthesia strategies for managing high-risk deliveries.

Coordination, communication, and preparation saves lives and this episode will help inform CRNAs about what’s most important to know about accreta cases.

Here’s some of what we discuss in thi...

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 bleeding and improve surgical outcomes. Originally developed decades ago, TXA has gained new momentum due to its remarkable ability to control bleeding and improve surgical outcomes. Join us as we explore the fascinating story behind TXA’s discovery, its evolving applications, and the impact it’s having on patient safety and recovery.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

💉 The fascinating origin story of tranexamic acid

🧠...

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 Kevin and Larry sit down with AANA lead lobbyists Matt Thackston and Kristina Weger to provide a look into the world of CRNA advocacy.

From behind-the-scenes insights on Capitol Hill to tips for making your voice count at Mid-Year Assembly, they share eye-opening stories, practical advice, and real talk about how change happens in healthcare policy.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🏛️ What CRNA ad...

Today, ​we're ​focusing ​on ​the ​next ​generation ​of ​CRNAs ​and ​the ​importance ​of ​early ​engagement ​with ​the ​American ​Association ​of ​Nurse ​Anesthesiology ​and ​the ​AANA ​Foundation. ​As ​new ​grads ​step ​into ​their ​careers, ​they ​have ​a ​unique ​opportunity ​to ​connect, ​contribute ​and ​grow ​within ​the ​profession. ​Recent grad Jake Bonnema, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins us to ​discuss ​why ​it’s so important to engage and how ​CRNAs ​can ​play ​a ​pivotal ​role ​in ​shaping ​the ​future ​of ​nurse ​anesthesia.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🗳️ What CRNA PACs actually do—and why they matter

🤝 How mentorship sparked Jake’s path into advocacy

💬 Making the ask: peer-to-peer power in growing PAC suppor...

Have you ever wondered about the potential impact of surgery and anesthesia on cognitive function? Today’s show will discuss the complexities of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders (PND), a term encompassing conditions like postoperative delirium (POD), postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), and delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNR).

Through insightful discussions rooted in the latest research, we aim to shed light on:

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, one case at a time. As healthcare professionals, CRNAs play a significant role in the healthcare sector, which is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. This episode emphasizes the importance of being environmentally conscious in our practices, especially when it comes to anesthesia.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🌎 How volatile anesthetics contribute to climate change

💉 Three green anesthesia techniques you can implement today

How can a quick bedside ultrasound transform patient safety in anesthesia? Today, Sharon and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN explore the growing role of gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS), a tool helping anesthesia providers assess stomach contents in real time.

Joined by Rachel Edgerton, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, CHSE and three doctoral students from St. Mary’s University - Molly O’Neill, BSN, RN, Hannah Peine, BSN, RN, CCRN, CMC, Alyssa Klein, BSN, RN - the episode dives into their groundbreaking DNP project educating CRNAs on this skill.

Here’s some of wha...

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, who opened up about their personal battles with substance use disorder. They didn’t hold anything back. From near rock bottom to recovery, from fear and shame to leadership and advocacy, their stories are raw, real, and deeply relevant to our lives as students and future CRNAs.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Why high achievers and CRNAs are especially at risk for substance use

📖...

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 with the need to protect patient safety? As ​healthcare ​evolves, ​so ​does ​the ​understanding ​of ​how ​aging ​affects ​performance ​in ​high ​stakes ​environments ​like ​the ​operating ​room. Today we’re going to have an open and honest conversation with longtime educator and CRNA Judy Thompson about ​cognitive ​health ​testing ​protocols ​and ​the ​path ​forward ​for ​those ​at ​the ​peak ​of ​their ​careers.

With over 35 years of leadership in nurse anesthesia education, Judy brings both professional insight and personal experience to the discussi...

Today we’re going to break down three life-threatening syndromes that every CRNA, anesthesia provider, and healthcare professional should know: Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH).

Though these conditions are rare, their symptoms often overlap—making quick, accurate diagnosis and intervention critical. Garry and Terry take a deep dive into the causes, symptoms, physiology, and treatment protocols for each condition, while also sprinkling in their signature humor and real-world insights.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🧠 Understanding the overlap and differences between serotonin syndrome, NMS, and MH

Postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD) are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated, but they can dramatically affect a patient’s recovery and long-term quality of life. We’ve invited Dr. Christine Detwiler to join us so we can better understand the science behind POCD, the risk factors, and the strategies anesthesia providers are using to protect brain health.

Along with guest co-host Dana Pederson, CRNA, we dive into this topic with Christine while it’s still very fresh on her mind. She shares the insights she uncovered during her doctoral research, including risk factors, early signs to watch for, and wh...

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 turned CRNA and well-known content creator in the nurse anesthesia community. David opens up about his unconventional journey—going from emergency medicine to nurse anesthesia—and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📚 David’s unique journey from NP to CRNA

❄️ Life lessons from working locums in Alaska

💡 Tips for board prep and using APEX effectively

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 world of healthcare, when something goes wrong, the patient isn’t the only one affected.

Today we’re going to shine a light on Second Victim Syndrome—the emotional trauma healthcare professionals experience following adverse patient events. Joined by Maria van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CPPS, FAAN, FAANA and Luci New, DNP, CRNA, FAANA we’ll share personal stories and professional insight on this overlooked phenomenon.

Here’s some of what we di...

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 Association of Nurse Anesthesiology about the strategic vision for the future of the profession. AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC and President-Elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA join us to share key updates, insights, and advocacy efforts shaping nurse anesthesia.

Here are some of the key topics we discuss:

🏛️ CRNA Advocacy Efforts – The fight for full practice authority in the VA

👥 Leadership Development – New programs to supp...

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, Kevin and Larry had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Louisa Martin, a distinguished nurse anesthetist and educator about the widespread issue of workplace incivility in nurse anesthesia training and beyond.

Dr. Martin was selected to present at the AANA Annual Congress this year for the Jan Stewart Memorial Wellness Lecture about this topic, so we’re excited to have the chance to gain some wisdom from her. The conversation will fo...

Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes?  Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival.

Here are some of the key topics we discuss:

🫀 Onco-Anesthesia Explained – Why anesthesia may affect cancer recurrence

💉 TIVA vs. Gas Anesthesia – Which approach is better for cancer pa...

Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating room. In this episode, Terry and Gary break down the key differences between these two types of heart failure, their underlying mechanisms, and the best strategies for anesthesia management.

They discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology of each condition, as well as how preoperative evaluation can help identify high-risk patients. The episode also covers the importance of intraoperative monitoring, fluid management strategies, and why tailoring anesthesia care to each patient can significantly improve outcomes.

...

We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-elect Jared Crocker, DNP, APRN, CRNA, past president Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, and Libby Milligan, Principal with McCarthy Strategic Solutions to discuss why advocacy matters, how to build relationships with legislators, and the vital role CRNAs play in shaping healthcare policy.

Key Topics Covered:

🔹 The importance of CRNA advocacy in shaping healthcare policy 🏛️

🔹 Building relationships with legislators & the role of lobbyists 🤝

🔹 Real-life stories of impactful advocacy efforts 📢

🔹 How CRNAs can get...

In this episode of Grade 1 View, host Olivia Conn shares her experiences and insights gained from attending AANA’s Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators (ADCE) conference and provides her perspective on the importance of student participation. The ADCE might not seem like an event aimed at students, but understanding the educators' perspectives and engaging in discussions can enhance the learning experience for future CRNAs.

Tune in for a robust discussion with Charity and Kevin about topics impacting the future of CRNA education, like the use of AI and animated curricula.

Here’s some of what...

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 third president of the AANA. Join us as we look back on her remarkable journey from her early life in Lynn, Massachusetts, to her influential role in shaping the nurse anesthesia specialty.

With special guests and past AANA presidents Sandy and Dick Ouellette, we explore Hilda's contributions, challenges, and the profound impact she had on the profession.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

The world of anesthesia is evolving, and pain management is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary non-opioid analgesic, Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor making waves in perioperative and acute pain management. With increasing pressure to reduce opioid dependence while maintaining effective pain control, anesthesia providers must stay ahead of cutting-edge developments. Join us as we break down the pharmacology, safety profile, clinical trial data, and real-world implications of this game-changing drug.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

We're ​diving ​into ​the ​world ​of ​policy, ​legislation ​and ​regulation ​with ​Nick Blanck, MSN, CRNA, APN-Anesthesia, who is the Executive Director of Legislative Affairs in New Jersey.

Along with guest host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, we’re going to learn more about Nick’s pivotal role in ensuring ​consistency ​and ​clarity ​in ​the ​ever-evolving ​landscape ​of ​healthcare ​policy ​in ​this ​state. His unique approach is shaping the CRNA industry in New Jersey and we want to find ways that states can implement similar models for improved advocacy.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

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, and inclusion (DEI). Hosts Larry and Kevin are joined by Donté Flanagan, DNP, CRNA, FAANA during Black History Month to have a conversation pressing need for diversity in healthcare and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all CRNAs.

Whether ​it's ​mentoring, ​faculty ​development ​programs, ​or ​wellness ​support ​groups ​for ​the ​students ​around ​the ​country ​that ​are ​kind ​of ​isolated ​and ​feel ​alone, Doc explains that he’s been focused ​on helping grow ​the ​profession and continue ​the ​excellen...

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 Healthcare, to break down the potential changes, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving healthcare landscape. With major shifts ahead, understanding how policies may shape healthcare access, quality, and costs is more important than ever.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on Ciprofol, a cutting-edge intravenous anesthetic that has been making headlines in both clinical research and operating rooms worldwide. With its innovative formulation and promising safety profile, Ciprofol is poised to transform the landscape of anesthetic practice.

Join us as we explore how this new drug compares to established agents like propofol and what it could mean for the future of procedural sedation and anesthesia.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: