Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

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552

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Sep 2026

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About the show

A podcast for the CRNA industry. Discussing the important issues that happen both in, and beyond, the operating room. With Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF. Innovations & opportunities for CRNAs & APRNs. Visit our website for more great information https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ and to learn how you can get CE Credit as a CRNA just by listening to the podcast. Don’t miss our special series on CRNA History, CRNA Personal Finance & Retirement, Political Conversations, CRNA Career Issues, and our leadership series called Courage To Lead. Check out new episodes of Beyond The Mask every week with distinguished guests from the CRNA community... #anesthesiology #rn #surgery #healthcare #nurseanesthesiologist #crnaschool #nursing #srnalife #nurselife #nursingstudent #ornurse #nurseanesthesia #crnalife #nursepractitioner #medschool #anesthesialife #scrublife #icunurse #hospital #futurecrna #medical #crna #nurse #anesthesia #srna #nurseanesthetist #nurses #surgical #operatingtheatre #medicalstudent #operatingroomnurse #studentnurse #diversitycrna #ccrn #nursepractitioner #APRN #APRNchat #NPchat #midwife #NP

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60 recent

October 1, 2026Episode 56028 min

A Day in the Life of a Nurse Anesthetist in Spain

What does the nurse anesthesia profession look like outside the United States? At the IFNA Congress in Australia, Sharon and guest co-host Kevin Chem sit down with Toñi Ballesteros Barrado for a firsthand look at practice in Spain. Their conversation reveals a model of care that keeps nurse anesthetists closely connected to patients throughout the surgical experience. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🇪🇸 Spanish Practice: Roles span perioperative care 🎓 Training Path: Education lacks national standardization 🩺 Patient Continuum: Care extends before and after surgery 🤝 Team Model: Nurses and physicians collaborate closely 📣 Professional Recognition: Greater formal recognition remains needed Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ About our guest: https://wcna2026.com/speakers/antonia-ballesteros-barrado/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

September 30, 2026Episode 56337 min

Welcome to Beyond the Ether – The Future of Anesthesia Starts Here

Beyond the Ether is the new clinical series from Beyond the Mask, bringing together four experienced CRNAs to talk about the science, judgment, technology, and real-world decision-making behind anesthesia practice. In this first episode, Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA, Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA, Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, and Daniel King, DNP, MNA, APRN, CRNA, CPPS, CNE, introduce themselves, share the mentors and experiences that shaped their careers, and look ahead to AI, pharmacogenomics, ultrasound, perioperative optimization, and the constantly evolving future of anesthesia. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🩺 Meet the Hosts: Four CRNAs bring decades of clinical and leadership experience 🧠 Experience Matters: Mentors and lived practice shape clinical judgment 🤖 Technology Is Changing Fast: AI and big data may transform individualized care 🔬 Practice Keeps Evolving: Ultrasound, EMRs, and new systems have already rewritten anesthesia 🚀 Stay Adaptable: What works today may be obsolete sooner than expected Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

September 29, 2026Episode 56222 min

Grade 1 View – S2, E20 – How NARA is Building Community for Future CRNAs

Nurse anesthesia school can be demanding, isolating, and humbling, but it does not have to be experienced alone. The Nurse Anesthesiology Resident Association (NARA) is an organization run by residents for residents, and we had the opportunity to sit down with President Dazjia Green and Vice President Omar Durand at the Annual Congress in Boston. We’ll hear how NARA serves the resident community and what our guests have learned from balancing school, leadership,and life. They also share what resident life really feels like, how quickly confidence can swing in clinical, and why building a national community matters for the future of the profession. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🤝 Find Your Community: Residents need people who understand the experience 🎓 Build Leadership Early: NARA offers roles beyond simple membership 🌎 Expand the Network: The organization wants to grow nationwide 💰 Support Residents: Scholarships, giveaways, and events create tangible value 🩺 Normalize the Struggle: Clinical highs and lows happen to everyone Learn more about the NARA: https://www.naraanesthesia.org/home Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/ Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

September 24, 2026Episode 55931 min

AANA President Tracy Young on the Year Ahead

One of our traditions at Beyond the Mask is sitting down with the new AANA President to talk about the year ahead, their vision for the association, and the challenges and opportunities facing our profession. This year we had the chance to sit down with Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA at the Texas Association of Nurse Anesthetists Annual Convention as he steps into the role at an important time for nurse anesthesiology. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎯 Three Pillars: Evidence, clinical excellence, and policy drive the strategy 🏠 Professional Home: AANA wants to serve CRNAs across every career stage 📣 Member Engagement: Early-career retention remains a major focus 🩺 Anesthesia Answers: New public-facing education supports patients and CRNA visibility 📈 Build Momentum: Strategic focus and unity are central to the year ahead Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

September 22, 2026Episode 55841 min

Airway Exchange – Ep 27 – Preparing Students for the Emotional Impact of Perioperative Loss

Significant perioperative loss can affect CRNAs deeply, even when there was no error and nothing could have been done differently. Yet many clinicians are never taught what those emotions may look like or how to process them. This episode of Airway Exchange explores the emotional impact of significant perioperative loss on CRNAs and why nurse anesthesia programs need to prepare students for those experiences before they happen. Crystal Hunnicutt, DNAP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, CHSE, CWP, the Vice Chair of the AANA Health and Wellness Committee, and Jennifer Stewart-Glenn, PhD, MSN, FNP discuss their qualitative research, including themes of guilt, responsibility, isolation, self-blame, and loss of confidence, and what educators can do to create more supportive, trauma-informed responses. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 Name the Experience: Perioperative loss can create profound emotional distress ⚖️ Guilt Without Fault: Clinicians may feel responsible even when no error occurred 🤝 Break the Isolation: Feeling alone was a major theme in the research 🎓 Prepare Students Early: Programs should address loss before it happens 💬 Listen, Don’t Fix: Support begins with validation, not problem-solving Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): 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

September 17, 2026Episode 55543 min

The Digital Didactic: Reimagining How We Teach Anesthesia with Richard Wilson

What happens when nurse anesthesia education moves beyond the traditional classroom? Recorded at the AANA Annual Congress in Boston, Sharon and guest co-host Tracy Castleman, DNP, CRNA, APN-A, FAANA, sit down with longtime CRNA educator Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA to explore how virtual classrooms, simulation, podcasts, VR, AI, and new teaching strategies are changing the way future CRNAs learn. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 💻 Virtual learning can expand access without lowering standards. 🤝 Mentorship remains vital—even in a digital classroom. 🧠 Understanding matters more than memorization. 🥽 VR, podcasts, and AI are reshaping CRNA education. 🎓 Great education blends didactic learning with clinical experience. Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

September 15, 2026Episode 55622 min

Grade 1 View – S2, E19 – CRNA Leadership, Advocacy & Entrepreneurship with AANA President Tracy Young

A career in nurse anesthesia does not have to follow one path. For Tracy Young, MSNA, MBA, CRNA, it certainly did not. His career has included clinical practice, entrepreneurship, business leadership, advocacy, state association leadership, national board service, and eventually the presidency of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. But one of the most interesting parts of his story is that none of it was part of one grand plan. The new AANA President joins Grade 1 View from Annual Congress in Boston to share how his path evolved from bedside nursing and anesthesia into entrepreneurship, advocacy, and national leadership. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🙏 Practice Gratitude: Meaningful work is worth appreciating 🤝 Lead Together: Strong boards move as one 🚀 Think Bigger: CRNA careers can extend beyond clinical care 📣 Get Involved: Advocacy often starts with one experience 🧭 Take the Next Step: Careers do not need a master plan Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/ Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

September 10, 2026Episode 55427 min

What Nurse Anesthesia Looks Like in Finland

What does nurse anesthesia practice look like in Finland? That question is at the center of this episode of Beyond the Mask, recorded at the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists meeting in Australia. Sharon and guest co-host Kevin Chem sit down with Sari Pyhälä, a Finnish RN specialized in anesthesia and perioperative care, to learn more about how her profession differs from the model many U.S. CRNAs know. Sari explains Finland’s education pathway, the role of on-the-job training, and how nurse anesthetists work within a physician-supervised model while still taking on significant responsibility for preparing, maintaining, and safely transitioning anesthesia care. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🌍 Nurse anesthesia looks different around the world. 🎓 Finland relies heavily on on-the-job anesthesia training. 🤝 Teamwork and mutual respect drive anesthesia care. 🗣️ Workplace challenges cross countries and generations. ❤️ Sari calls nurse anesthesia “a wonderful life.” Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ About our guest: https://wcna2026.com/speakers/sari-pyhala/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

September 8, 2026Episode 55336 min

Airway Exchange – Ep 26 - How to Build Better CRNA Simulation Training

Think great simulation training requires a massive budget and a high-fidelity mannequin? Jennifer McLeod, DNAP, APRN, CRNA, would disagree. In this episode of Airway Exchange, recorded live at AANA Annual Congress in Boston, Greg sits down with Jennifer to talk about her approach to preparing the next generation of simulation educators. She explains how some of the most effective simulation experiences can be built with simple tools, thoughtful scenarios, and strong debriefing. The central message is simple: simulation can be accessible, practical, and incredibly powerful when educators focus less on technology and more on thoughtful design, reflection, and confidence. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: Debriefing is where much of the real learning happens. Simulation doesn't have to be expensive or highly technical. Psychological safety is essential. Simulation helps build clinical reasoning, not just technical skills. Soft skills matter just as much as medication knowledge. Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request About our guest: https://www.nku.edu/our-people/profiles/chhs/jennifer-mcleod-dnap-aprn-crna.html Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): 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

September 3, 2026Episode 55249 min

Inside AANA's New Strategy With CEO Bill Bruce

What does the future of the AANA and the CRNA profession look like? Recorded live at the 2026 AANA Annual Congress in Boston, Sharon and Jeremy sit down with AANA CEO Bill Bruce to discuss an organization and profession experiencing significant growth. With more than 4,700 attendees at the Congress, Bruce outlines the AANA’s newly adopted strategic plan and the three pillars designed to guide its next chapter: develop and own the evidence, define the standards of excellence, and dominate policy. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎯 AANA has a new strategic direction. 📊 AANA wants to strengthen the research and data needed to demonstrate safety, evaluate care models, support CRNA practice, and make stronger advocacy arguments. 🏛️ Policy remains a major priority. 📱 AANA is investing in new digital resources. 📈 There are strong signs of growth across the CRNA profession. Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1