Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

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529

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Jun 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

June 16, 2026Episode 52938 min

Airway Exchange – Ep. 20 – Teaching Resilience in Nurse Anesthesia

CRNA education has never been more demanding. As nurse anesthesia programs have evolved into rigorous 36-month doctoral programs, educators are seeing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and mental health challenges among students. So how can faculty better support students while maintaining the high standards required of the profession? In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Nickie and Erin welcome Gerard Hogan, DNSc., APRN-BC, CRNA, FAANA, LtCol, USAF (ret.), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher, for an important conversation about resilience in nurse anesthesia education. Dr. Hogan discusses his research on resilience among nurse anesthesia residents and explains why resilience is a skill that can be taught, strengthened, and developed over time. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 Resilience is a skill that can be taught and strengthened. 💬 Students should never be afraid to ask for help. 🌱 Small habits like mindfulness and reflection build resilience over time. 🤝 Faculty play a critical role in creating supportive learning environments. ⚖️ High standards and compassion can coexist in CRNA education. Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request About our guest: https://pc.fsu.edu/person/gerard-hogan-dnsc-aprn-bc-crna-faana-ltcol-usaf-ret 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

June 11, 2026Episode 52741 min

The Power of Storytelling in Healthcare with Mary Ellen Miller

Every healthcare professional carries a story. Some are inspiring. Some are heartbreaking. Some quietly shape who we become as clinicians, educators, leaders, and people. But what happens when those stories are never told? In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura L. Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome nurse educator, author, and storyteller Mary Ellen Miller, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC for a powerful conversation about narrative medicine, reflective writing, grief, healing, and the courage it takes to share personal experiences with the world. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🩺 Narrative medicine reminds us that listening to patients' stories is just as important as clinical expertise. ✍️ Reflective writing and journaling can help healthcare professionals process difficult experiences and avoid carrying them alone. ❤️ Many forms of grief often go unrecognized and unspoken. 🚀 Sharing your story takes courage, but perseverance through rejection can create meaningful impact for people facing similar challenges. Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Get a copy of Secret Sorrow: https://nongrandparent.com/ About our guest co-host: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/laura-ardizzone 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

June 9, 2026Episode 52849 min

Grade 1 View – S2, E12 - Building Community, Belonging, and Pride in Nurse Anesthesiology

June is Pride Month, and on this episode of Grade 1 View, Levi and Kelsey sit down with John Gianitsis, MSNA, CRNA and Carlota Izaguirre, DNP, CRNA and from the Nurse Anesthesiology Pride Foundation (NAPF) to discuss representation, belonging, mental health, and community within the nurse anesthesia profession. We’ll also explore the organization's evolution from GALA to NAPF and the important role it plays in supporting LGBTQ+ CRNAs, students, and allies. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏳️‍🌈 Representation matters. Patients and providers benefit when healthcare teams reflect diverse communities. 🤝 Community can be a powerful antidote to isolation, especially during CRNA training and early practice. 🧠 Mental health support, mentorship, and meaningful relationships are essential for long-term success. 💬 Inclusive patient care often comes down to simple acts of respect, communication, and advocacy. 🎓 NAPF continues to support future CRNAs through scholarships, networking opportunities, and professional development. About our guest: https://www.crnapride.com/ 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

June 4, 2026Episode 52646 min

Life as an Anesthesia Director in Rural Alaska with Dr. April Erickson

Could you imagine working in a rural location where access is truly a lifeline for people? Today’s guest is April Erickson, DNP, CRNA, an Alaska based nurse anesthesiologist and anesthesia medical director with more than 15 years of experience in rural independent practice. Sharon and guest host Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, sit down with April to discuss frontier medicine, independent practice, leadership, and what it truly means to provide care where access is critical but not guaranteed. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🚁 Weather and geography can delay patient transport for days 🐻 Providers manage unique trauma cases including bear attacks and fishing injuries ⚖️ Leadership and advocacy are essential for protecting independent practice 🧠 Solo practice demands constant vigilance and multiple contingency plans 🌍 Frontier medicine requires creativity, resilience, and broad clinical expertise 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

June 2, 2026Episode 52247 min

Airway Exchange – Ep 19 - CRNA Admissions: A New Approach to Candidate Assessment

What if CRNA school interviews have been measuring the wrong things all along? In this episode of Airway Exchange, Vicente Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA and Ann Miller, DNP, CRNA, faculty from Florida International University, break down their groundbreaking new admissions interview process designed to assess what traditional interviews often miss: resilience, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional regulation. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🧠 Traditional CRNA interviews often reward rehearsed answers—not authentic ability 🎯 The new process focuses on resilience, critical thinking, and adaptability 🤝 Teamwork and communication are assessed in live group scenarios ⚖️ Structured rubrics help reduce interviewer bias 💉 CCRN-level knowledge is used instead of anesthesia-specific trick questions 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

May 28, 2026Episode 52535 min

Florence Boswell: The Forgotten CRNA Pioneer Who Took to the Skies

Most CRNAs have never heard the name Florence Boswell. But maybe they should have. In this fascinating historical episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA president Debra Malina, CRNA, MBA, DNSc, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, uncover the remarkable story of Florence Boswell, a nurse anesthetist, aviation pioneer, charter member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and one of the earliest women pilots in America. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏛️ She signed the original NANA charter in 1931 🧠 Boswell trained under anesthesia pioneer Agatha Hodgins 🌍 She became one of the earliest instrument-rated female pilots in the world 🚁 Florence founded her own aviation company in Ohio 👩‍⚕️ Early nurse anesthetists often faced major professional and societal barriers 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

May 26, 2026Episode 52445 min

Grade 1 View – S2, E11 – The Truth About Your First Year as a CRNA

What really happens after CRNA school ends? In this episode of Grade 1 View, former host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA returns to the show nearly a year into practice to talk honestly about the transition from SRNA to CRNA, from the stress of boards and credentialing to the emotional reality of walking into the OR independently for the first time. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📚 Consistency and repetition matter more than using multiple study resources 🏥 The first few months as a CRNA come with real growing pains 🤝 Strong workplace culture and mentorship matter more than people realize 🌍 CRNAs are making a growing impact globally through IFNA initiatives 🎓 Graduation is not the finish line—professional growth continues afterward 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

May 21, 2026Episode 52336 min

What We Learned at the IFNA Congress in Australia

What happens when anesthesia providers from around the world come together in one place? In this special recap episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon is joined by Erin Foley, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, FAANA, and TxANA Vice President Jennifer Andersen, MSNA, CRNA to look back on their experience attending the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) Congress in Australia. Find out what we learned, what surprised us, and why these meetings matter so much to our profession. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏛️ Many countries are still fighting for recognition and autonomy 🎓 The U.S. remains a global leader in nurse anesthesia education and practice 🤝 International collaboration strengthens advocacy and leadership efforts 💉 Providers worldwide face different challenges but share common goals 📈 Many countries are working toward higher education standards and expanded scope Learn more about the IFNA World Congresses: https://ifna.site/etusivu/congresses/ 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

May 19, 2026Episode 52137 min

Airway Exchange – Ep 18 - The Next Era of CRNA Education with Dr. Hallie Evans

What does the future of CRNA education actually look like? In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Nickie and Greg sit down with Hallie Evans, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, FAANA, to explore some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing CRNA education today, including faculty shortages, mentorship, innovative teaching methods, competency-based learning, and the growing role of AI in healthcare education. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎓 Mentorship Matters 🤖 AI Is Entering Education 🧠 Stigma Impacts Learning 🩺 CE Is Evolving 🚀 Innovation Is Accelerating About our guest: https://www.aana.com/news/aana-expands-its-leadership-in-lifelong-learning-and-professional-advancement-welcoming-dr-hallie-d-evans-as-senior-director-of-education-and-professional-development/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ 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

May 14, 2026Episode 51343 min

Why CRNAs Are Leading OB Care (And No One’s Talking About It)

CRNAs provide the majority of obstetric care across much of the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, the data hasn’t always reflected that reality. That disconnect is exactly what sparked the creation of the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research (SONAR), a growing movement focused on advancing nurse-led research and elevating the role of CRNAs in obstetrics. In this episode, the team behind SONAR shares how the organization started, the challenges they’re working to solve, and why their research could reshape the future of OB anesthesia. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 👶 CRNAs provide a majority of OB anesthesia care 🔍 Data gaps are masking the true impact of CRNAs 📊 Research is critical to shaping future policy 🏥 OB care varies widely between urban and rural settings 🚀 SONAR is working to elevate and unify the specialty Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Learn more about SONAR: https://www.sonar-ob.org/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Earn MAC Dev Credit: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1