

Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
Beyond The Mask Podcast
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 23, 2025 • 48min
Launching a Medical Device Company with David Gomez
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 Gomez, CRNA, to share his experience of starting a medical device company from the ground up. David's story is one of perseverance and ingenuity, as he transitioned from a nurse anesthetist to an entrepreneur, bringing life-changing medical devices to the forefront of the healthcare industry through Infinitus Medical Technologies.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What steps did he take to give life to his idea and start the company?
The real obstacles that he faced and the resources he utilized.
The truth behind the patent process and the hurdles that need to be overcome.
What are the commercialization challenges in healthcare?
Can we improve on the way we do things and how long does innovation take to hit the market?
David wanted to share a couple messages:
Thanks to Dan Nash of Maverick, sorry I forgot your name!!
Rm8 shout out to Eric O’Conner and David Anderson.
Learn more about Infinitus Medical Technologies: infinitusmedical.com
Get in touch with David: d.gomez@infinitusmedical.com or 817-454-1516
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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

Jan 21, 2025 • 44min
Grade 1 View - Ep. 3 - Dr. Jackie Rowles on Leadership, Legacy, & Advanced Education
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 has devoted much of her life to pain management and it’s taken her to the height of the profession. She’s currently the president of the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists and formerly served as the AANA president, making her a pivotal figure in global advocacy and education.
Today she opens up on her fascinating journey through pain management and offers up incredible advice and insight that any young CRNA can benefit from.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
How her father, a surgeon from Iran, inspired her to become a nurse anesthetist.
Her advice for students who want to be more involved in healthcare and leadership positions beyond outside of the operating room.
The different types of fellowships for CRNAs and what that process looks like.
How does CRNA school today compare to what schooling was like when she was going through.
What advice does she have for faculty to ensure students have resources for wellness?
What’s the scope of practice for CRNAs outside of the United States?
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

Jan 16, 2025 • 28min
Strengthening the CRNA Workforce Through Innovative Education
With the growing demand for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) in healthcare, developing and preparing future nurse anesthetists is more important than ever. As training needs and educational requirements continue to evolve, anesthesia programs have to adapt as well to maintain the high standards needed to provide the right care.
Today’s guest is Michael Greco, Ph.D., DNP, CRNA, who has been at the forefront of addressing this critical need through innovative educational strategies. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how his initiatives are reshaping the CRNA workforce and improving access to quality anesthesia care.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
A brief history of the DNP degree and the evolution of educational requirements.
The purpose of the combined AGACNP/CRNA program.
How much buy-in has there been and what pushback has he received?
How can our nurse anesthesiology profession benefit from these combined programs?
The details that are most important to know.
About our guest: https://jobs.northwell.edu/blog/2019/01/20/celebrating-crna-week-meet-michael-greco-spearheading-big-changes-crnas-northwell-health/
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Jan 14, 2025 • 41min
Grade 1 View - Ep. 2 - Uprooting Your Life
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 school is not just about packing boxes and finding a new place to live. It involves a complete lifestyle shift, requiring careful planning and emotional resilience.
Join us for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of relocating for school, managing personal relationships, and finding balance in a demanding academic environment.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The differences between staying local around family/friends and moving a long distance away.
The logistics of moving to a new location.
A story about Olivia’s cat eating a rubber band right before getting in the car for 20+ hours and the craziness that caused.
Jumping in and starting school even though you don’t feel 100 percent financially ready.
What would we do differently if we could go back to the beginning?
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

Jan 9, 2025 • 38min
Why Are You Being So Mean? The Impact of Bullying and Incivility in Nurse Anesthesia Education
Maintaining a culture of respect is crucial, and without it you can shake the foundation of any profession. Yet, incivility remains a significant challenge in nurse anesthesia educational programs, affecting both students and faculty. Today we’re discussing strategies or creating the right culture and professionalism with Nancy A. Moriber, PhD, APRN-CRNA, FAANA and Maribeth Massie, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Incivility is a problem in our society and has infiltrated the healthcare setting and nursing academia, including nurse anesthesia.
Incivility negatively impacts the teaching-learning environment, undermines professionalism, creates unnecessary stress and anxiety, and can lead to significant mental health issues.
The different biases that can impact incivility.
Strategies to combat these behaviors.
Ways to create and sustain positive environments for teaching and learning.
Get the Positive Psychology Coursera course mentioned in the show here: https://www.coursera.org/learn/positive-psychology-resilience
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Jan 7, 2025 • 29min
Grade 1 View - Ep. 1 - Meet The Hosts
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 our hosts: Kevin Chem, BSN, RN, Olivia Conn, MSN, RN, Charity Garno, BSN, RN, and Larry Sears, BSN, RN.
In future episodes, Grade 1 View aims to cover various topics, including navigating the CRNA application process, mental health and wellness, and effective communication within the healthcare team. We’re excited to share this journey with everyone and would love to hear about your experiences as well.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
A little personal background on each of our hosts.
Why each host wanted to be a part of this podcast.
What we like most about podcasts and what makes them effective for learning.
The topics you can expect us to cover on this show.
Some of the things we do to unwind after clinical.
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

Jan 2, 2025 • 58min
Suicide Prevention for CRNAs and RRNAs
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 student nurse anesthetists. Mental health struggles are very prevalent in the profession but you often don’t ever see it because it’s hidden behind the mask of professionalism.
So what can we do to help drive change and support nurses struggling with mental health issues? Today’s roundtable discussion with Charles Griffis, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, Elizabeth Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, Maria Van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, FAANA, three distinguished guests who share research findings to help us better understand this growing epidemic.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
Why nurses, nurse residents, and students have a higher rate of suicide than the national population.
They’ll share some of the findings from the research study of suicidality in faculty and RRNAs.
Suicide is preventable with timely and compassionate intervention, and decrying the stigma of mental health challenges will help.
What are some of the warning signs of suicidality and what can you do to intervene?
How do we get rid of the stigma around mental health challenges?
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Dec 31, 2024 • 44min
TEG Talk: Unlocking the Secrets of Blood Coagulation
In this episode, we’re going to explore the transformative role of Thromboelastography (TEG) in blood coagulation and transfusion therapy. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized how we understand and manage blood coagulation.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
TEG provides a detailed picture of what the patient's coagulation status is.
How coagulation and traditional tests of coagulation work.
Understanding these pathways and their associated tests is crucial for diagnosing and managing bleeding disorders.
What are some common treatments for preoperative anemia?
Risks and costs associated with transfusion therapy.
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Dec 26, 2024 • 47min
The Future of Anesthesia in 2025 and Beyond
For the third straight year, we’re bringing on NorthStar Anesthesia CEO Adam Spiegel and Chief Anesthetist Officer Randy Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA to update the state of the anesthesia profession and speculate on what’s coming in the future. Just like past year-end shows, we’ll offer up a comprehensive overview of the current state of anesthesiology, highlighting key trends, challenges, and future predictions for the field.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
What has changed the most since we had this conversation a year ago?
What’s the state of CRNA supply shortage and how has the labor market reacted?
How the ASC business is behaving very much like the hospital business from 2021-2023.
What does private equity entering healthcare mean for CRNAs?
The trends in anesthesia practice models.
What do they see coming in the next year or two?
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken

Dec 19, 2024 • 54min
AI in Anesthesia: A New Frontier for Healthcare Professionals
Today, we're exploring a captivating topic at the intersection of technology and medicine: the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on healthcare. We're thrilled to welcome special guest Dr. Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAANB who will share his insights on how AI is currently being utilized in operating rooms, the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into surgical practices, and what the future may hold for CRNAs in this rapidly evolving field.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
The fundamental concepts underlying classical and modern approaches to AI.
The current applications of AI within healthcare professions.
The general principles of using AI ethically, effectively and critically.
The prompt engineering for using AI to empower performance in the workplace.
5 priorities for further development of AI in anesthesiology.
About our guest: https://nrsa.chp.vcu.edu/our-team/jiale-gary-hu-phd-rn-faan.html
Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/
The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099
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
Support Team Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/haloswalk2024-shannon-shannon-brekken


