

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

Jul 29, 2021 • 1h 11min
Ep 139: Nursing, Politics, and the Future of Our Country with Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN
Many issues are facing our country right now and nurses will play a key role in helping communities move forward. As the most trusted profession, nursing should embrace that position and that’s what many leaders are trying to do. ANA President Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN, joins us on this episode to share his view on what he feels are priorities right now, how nurses can impact the future, and why representation is still crucial for the profession.
Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-139-nursing-politics-and-the-future-of-our-country-with-ernest-grant-phd-rn-faan/2960/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:03 – Excited to talk with Dr. Ernest Grant
3:54 – Bringing more sectors of nursing together
5:45 – Background on our guest
8:25 – How Sharon and Ernest met
11:45 – Why is this so important right now?
17:01 – Nursing is the most trusted profession
21:43 – Vaccinations
28:52 – AANA Newsletter
30:48 – Health and policy
40:22 – Financial situation for nurses
47:38 – Future of nursing report
54:31 – Bringing more people into the profession
1:03:33 – Lightning round

Jul 22, 2021 • 41min
Ep 138: The Highs & Lows of Sharon’s Journey to a DNP
Before we share anything, please note that this is an emotional episode. Not only was the journey to a DNP a long and arduous one for Sharon with plenty of highs and lows that we’ll discuss, but we begin the show with heartbreaking news about Sharon’s granddaughter, Emma Kate. It’s tough to discuss but it’s important for the healing process and we appreciate everyone for the support along the way.
Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-138-the-highs-lows-of-sharons-journey-to-a-dnp/2951/
Details on the upcoming walk to remember Emma Kate: https://grouprev.com/HALOSWALK2021-jillian-pechacek?fbclid=IwAR0h0VNcATrqUTMrJ7xHQqP4YS2kxgoSo7kmIac_BHxsYeiLW-__iuMoSHQ#.YPRcAR48eeA.facebook
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
2:25 – Plan for the show today
3:32 – Heartbreaking loss for Sharon’s family
8:39 – Sharon’s journey to get her DNP
13:01 – The why behind her decision
15:28 – Pros and cons of distance learning
18:34 – Why should you go back to get your DNP?
22:54 – Words of wisdom
26:57 – Getting overwhelmed through this journey
32:46 – Looking back on the process
35:45 – Final message to the younger CRNAs

Jul 15, 2021 • 48min
Ep 137: Balancing Motherhood with a CRNA Career with the Smart Mamas (Re-release)
On this episode, we’re going back to a previous conversation with the three women behind the Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups podcast. This trio does great work for mothers in our profession so we wanted to spotlight them once again on the show. Plus, a lot has changed for them since we talked in early 2020.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-137-balancing-motherhood-with-a-crna-career-with-the-smart-mamas-re-release/2946/
About our guests: https://www.facebook.com/heysmartmommas/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
0:50 – Why we’re revisiting this conversation
5:23 – Welcome our guests
6:18 – Background on Laci
7:19 – Background on Ellen
8:23 – Background on Crystal
10:24 – Why this topic is so important
11:52 – Connecting through social media
16:24 – Misconceptions about parenting
18:37 – Breastfeeding
25:58 – Keeping marriage intact
34:56 – What do you do for yourself?
38:18 – Maintaining your own identity
40:45 – How to connect with them
41:25 – Final Thoughts

Jul 8, 2021 • 1h 9min
Ep 136: APEX Live Anesthesia Helping CRNAs Prepare for CPC Assessment
Testing is never a relaxing experience and that’s why the upcoming CPC Assessment has created some anxiety for CRNAs. Thankfully, the duo behind APEX Live is working hard to help educate and prepare CRNAs through events, podcasting, and teaching. Jeremy Heiner EdD, CRNA and Sass Elisha EdD, CRNA, FAAN join us today to tell us more about the work they’re doing and then take us through some sample questions that might be found on the assessment.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-136-apex-live-anesthesia-helping-crnas-prepare-for-cpc-assessment/2942/
About our guests: https://www.apexlive.com/podcast
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:45 – Introducing our guests today
5:52 – Background on Jeremy and Sass, and the podcast
9:48 – Educational goals for the podcast
14:26 – Instilling confidence in testing
19:38 – Using humor
25:37 – APEX Live events
31:22 – How they develop their questions
33:44 – Sample questions
37:30 – The four domains on the test
38:08 – Test question
42:33 – Crisis checklist
50:28 – Test question
57:42 – Ways to connect with Jeremy and Sass
1:00:00 – Lightning round

Jul 1, 2021 • 49min
Ep 135: Closed Claims Involving CRNAs and SRNAs
No matter how closely you follow standard of care, mistakes can be made in the operating room. CRNAs often get named in claims, even if they did everything right, so it’s important to be aware of how this happens. Marjorie Everson, PhD, CRNA, has been studying closed claims and there are plenty of findings that she hopes can help CRNAs and SRNAs in the future.
Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/2936-2/2936/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:12 – Introducing Marjorie
6:11 – Why is this so important for CRNAs?
7:39 – Defining closed claims
9:26 – Key Findings
12:31 – Why does it happen to experienced CRNAs?
19:03 – Any follow-ups?
24:25 – Story about turning patient away
28:19 – Unexpected findings
32:23 – Are students taught how to say no?
35:19 – Violations that were found
41:34 – Final thoughts from Marjorie
42:24 – Lightning Round

Jun 24, 2021 • 55min
Ep 134: The State of the US Housing Market: Crash or Opportunity?
Home values continue to rise all across the country and it has many people thinking back to the crash of 2008. Are there parallels or is this time different? Josh Mettle of NEO Home Loans joins the show to share his data and insight into the real estate market. Plus, he’ll tell us how he helps CRNAs secure a mortgage with a 1099 income.
Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-134-the-state-of-the-us-housing-market-crash-or-opportunity/2931/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
2:33 – Introducing our guest Josh
3:48 – His background
6:44 – The book that impacted Jeremy
9:45 – Who are you mentoring?
13:36 – 2008 housing crash
17:04 – How today’s housing market isn’t like 2008
18:53 – Josh’s view of the real estate market
24:12 – Does this take into account census data?
26:42 – Existing homes for sale
28:37 – The demand side of the equation
37:47 – What should you be doing today in real estate?
41:05 – Mortgages for 1099 employees
46:34 – Commercial properties
50:07 – Final thoughts

Jun 17, 2021 • 57min
Ep 133: How Geographic Information Systems Are Being Used to Identify Veteran Suicide Risk
The rate of suicides among our veteran population continues to rise and the number is probably higher than most people realize. The good news is people are leveraging incredible new data to improve support and care for those that need it most. Kevin Driscoll, DNP, MSN, CRNA, is the only CRNA certified in these geographic information systems (GIS) and he joins us today to share his passion for data, how it’s being used to serve veterans, and the other possibilities that could come from GIS.
Read more here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-133-how-geographic-information-systems-are-being-used-to-identify-veteran-suicide-risk/2924/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
The show rundown for this episode:
3:20 – Welcome Kevin!
4:32 – Background on Kevin
9:33 – Who’s at risk for suicide?
12:15 – Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
17:21 – What the data can teach us
23:16 – Who can access this data?
25:32 – Using this to help veterans
29:22 – What else he uses GIS for
37:38 – How CRNAs & SRNAs can use this data
42:51 – Process of plotting
47:11 – Tracking the type of cases CRNAs are working
51:45 – Final thoughts

Jun 10, 2021 • 56min
Ep 132: The Silent Epidemic in Healthcare – Second Victim Phenomenon
There’s a relatively new concept in the healthcare industry that many of its professionals are facing and might not even realize it. The ‘Second Victim’ phenomenon hasn’t always been well-known but more and more people are acknowledging this silent epidemic that frontline workers like CRNAs are dealing with every day. Robyn Finney, APRN, CRNA, DNAP has created a peer support program called HELP – Healing Emotional Lives of Peers – that is working diligently to improve the lives of anesthesia providers, and she joins the show today to help us better understand this phenomenon and how it’s affecting our industry.
Read more here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-132-the-silent-epidemic-in-healthcare-second-victim-phenomenon/2919/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
3:14 – Background on Robyn
4:10 – Why this topic is important
6:34 – What is the third victim?
8:45 – Symptoms
11:09 – Stigmas
18:11 – Events that cause this
22:36 – Second Victim Peer Support Program
25:36 – Institutional support
29:31 – What kind of support is beneficial?
32:12 – More resources
36:25 – Challenges she faced
41:03 – Training she’s doing
46:17 – How will this play out with COVID
50:58 – Final thoughts

Jun 3, 2021 • 1h 12min
Ep 131: PTSD and Suicide Prevention for CRNAs and SRNAs
A significant number of people in our country are dealing with the effects of PTSD and it often goes overlooked or ignored. With the amount of added pressure CRNAs and SRNAs have due to the job, it shouldn’t be a surprise that suicides happen too often among our peers. So how do you identify issues and help those you think might be struggling? We’ve asked mental health experts Jerry Hogan, DNSc, CRNA and Chuck Griffis, PhD, CRNA to join the show to help us all learn more about the struggles people are facing and what can be done to prevent suicides in the future.
Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/2915-2/2915/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
4:31 – Background on Jerry
8:40 – Background on Chuck
13:15 – Why this topic is so important right now
16:19 – How PTSD goes undiagnosed
21:48 – Examples of PTSD in CRNAs
25:54 – The amount of people affected by this
29:26 – CRNAs prone to suicide
34:35 – If you know someone that might be facing this
41:08 – Statistics
42:43 – Resources the AANA offers
50:25 – How do you know if you have PTSD?
56:27 – Improving education
59:53 – Study Griffis is doing

May 27, 2021 • 54min
Ep 130: Generational Challenges and Opportunities in SRNA Education
Generational differences can often be the source of disagreements and misunderstandings. It happens in every profession and nurse anesthesia is no different. Erin Martin, CRNA, DNP, is the Program Director at the Mayo Nurse Anesthesia Program and has an incredible grasp on how and why each generation is different. She joins today to provide a thorough examination of these unique communication characteristics and how we can use them to improve education.
Read more: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-130-generational-challenges-and-opportunities-in-srna-education/2908/
Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf
What we discuss on this episode:
2:55 – The root of miscommunication
4:34 – Erin’s background
5:38 – The differences in each generation
9:36 – Influences on each generation
19:47 – How this impacts nurse anesthesia
26:14 – Communication preferences
28:45 – Relating to a different generation than your own
32:27 – How do we bridge this gap?
35:44 – Relating to Millenials
37:00 – Inclusion
42:38 – Understand each other’s weaknesses


