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Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs — Health
Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

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

Copyright: © Copyright 2018 All rights reserved.

Latest Episodes:

AANA President Tracy Young on the Year Ahead Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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

Airway Exchange – Ep 27 – Preparing Students for the Emotional Impact of Perioperative Loss Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

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

The Digital Didactic: Reimagining How We Teach Anesthesia with Richard Wilson Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

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

Grade 1 View – S2, E19 – CRNA Leadership, Advocacy & Entrepreneurship with AANA President Tracy Young Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

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

What Nurse Anesthesia Looks Like in Finland Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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

Airway Exchange – Ep 26 - How to Build Better CRNA Simulation Training Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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

Inside AANA's New Strategy With CEO Bill Bruce Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

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

Grade 1 View – S2, E18 – AANA Annual Congress from the Resident Perspective Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

What is the AANA Annual Congress actually like for student and resident attendees? The Grade 1 View team takes listeners inside the 2026 meeting in Boston to discuss the sessions, speakers, networking, student events, and unexpected moments that stood out most. Levi, Kelsey, Mackenzie, and Nicolas wrap up a weekend of recording episodes from the Broadcast Booth with this episode that reflects on their experiences, with a pop in from two surprise guests.

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

🎓 Student Perspective: Congress offers real-world professional exposure

🤝 Build Connections: Networking can create lifelong relationships

💪 Find Resilience: Community helps students reset and recharge

🌎 See the Profession: Nurse anesthesia extends far beyond clinicals

🚀 Get Involved: Leadership and advocacy opportunities start early

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

Closing the Airway Gap in Deep Sedation Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

Deep sedation often leaves anesthesia providers working in the space between simple oxygen delivery and a fully advanced airway. That gap can mean poor capnography, inefficient oxygen delivery, frequent airway maneuvers, and plenty of improvised solutions.

In this episode, the show’s first anesthesiologist, Dr. Rene Gonzalez, joins Sharon and Jeremy to discuss the Aeris Airway, the study behind it, and how purpose-built airway tools could help providers take a more proactive approach to patient support.

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

🫁 Close the Gap: Deep sedation often requires more support than standard oxygen devices can provide

📊 Improve Monitoring: Better positioning of the capnography sampling port may produce more useful CO2 data

💨 Deliver Oxygen Smarter: Device design can affect laminar versus turbulent oxygen flow

⚠️ Reduce Workarounds: Modifying equipment can add workload, inconsistency, and potential liability

🤝 Work as a Team: CRNAs and anesthesiologists can improve care by sharing knowledge and adopting better tools together

Steps to request your free AERIS Airway sample:

1. Visit https://airwayinnovations.com/
2. In the upper-right-hand corner of the homepage, click “Request a Free Sample” and complete the sample request form
3. An AERIS Airway sample kit will ship within one business day

Download the Aeris Airway brochure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nxqSBMlbNhsdgiw6ylFXrr6VvSimD9Km/view?usp=drivesdk

Read Dr. Rene Gonzalez’s study: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/AERIS-Airway-AA-Practice.pdf

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

Airway Exchange – Ep. 25 – What Makes a Great CRNA Applicant? Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

What separates a strong nurse anesthesia applicant from someone who simply looks impressive on paper?

In this episode of Airway Exchange, Erin and Louisa sit down with Leah Gordon, DNP, APRN, CRNA, program director and assistant professor in the Nurse Anesthesiology Program at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and author of The Provider Mindset: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Competitive Nurse Anesthesiology Applicant. Together, they explore what educators are really looking for during the admissions process and why GPA, ICU experience, shadowing hours, and a polished interview only tell part of the story.

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

🧠 Think like a provider

⚖️ Aptitude + attitude matter

🎓 GPA doesn't tell the whole story

🗣️ Don't over-rehearse the interview.

💪 Grit matters after admission.

Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram

Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request

Check out Leah’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Provider-Mindset-Competitive-Anesthesiology-Applicant/dp/B0HBH41K68/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3IF2OB7CQT8N8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.0utxwlqY0puqcQw3fJ3ueg.v5xgea8qbj8MhV32XnnMzPgvkmfRcI3LGUo9demDEdc&dib_tag=se&keywords=leah+gordon+crna&qid=1787008810&sprefix=leah+gordon+crna%2Caps%2C188&sr=8-1

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

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