Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs
A podcast for CRNA and APRN professionals, exploring important issues both inside and beyond the operating room. Hosted by Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA and Jeremy Stanley, EA, CFP, AIF, the show covers innovations and opportunities for CRNAs. Featured topics include CRNA history, personal finance and retirement, political conversations, career issues, and a leadership series called Courage To Lead. New episodes are released weekly with distinguished guests from the CRNA community. Listeners can also earn CE credit by tuning in.
Episodes
How to Use AI Without Losing Clinical Judgment
AI is already changing healthcare, but that does not mean every answer it gives should be trusted. For CRNAs, the challenge is learning how to use these tools without compromising patient privacy, critical thinking, or clinical judgment.
In this episode, Kirsten Meister, DNP, CRNA offers a practical framework for using AI with healthy skepticism and purpose. With the rise of AI, it’s important tha
Grade 1 View – S2, E21 – The Military CRNA Path: Autonomy, Leadership & Service
In this episode recorded at AANA Congress in Boston, Levi and Mackenzie explore the military CRNA careers of Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC, and Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA. Both guests have experience providing anesthesia in deployed environments, and they open up about what military service taught them about practicing under pressure and serving as part of a larger mission. For any fut
“We’ve Always Done It This Way” - Breaking Clinical Habits in Deep Sedation
Experienced clinicians often develop techniques that work and that can make change difficult. But “we’ve always done it this way” can also keep better tools and safer workflows from getting a fair look. In this episode, Scott Imus, EdD, MSN, CRNA and Wendy Monrad, MSN, CRNA discuss deep sedation, airway management, ETCO₂ monitoring, and how the Aeris Airway helped replace years of improvised worka
Airway Exchange – Ep 28 – Making Time for Scholarship in Nurse Anesthesia
Scholarship can feel like one more impossible responsibility for busy nurse anesthesia educators, but it often begins with something much simpler: a question. Why are we doing it this way? Is there a better approach? What are we seeing that the literature has not explained yet?
In this episode, hosts Louisa and Nickie welcome on Jenni Ross Majumdar, PhD, CRNA to make scholarship feel more approach
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 he
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 t
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 commun
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 t
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
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 le
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 i
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 ma
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 experi
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
Grade 1 View – S2, E18 – AANA Annual Congress from the Resident Perspective
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 t
Closing the Airway Gap in Deep Sedation
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
Airway Exchange – Ep. 25 – What Makes a Great CRNA Applicant?
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 An
Inside the World of Hyperbaric Medicine & the Intersection with Anesthesia
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, Sharon and special co-host Kevin Chem sat down with Associate Professor Susannah Sherlock to offer a rare look inside hospital-based hyperbaric medicine and its connection to anesthesia, critical care, surgery, wound healing, and long-term cancer recovery.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🫁 Oxygen Under Pressure: Hyperbaric t
Grade 1 View – S2, E17 – Lessons From a Lifetime in Nurse Anesthesia with Sharon Pearce
Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN has spent decades practicing, advocating, leading, mentoring, and telling the stories of nurse anesthesia. But behind the titles is a career shaped by formative mentors, difficult clinical days, unexpected opportunities, and a strong sense of responsibility to the profession.
Nicolas and Kelsey have a great conversation with Sharon, not just a former AANA pres
From CRNA to Shark Tank Entrepreneur
Mike O’Dell, CRNA never planned on becoming a quilting entrepreneur, but a love of art, a willingness to experiment, and a push from the right mentor changed everything. What started as a handmade quilt pattern eventually became Legit Kits, a growing business that brought him all the way to Shark Tank.
In this episode, Mike shares the twists, risks, failures, and lessons behind that journey while
Airway Exchange – Ep. 24 – Training Future CRNA Educators
Many nurse anesthesia students enter their programs with an interest in teaching, but that interest can fade without formal guidance or hands-on opportunities. The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia is addressing that gap through a student faculty mentorship track designed to prepare future educators before graduation.
In this episode, Nickie and Louisa are joined by faculty members Travis Laffoon,
Why Onco-Anesthesia Still Has Big Questions
Adam Flowe, MSN, CRNA returns to Beyond the Mask for a follow-up conversation on onco-anesthesia, cancer research, and the rapidly changing tools that may shape the future of care. After stepping away from a longtime leadership role at Duke and moving into a smaller practice setting, Adam reflects on career change, identity, and the importance of staying open to growth.
The conversation then turns
Grade 1 View – S2, E16 – Opportunities for Future CRNAs at AANA Annual Congress
One of the biggest events in our profession is coming up in a few weeks, and the AANA Annual Congress in Boston will provide countless opportunities for RNs and future CRNAs. With educational sessions, networking opportunities, career resources, workshops, and special events happening throughout the week, having a plan can make a major difference.
With so much going on throughout the week,
Unlocking Opportunities for CRNAs Beyond Clinical Practice with Aurnova CEO Linda Caccamo
In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy welcome President and CEO of Aurnova University Linda Caccamo, CRNA, DNP, MS, MBA, MHA, to discuss why advanced business education is becoming an increasingly valuable asset for healthcare professionals. With more than 30 years of clinical anesthesia experience, Linda understands what it takes to create academic programs that meet today’s workforce needs and we’l
Airway Exchange – Ep 23 - Incivility in Clinical Education: Creating Better Learning Environments for Future CRNAs
How much does the clinical learning environment shape the future of nurse anesthesia?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Greg and Erin welcome Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA to discuss his groundbreaking research on incivility among CRNA preceptors. Together, they examine groundbreaking research showing that more than three-quarters of nurse anesthesia residents reported experiencing some form
The Global Registry That Could Transform Anesthesia Care
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, Sharon and special co-host Kevin Chem welcome Richard Henker, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, whose work with the World Health Organization and the G4 Alliance is helping reshape global anesthesia through data. We’ll explore how the Operative and Encounter Registry serves as a simple point of care tool that allows anesthesia provid
Grade 1 View – S2, E15 – Surviving Clinicals: Lessons from Future CRNAs
Every nurse anesthesia student loses sleep over clinicals, wondering whether they’re prepared enough to keep up. The truth? Everyone struggles in the beginning, even the students who seem to have it all together.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, Mackenzie leads the discussion with Levi and Nicolas to share honest stories from their first months in clinicals. They’ll open up about embarrassing mist
The Three Legal Battles That Shaped the CRNA Profession
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA presidents Sandy Ouellette, CRNA and Dick Ouellette, CRNA join Sharon and Jeremy explore the only three amicus briefs ever filed by the AANA (and its predecessor, NANA). From the 1934 Dagmar Nelson case to the antitrust battles of the 1980s, they explain how these legal efforts defended CRNA practice, challenged misinformation, and laid the foundatio
Airway Exchange – Ep. 22 – Improving Anesthesia Education Through Item Analysis
Item analysis can sound intimidating, especially for educators who were trained as clinicians first and teachers second. But when used well, it can become one of the most valuable tools for improving assessments, clarifying instruction, and supporting student success.
In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Erin and Louisa welcome in Valerie Diaz, DNP, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, CAP
5 Things Every CRNA Should Consider Selling Before Retirement
Retirement for CRNAs is much more than just reaching a savings goal. It's about deciding what kind of life you want to live, and that often means asking difficult questions about your home, your possessions, your finances, and even your identity. While popular retirement advice often focuses on what to sell before you retire, the better question is whether those things still support the life you'r
Grade 1 View – S2, E14 - Beyond the Salary: Finding Your First CRNA Position
Graduation is in sight, boards are on the horizon, and one of the biggest decisions of your career is quickly approaching: choosing your first CRNA job. With demand at an all-time high and opportunities across the country, it's easy to focus on salary alone, but the best career decisions involve much more than compensation.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kelsey and Levi welcome Mackenzie M
When Systems Fail: The Fungal Meningitis Outbreak in Mexico
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, we sat down with physician and Dr. Jonathan Chejfec of the Mexican Federation of Colleges of Anesthesiology to examine one of the most significant patient safety events in recent anesthesia history. Together, they explore how healthcare can move from blame to learning, why human factors matter, and what organizations everywhere can do to bui
Airway Exchange – Ep. 21 - The Science Behind Fair Testing with Dr. Yasmine Campbell
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Erin and Greg sit down with Yasmine Campbell, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, a clinical associate professor at Florida International University and member of the AANA Education Committee. The episode discusses strategies for writing better exams, the growing role of AI, and creating meaningful professional development opportunities for CRNA faculty.
Here’s
AANA Hackathon: Innovation Isn’t Just for Tech Companies
Healthcare innovation is often associated with software developers, startup founders, and technology companies. But what if some of the most important solutions to healthcare's biggest challenges are sitting inside operating rooms, classrooms, and clinical settings every day? CRNAs and nurses see problems firsthand, yet they are rarely invited into the rooms where solutions are created.
In this ep
Grade 1 View – S2, E13 – Navigating Malpractice Insurance: A Must for Future CRNAs
Today we’re tackling something that every single SRNA needs to understand before signing their very first employment contract, and that’s protecting our livelihood once we graduate.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Mackenzie and Nicolas sit down with Bryan Doyle, ME, RPLU, Acting Vice President of AANA Insurance Services and Lisa Kiska, RPLU+, Supervisor, Underwriting & Customer Service
Stories That Can Heal with Rosa Hart
Nurses are consistently ranked as the most trusted profession in America. So why aren't more nurses helping shape the conversations that influence healthcare policy, patient education, technology, and innovation?
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome Stroke Certified Registered Nurse, podcaster, author, and healthcare communicator
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
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, P
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 rol
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
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
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
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:
📚 Consiste
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,
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
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
Inside the Heat: A Complete Anesthetic Deep Dive into HIPEC
Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) represents one of the most complex and physiologically demanding procedures encountered in modern perioperative medicine.
In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy: Lynn & Garry Unplugged, Garry takes listeners on a deep dive into the anesthetic management of these challenging cases. Rather than a checklist approach, this
Grade 1 View – S2, E10 – Advocacy, Education & the Transition to Becoming a CRNA
What really matters when you move from being a student to stepping into your role as a CRNA? In this special crossover episode recorded at the AANA Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., Levi Davis interviews Airway Exchange hosts Nickie Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA and Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA about advocacy, their role as educators, and the transition from resident to practicing CRNA.
Mid-Year
Meet the AANA Board of Directors Candidates for 2026-2027
The future of nurse anesthesiology leadership is on the ballot.
In this special election edition of Beyond the Mask, you’ll hear directly from every candidate running in the AANA Board of Directors, including candidates for Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President-Elect.
Each candidate shares their background, leadership experience, priorities, and vision for the future of the CRNA profe
Airway Exchange – Ep 17 – Advocacy & Mentorship Insights from Future CRNAs at Mid-Year Assembly
In this episode, we sit down with mentorship program participants Jon Casto, SRNA and Abigail Poss, SRNA, to find out what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they wish every future CRNA knew before attending AANA Mid-Year Assembly
Stepping into a national conference for the first time can feel overwhelming but it can also be the moment everything clicks. You’ll hear real experiences from
The Device That Could Change Airway Management Forever
Airway management hasn’t changed much in decades but that doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. As more procedures move into outpatient settings and deep sedation becomes more common, the need for better oxygen delivery and reliable monitoring has never been more important.
That’s where the Aeris Airways device comes in. It’s a simple but powerful innovation designed to enhance standard airway tools,
Kratom in the OR – The Hidden Herbal Challenge
The perioperative environment is increasingly shaped by factors that extend beyond traditional pharmacology, requiring anesthesia providers to stay alert to emerging and often underrecognized influences on patient care. One such factor is the growing use of kratom, a plant-derived substance that patients frequently perceive as harmless due to its “natural” origins. However, as highlighted in today
Grade 1 View – S2, E9 – Why CRNA Advocacy Matters More Than You Think
Most SRNAs are focused on boards, clinicals, and landing their first job, but there’s another side of the profession that can shape your salary, autonomy, and long-term career more than you realize.
In this episode of Grade 1 View, AANA President Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA, breaks down why advocacy is essential for everyone anesthesia professional. From student loan caps and full practice authori
Can Cosmetic Procedures Complicate Anesthesia?
Aesthetic treatments like Botox and dermal fillers are more common than ever, but they may be creating hidden risks in the operating room. While these procedures are often viewed as routine cosmetic enhancements, they can alter facial anatomy, mask muscle responses, and complicate airway management in ways many providers don’t expect.
Krystin Jones, a third-year student in Duke University’s Anes
Airway Exchange – Ep 16 – Elevating CRNA Board Prep Through AI Innovation
For CRNA students, everything can come down to one moment: the board exam. But is it fair to measure years of training, clinical experience, and growth with a single high-stakes test? In this episode, Joshua Olson DNP, CRNA, CRNA educator, and co-creator of the Ollivate app, joins Erin and Louisa to discuss board prep and the use of artificial intelligence in CRNA education.
Here’s some of what yo
Should CRNAs Follow Financial Advice from Influential People?
There’s no shortage of financial advice available today, and much of it sounds confident, compelling, and even logical. But one of the biggest mistakes CRNAs can make is assuming that widely shared advice automatically applies to your situation.
The truth is, personal finance is exactly that: personal.
In this episode, Jeremy and Sharon dive into some of the most popular financial advice circulati
At the Edge of Control: Death, Dying, and the Anesthesia Provider
In this episode, Lynn and Garry explore the clinical, ethical, and deeply human realities of death and dying in anesthesia. From the illusion of control to the complexities of end-of-life decision-making, they reflect on what it means to care for patients when cure is no longer possible. More importantly, they examine how these moments shape us as providers challenging our assumptions, deepening o
Grade 1 View – S2, E8 – Choosing with Purpose: DNP Projects & the Future of Sustainable Anesthesia
Choosing a DNP project can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re early in your program and still figuring out your clinical interests. Many students think they need to create something groundbreaking, but the reality is much more practical. The key isn’t reinventing the wheel, it’s finding a topic that’s meaningful, manageable, and backed by existing research.
In this episode, the team breaks
The Power of Failure and Its Impact on a Growth Mindset with Dr. Stephen Pilot
In a profession built on precision and high stakes, mistakes often come with shame, silence, and self-doubt. Failure is something every clinician experiences but almost no one talks about it. What if those moments are actually key to becoming a better provider?
In this episode, Stephen Pilot, DNP, CRNA, APN explains how embracing failure can transform both clinical performance and personal growth.
Airway Exchange – Ep 15 – Sim Wars: A New Way to Teach with Dr. Shayne Hauglum
What if learning could be both highly effective and a genuinely fun experience? In this episode, we explore an innovative approach to CRNA education that blends simulation, competition, and teamwork to create deeper engagement and better outcomes for students.
AANA Chief Science & Practice Officer Shayne Hauglum, PhD, CRNA, APRN, joins the show to share how “Sim Wars” is reshaping the way stud
How GLP-1 Medications Are Changing Anesthesia Practice
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have exploded in popularity for diabetes treatment and weight loss, but their rapid rise is creating new considerations for anesthesia providers. As more patients arrive for procedures while taking these medications, CRNAs and anesthesia teams must navigate evolving guidelines, potential aspiration risks, and uncertainty about perioperative management.
In
Strong Skills, Weak EI: A Dangerous Combination
Today we’re taking listeners beyond technical skill and into one of the most critical yet often overlooked competencies in the operating room: emotional intelligence. In a profession defined by precision, timing, and high-stakes decision-making, the ability to understand and manage emotions can be just as vital as mastering airway management or pharmacology.
Joining the conversation is Brian Barry
Grade 1 View – S2, E7 - What to Expect in CRNA Clinicals (From Students Who’ve Done It)
The transition from classroom to clinical rotations can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking as expectations, personalities, and environments vary from day to day. Knowing what to expect can help ease the anxiety and better prepare you for this critical period of training. Today, all of our hosts are back together to break down what clinicals actually look like from the student perspective.
He
What’s Really Happening in Healthcare Staffing Right Now with Scott Becker
Healthcare is evolving rapidly, and nowhere is that more evident than in the anesthesia workforce. In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy sit down with Scott Becker, founder of Becker’s Healthcare, to explore the current state of staffing, education, and economic pressures shaping the industry.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🏥 The anesthesia shortage isn’t solved
👩⚕️ CRNAs are crit
Airway Exchange – Ep 14 - How Virtual Reality Is Transforming CRNA Training
What if CRNA students could practice critical anesthesia skills over and over again without limits, without pressure, and without risking patient safety?
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Louisa and Erin explore how virtual reality is transforming nurse anesthesia education. Joined by Katie Cole, DNP, CRNA, CHSE and Kelly Wiltse Nicely, PhD, CRNA from Emory University, we’ll dive into how VR sim
CRNAs at a Crossroads: Reimbursement, Workforce, and Leadership with Jeff Molter
The nurse anesthesia profession is navigating a period of rapid change. From reimbursement cuts and workforce shortages to evolving practice models and federal policy battles, the decisions being made today will shape the future of CRNAs for decades to come. In this special live taping recorded at the West Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthesiology meeting, Sharon sits down with AANA President J
Rescue, Reduce, Prevent: The New Era of PONV Management
In this episode, we explore the Fifth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, the latest international update designed to guide clinicians toward more effective prevention and treatment strategies. These updated recommendations reflect a growing body of research and introduce several important shifts in how anesthesia providers approach PONV. From expanded use
Grade 1 View – S2, E6 - An International Nurse’s Path to CRNA School with Tarcisio Gois dos Santos, BSN, RN, SRNA
In this episode, Nicolas and Kelsey sit down with Tarcisio Gois dos Santos, BSN, RN, SRNA an internationally educated nurse from Brazil who is now an SRNA at the Mayo Clinic. As workforce shortages persist, the profession is evolving and hospitals are hiring more nurses educated outside of the United States. We’ll explore the realities of applying to CRNA school as an international nurse and discu
Empowering First Responders Through a Naloxone Training Initiative in North Carolina
The opioid crisis continues to impact communities across the country, and in many overdose situations, police officers are the first people to arrive on the scene. That reality inspired a powerful community initiative led by CRNA student Krystin Jones. Her DNP project focuses on training law enforcement officers to recognize opioid overdoses and confidently administer naloxone, a medication that c
Airway Exchange – Ep. 13 – Preparing CRNA Educators for the AI Era
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Jiale (Gary) Hu, PhD, RN, FAAN joins the conversation to explore how AI is reshaping the way we teach, learn, and prepare future CRNAs. He’s currently the Director of Research and Global Outreach in the Department of Nurse Anesthesia, and his scholarship focuses on enhancing knowledge translation in healthcare environments, with a lot o
Surviving Dirty John: Lessons from a CRNA Survivor
Today’s episode is one of courage, survival, and reclaiming your voice. Tonia Bales, CRNA and author of When You See It: How I Outsmarted and Outlasted Dirty John, shares her deeply personal story of manipulation, coercive control, and psychological abuse. While the world knows the headline-grabbing “Dirty John” narrative, this conversation takes us behind the scenes to explore how even strong, ca
Grade 1 View – S2, E5 – Impactful Leadership From Women in Nurse Anesthesia
In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, this episode of Grade 1 View highlights the power, resilience, and impact of women shaping the future of nurse anesthesia.
Dr. Bimpe ‘Bebe’ Adenusi shares her remarkable journey from clinical chemist to CRNA, educator, program director, national leader, and founder of the Nigerian American Nurse Anesthetist Association. With authenticity and humili
Mentorship Matters: The Impact of Effective Preceptorship
Becoming a CRNA isn’t just about mastering pharmacology, physiology, and airway skills. It’s about mentorship.
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Kelly Elmore, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins the show to discuss one of the most critical and often overlooked elements of nurse anesthesia education: preceptorship training. From bridging classroom theory to real-time clinical decision-making, preceptors are the
Airway Exchange – Ep. 12 – Scholarly Writing & Peer Review as a CRNA Educator with Dr. Edwin Aroke
Writing for a grade is one thing. Writing to contribute to a scientific conversation is something entirely different.
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Dr. Edwin Aroke, an internationally recognized CRNA pain scientist and Editor-in-Chief of the AANA Journal, joins hosts Erin and Nickie to talk with us about scholarly writing and peer review. His scholarship has resulted in over 60 peer-r
The Anesthesia Crisis We Need to Address with Dr. Randy Moore
CRNAs are in demand. Salaries are strong. Jobs are plentiful. So why is Dr. Randy Moore sounding the alarm?
In this episode, Randy joins Sharon and guest host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA to unpack his viral Substack article, “No One Is Coming to Save Us.” The core message is uncomfortable but clear: while anesthesia organizations remain divided over turf and titles, payers are quietly reshaping reimburs
Optimization ≠ Clearance: Setting the Record Straight in Anesthesia
This week, Lynn and Garry sit down with guest Dru Riddle to tackle one of the most misunderstood and increasingly problematic concepts in perioperative care: the idea that patients can be “cleared” for anesthesia by non-anesthesia providers. While well-intentioned, this language blurs professional boundaries and creates real risks for patients and anesthesia teams alike.
The goals for this show ar
Grade 1 View – S2, E4 – Advocacy in Action: Why SRNAs Must Show Up
Advocacy can feel intimidating, especially as a student. But what if your future scope of practice, reimbursement, autonomy, and even student loan access are being shaped right now?
Mackenzie and Levi recently attended Lobby Day in Florida and Nicolas went to Capitol Day in Arizona. Kelsey asks them about their experiences and advice for other SRNAs. You’ll learn more about what advocacy events ac
The Fab 4 & the Power of Relationships in the CRNA Community
In this special episode, the conversation goes beyond anesthesia, leadership, and practice models and into something just as essential: friendship, health, and wellness. In a profession that is demanding, high‑stakes, and often isolating, the relationships CRNAs build with one another can be a powerful source of strength.
Sharon is joined by longtime friends Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP
Airway Exchange – Ep. 11 - Inside EDGE: The Conversations Shaping Nurse Anesthesia Education
Recorded live at the EDGE Conference, this special episode brings all four hosts together for an honest, reflective conversation about what makes this meeting so meaningful for CRNA educators, and why it continues to matter more than ever.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🎓 The Value of EDGE for Educators - Why this conference remains a cornerstone for faculty connection and growth
Reimagining the Oral Airway: Innovation Born in the OR
Oral airways have looked basically the same for nearly a century despite dramatic changes in patient populations, sedation practices, and monitoring standards. What if a simple design change could bring significant improvements to safety and efficacy? In this episode, CRNA John Brown and entrepreneur Jason Keen of Arete Medical Devices share the story behind a newly designed oral airway that aims
Recommended
Fox news
K-Drama Obsessed Mamas | Beyond “Just One More Episode!”
True Crime Classics
The Healer Revolution
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Hard Knocks Podcast
Effective Weight Loss for Moms | High protein, Strength Training, Lose Weight, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Healthy Habits
The Human-Animal Connection - Pet Life Radio Original
Infinite Health with Dr. Arasi Maran
