Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Beyond The Mask Podcast
  • 4.6 (203)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Daily

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

  1. 4d ago

    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 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

  2. 6d ago

    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 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

    Airway Exchange – Ep 26 - How to Build Better CRNA Simulation Training

  3. Sep 3

    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 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

  4. Sep 1

    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 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

  5. Aug 27

    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, 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

  6. Aug 25

    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 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

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

  7. Aug 20

    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 therapy uses gas laws and physiology to stimulate healing 🎗️ Cancer Recovery: Many patients are treated for delayed radiation injuries 🦶 Limb Salvage: Coordinated care may prevent or reduce the extent of amputation 👂 Hearing Restoration: Early treatment can improve sudden sensorineural hearing loss ⚠️ Safety Matters: Regulated hospital care is very different from wellness-center hyperbarics   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

  8. Aug 18

    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 president and longtime voice in nurse anesthesia, but also a CRNA shaped by mentors, advocacy, hard clinical lessons, and a deep belief in giving back to the profession. She shares the stories behind her career, the people who helped build her confidence, what students can learn from difficult days, and why preserving the history of nurse anesthesia has become such an important part of her legacy. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🩺 Early Calling: Sharon knew she wanted to be a nurse from childhood and found anesthesia soon after 🧠 Learn From Everyone: Students have a unique opportunity to borrow the best habits from every CRNA they work with 💪 Hard Days Matter: Difficult clinical experiences often become the lessons you remember most 🤝 Mentors Leave Marks: A few words of encouragement can shape an entire career 🏛️ Know the History: Understanding where the profession came from helps future CRNAs understand where it can go   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

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About

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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