Atomic Anesthesia

Rhea Temmermand, PhD, CRNA & Sachi Lord, MSN, CRNA

Welcome to Atomic Anesthesia, the essential podcast for nurse anesthesia residents seeking to master both basic and clinical science education (and RNs looking to become CRNAs, too!). Join us as we break down tough science concepts and demonstrating their practical clinical application in real-world scenarios. Each episode of Atomic Anesthesia is crafted to provide comprehensive explanations of complex scientific principles, tailored specifically for the needs of nurse anesthesia residents or nurses preparing for graduate school. Whether you're grappling with pharmacology, physiology, or any other challenging subject, our expert hosts are here to guide you through every step of the learning process. But we don't stop there. Atomic Anesthesia goes beyond the classroom, inviting esteemed guests from both the scientific and CRNA communities to share their insights and experiences. From discussions on graduate school training to invaluable tips for navigating the complexities of clinical practice, our diverse range of topics ensures that every episode is packed with valuable knowledge and practical advice. Whether you're commuting to clinicals, hitting the gym, or simply relaxing at home, Atomic Anesthesia is the perfect companion for learning on the go. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your journey towards becoming a proficient and confident nurse anesthethesiologist.

  1. 4D AGO

    KETAMINE UNLOCKED: MECHANISMS, DOSING & CLINICAL PEARLS │ EP71

    Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that provides powerful analgesia while preserving spontaneous ventilation, airway reflexes, and sympathetic tone, which makes it especially valuable in trauma, bronchospasm, difficult airways, and in patients with high opioid tolerance. As a phencyclidine derivative with a chiral center, it exists as two enantiomers, with S-ketamine roughly twice as potent as R-ketamine and associated with fewer unpleasant emergence reactions, while its pKa and balanced water–lipid solubility allow rapid CNS penetration and redistribution-limited offset. Its multimodal mechanism centers on noncompetitive NMDA antagonism but also includes opioid receptor modulation, catecholamine reuptake inhibition, AMPA receptor effects, ion channel blockade, muscarinic antagonism, and anti-inflammatory actions, all of which underpin clinical dosing strategies for induction, maintenance, procedural sedation, and analgesic infusions as well as key considerations around emergence delirium, secretions, cardiovascular status, and ICP. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    24 min

  2. DEC 18

    IF I WENT BACK TO CRNA SCHOOL, I'D STUDY LIKE THIS INSTEAD │ EP70

    In this reflective episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we explore how perspective shifts with experience and how nurse anesthesia residents can study more effectively not just for exams, but for lasting clinical mastery. The episode outlines twelve lessons the host would apply if starting grad school again—from focusing on physiology over perfectionism, to using memory maps instead of endless notes, to treating organization as a core learning strategy rather than an afterthought. Listeners will hear why prioritizing long-term understanding, questioning clinical conventions, and building strong professional networks early can transform both their education and their future practice. Practical, honest, and experience-driven, this episode reminds anesthesia trainees that true competence comes from depth, connection, and curiosity—not from chasing straight A’s. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    27 min

  3. DEC 15

    THE DEXMEDETOMIDINE PLAYBOOK: WHAT STRONG CRNAS NEED TO KNOW │ EP69

    This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast focuses on dexmedetomidine (Precedex), a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist that provides cooperative, arousable sedation, analgesia, anxiolysis, and sympatholysis with minimal respiratory depression for perioperative and ICU care. Aimed at nurse anesthesia residents, it reviews dexmedetomidine’s α2-selective pharmacology, rapid distribution and hepatic metabolism, and its ability to mimic non-REM sleep via locus coeruleus inhibition while significantly reducing MAC and opioid requirements. Listeners learn practical dosing strategies for OR, ICU, and procedural sedation, common indications such as awake fiberoptic intubation, MAC cases, withdrawal management, and pediatric emergence delirium, and key safety considerations including bradycardia, hypotension, transient hypertension with rapid loading, and the ongoing need for vigilant airway and hemodynamic monitoring when incorporating dexmedetomidine into multimodal anesthetic plans. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    19 min

  4. DEC 11

    FROM TRAUMA BAYS TO BATTLEFIELDS: TRAINING PROVIDERS FOR AUSTERE ENVIRONMENTS │ EP68

    In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, host Dr. Rhea Temmermand speaks with Michael Hoess, CRNA and Lead CRNA for Education at Cooper University Hospital, about the crucial role of CRNAs in austere and tactical medical environments. Drawing on over a decade of trauma and resuscitation experience, Mike shares how CRNAs contribute to training military and government medical teams operating in resource-limited or remote conditions. The discussion explores how core anesthesia principles adapt when blood banks, ventilators, or full surgical teams aren’t available, emphasizing the importance of airway control, hemodynamic management, and damage control resuscitation in the field. Mike also discusses building resilience through high-stress simulations, developing adaptive leadership skills, and fostering mission readiness for both seasoned CRNAs and students. Listeners gain insight into how these lessons from austere medicine can strengthen everyday anesthesia practice and prepare clinicians for the challenges of modern conflict and disaster response. If you want to reach out to Michael, you can contact him at michael.p.hoess@gmail.com or hoess-michael@cooperhealth.edu Articles: Austere Resuscitative and Surgical Care Teams: Supporting Far-Forward Trauma Care on the Future BattlefieldMilitary and Civilian Surgery Partner for Innovation, EffectivenessA Western trainer says talk of 'golden hour' would be laughable to Ukrainian forces. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    40 min

  5. DEC 8

    YOU JUST GOT INTO CRNA SCHOOL...NOW WHAT? │ EP67

    In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we’re talking to future nurse anesthetists who’ve just crushed the biggest milestone yet — getting accepted into CRNA school. Between acceptance and day one, there’s often a long waiting period, and this episode is your roadmap for using that time strategically. From tackling financial readiness and creating a solid academic foundation to preparing your family, refining your clinical skills in the ICU, and strengthening your mindset, we cover every step of the “Pre‑CRNA School Survival Checklist.” You’ll learn how to simplify your finances, refresh your physiology and pharmacology knowledge, set up realistic support systems, and mentally prepare for the demands ahead. Whether you start in a few months or next year, this episode gives you a clear, actionable plan to transition smoothly from RN to SRNA with confidence and focus. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    25 min

  6. DEC 4

    WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN WORKING WITH CRNA PRECEPTORS │ EP66

    This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast features guest Cori James, DNP, CRNA, for a candid and practical discussion on what not to do when working with CRNA preceptors. Designed for nurse anesthesia residents, this conversation highlights the most common pitfalls students unknowingly fall into during clinical rotations—from over-socializing and being unprepared to showing poor teachability, lacking situational awareness, or demonstrating unsafe habits in the OR. Cori shares firsthand insights on maintaining professionalism, demonstrating initiative, and developing adaptability across different teaching styles. The episode also explores critical aspects of communication, infection control, and teamwork that can make or break a student’s clinical experience. Whether you’re just beginning your first rotation or refining your professional presence, this episode equips you with the self-awareness and mindset needed to build strong preceptor relationships and thrive in the clinical setting. If you want to contact Cori, follow her on TikTok @corijamess or IG at @coricrna. You can also email her at coricrna@gmail.com Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    45 min

  7. DEC 1

    PROPOFOL SECRETS YOUR PRECEPTORS EXPECT YOU TO KNOW (PHARMACOLOGY SERIES) │ EP65

    In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, host Dr. Rhea Temmermand provides a detailed pharmacology review of propofol, the main IV sedative hypnotic used for induction, maintenance, and procedural sedation in anesthesia practice. The episode covers propofol’s drug class and chemistry, its lipid emulsion formulation and infection risk, and key physicochemical properties including high lipophilicity and protein binding. Listeners learn the mechanism of action at the GABA A receptor, translating into CNS effects, cardiovascular and respiratory depression, and no analgesia. The discussion walks through pharmacokinetics and context‑sensitive half‑time in a clinically practical way, tying concepts to infusion planning and dosing strategies for various cases. Major adverse effects, toxicity including propofol infusion syndrome, allergy and infection‑control practices, and drug synergies are highlighted, with high‑yield clinical pearls on patient selection, hemodynamics, and airway rescue. REFERENCES: Nagelhout JJ, Elisha S, Heiner JS, eds. Nurse Anesthesia. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022.Flood P, Rathmell JP, Urman RD, eds. Stoelting’s Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice. 6th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2021.Katzung BG, ed. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. Want to learn more? Grab our Cardiac Pharm Course --> [HERE] ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    45 min

  8. NOV 12

    ETOMIDATE + ADRENAL SUPPRESSION: IS IT CLINICALLY RELEVANT? │ EP64

    This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast unpacks the real clinical risk of adrenal suppression after a single dose of etomidate, challenging common debates every anesthesia resident faces. Drawing on the latest studies, listeners will discover exactly which patient groups—cardiac, septic, trauma, pediatric, and elective—are actually vulnerable to etomidate’s effects, and when transient adrenal suppression matters for outcomes. The discussion highlights the drug’s unique origins, why its hemodynamic stability often outweighs risks in routine cases, and why infusions are off the table. Tune in for practical guidance on using etomidate safely, tips for steroid coverage in critically ill patients, and a sneak peek at promising new etomidate analogs. Whether you’re prepping for exams or your next high-stakes induction, this episode helps you make smarter, evidence-based choices in the OR.. Want to learn more? Create a FREE account at www.atomicanesthesia.com ⚛️ CONNECT: 🩷 Subscribe to our YouTube channel 💜 Follow us on Instagram 💙 Follow us on TikTok 📥 Have a topic you want to hear? Email Dr. Temmermand at hello@atomicanesthesia.com

    16 min
See All (71)

4.9
out of 5
131 Ratings

About

Welcome to Atomic Anesthesia, the essential podcast for nurse anesthesia residents seeking to master both basic and clinical science education (and RNs looking to become CRNAs, too!). Join us as we break down tough science concepts and demonstrating their practical clinical application in real-world scenarios. Each episode of Atomic Anesthesia is crafted to provide comprehensive explanations of complex scientific principles, tailored specifically for the needs of nurse anesthesia residents or nurses preparing for graduate school. Whether you're grappling with pharmacology, physiology, or any other challenging subject, our expert hosts are here to guide you through every step of the learning process. But we don't stop there. Atomic Anesthesia goes beyond the classroom, inviting esteemed guests from both the scientific and CRNA communities to share their insights and experiences. From discussions on graduate school training to invaluable tips for navigating the complexities of clinical practice, our diverse range of topics ensures that every episode is packed with valuable knowledge and practical advice. Whether you're commuting to clinicals, hitting the gym, or simply relaxing at home, Atomic Anesthesia is the perfect companion for learning on the go. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge and skills you need to excel in your journey towards becoming a proficient and confident nurse anesthethesiologist.

Information

  • Creator
    Rhea Temmermand, PhD, CRNA & Sachi Lord, MSN, CRNA
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Rhea Temmermand, PhD, CRNA & Sachi Lord, MSN, CRNA
  • Show Website
    Atomic Anesthesia

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