Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

Jaksot

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  The Digital Didactic: Reimagining How We Teach Anesthesia with Richard Wilson 17.09.2026 43min

  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
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  Grade 1 View – S2, E19 – CRNA Leadership, Advocacy & Entrepreneurship with AANA President Tracy Young 15.09.2026 22min

  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
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  What Nurse Anesthesia Looks Like in Finland 10.09.2026 27min

  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
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  Airway Exchange – Ep 26 - How to Build Better CRNA Simulation Training 08.09.2026 36min

  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
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  Inside AANA's New Strategy With CEO Bill Bruce 03.09.2026 49min

  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
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  Grade 1 View – S2, E18 – AANA Annual Congress from the Resident Perspective 01.09.2026 22min

  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
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  Closing the Airway Gap in Deep Sedation 27.08.2026 49min

  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 form3. 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
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  Airway Exchange – Ep. 25 – What Makes a Great CRNA Applicant? 25.08.2026 44min

  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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  Inside the World of Hyperbaric Medicine & the Intersection with Anesthesia 20.08.2026 31min

  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
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  Grade 1 View – S2, E17 – Lessons From a Lifetime in Nurse Anesthesia with Sharon Pearce 18.08.2026 44min

  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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  From CRNA to Shark Tank Entrepreneur 13.08.2026 47min

  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 explaining why CRNA training gave him the confidence to pursue something completely outside anesthesia. His story is a reminder of what can happen when curiosity turns into action. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎨 Creativity Matters: A lifelong interest in art eventually became the foundation for a business 🧠 Ignorance Can Help: Being a beginner forced Mike to build a system that other beginners could understand 🦈 Take the Shot: A casual Shark Tank application eventually led to a national television appearance 📈 Start Small: Legit Kits began with roughly $2,000 and grew by testing the idea before making bigger bets 🚀 Do the Thing: Progress came from acting, learning, adjusting, and refusing to wait for perfect conditions   Watch the Shark Tank appearance: https://youtu.be/1D_Zxseg0FU  Watch the YouTube music video: https://youtu.be/a5dCJezwX0I?si=ELR74lT_st-C5HDw  Check out Legit Kits: www.legitkits.com  Check out the book ‘Landlord Away Your Student Loan Debt’: https://a.co/d/07afgW7X    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
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  Airway Exchange – Ep. 24 – Training Future CRNA Educators 11.08.2026 41min

  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, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Megan Kakela, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Jordan Popp, DNP, CRNA, APRN, and Grace Bedu, DNP, CRNA, APRN to discuss how the program combines mentorship, clinical release time, exam development, simulation teaching, and exposure to the realities of academic life. Their experience offers a practical model for strengthening the nurse anesthesia faculty pipeline. Here's what you'll hear in this episode: 🎓 Start Early: Develop future educators while they are still students 🤝 Intentional Mentorship: Pair interested SRNAs with invested faculty members 📝 Teaching Preparation: Include lectures, item writing, assessment, and simulation ⏰ Protected Time: Clinical release makes meaningful participation possible 🌱 Faculty Pipeline: Graduates can return as prepared faculty or adjunct instructors   Learn more about the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia: https://www.nurseanesthesia.org/   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
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  Why Onco-Anesthesia Still Has Big Questions 06.08.2026 31min

  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 to one of the biggest unresolved questions in anesthesia: does the anesthetic technique used during cancer surgery affect long-term cancer outcomes? Adam discusses why several major research studies were expected to provide clarity, how funding cuts have stalled key randomized controlled trials, and why providers are still left with more questions than answers. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤖 AI Revolution: Transforming anesthesia and patient care 🧬 Cancer Research: Understanding the impact of funding cuts 📈 Emerging Trends: Why cancer rates are rising in younger adults 💉 Smarter Medicine: Personalizing anesthesia with artificial intelligence 📚 Lifelong Learning: Preparing for the future of healthcare   Check out the first part of this Onco-Anesthesia conversation with Adam: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/the-connection-between-cancer-anesthesia-with-adam-flowe/5356/ 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
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  Grade 1 View – S2, E16 – Opportunities for Future CRNAs at AANA Annual Congress 04.08.2026 26min

  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, ​we ​thought ​it ​would ​be ​a ​perfect ​time ​to ​bring ​on ​some ​people ​who ​make ​all ​of ​this ​happen. So today Levi sits down with Hallie Evans, DNP, CRNA - AANA Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, Julie Rossberger, AANA Manager of Member Engagement and Experience, and Becky Frese, AANA Professional Practice Specialist to highlight the programming created specifically for RNs and nurse anesthesia residents. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🗺️ Curated Tracks: Follow programming designed for RNs and residents 🤝 Build Connections: Meet peers, leaders, faculty, and future employers 🎤 Interview Practice: RNs can receive direct feedback from CRNA faculty 🧠 Resident Support: Explore wellness, career, and transition resources 🎉 Congress Experience: Make time for education, networking, and community   Know Before You Go: RN Edition Navigating Congress 2026: Your Guide to Making the Most of the Experience Date: 8/18/26 Time: 6 pm – 7 pm CST Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YleziCZaSqagv7GI5hOPQA   2026 Annual Congress Homepage: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/ Full Congress Schedule: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/live-schedule/   Resident Highlights: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/residents/ RN Highlights: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/rns/   Know Before You Go: RRNA Edition Congress 2026 for Residents: Your Guide to Learning, Networking, and Success Date: 8/17/2026 Time: 6 pm – 7 pm CST Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YleziCZaSqagv7GI5hOPQA   Learn more about AANA Annual Congress: https://www.aana.com/premier-event/annual-congress/  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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  Unlocking Opportunities for CRNAs Beyond Clinical Practice with Aurnova CEO Linda Caccamo 30.07.2026 45min

  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’ll explore all areas of that in this conversation. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🎓 Leadership Development: Why clinical expertise isn't always enough 💼 Business Education: How MBAs and MHAs open new opportunities 🤖 AI in Healthcare: Preparing for the next wave of innovation 🚀 Career Growth: Expanding your influence beyond patient care 🤝 Mentorship Matters: Standing on the shoulders of those before us   Check out ’10 Leadership Roles That Open Up With Your MHA in 2026’: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MHA-10-Careers-2606.pdf   Learn more about Aurnova University: https://aurnova.com/   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
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  Airway Exchange – Ep 23 - Incivility in Clinical Education: Creating Better Learning Environments for Future CRNAs 28.07.2026 44min

  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 of incivility during training, while exploring why these situations occur and what educators, preceptors, and clinical leaders can do to improve the experience for everyone involved. Rather than simply identifying the problem, this conversation focuses on practical solutions.   Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏥 OR Culture: Understanding incivility in clinical education 📊 New Research: What 300+ survey responses revealed 🧠 Resilience vs. Wellness: Preparing students for difficult environments 🤝 Preceptor Training: Equipping mentors for success 📈 Leadership Impact: Why healthy cultures improve recruitment and retention    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
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  The Global Registry That Could Transform Anesthesia Care 23.07.2026 36min

  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 ​providers ​to ​capture ​essential ​surgical ​and ​anesthesia ​data, ​making ​our ​care ​visible ​in ​ways ​it ​hasn't ​been ​before. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🌍 Global Advocacy – Using data to influence healthcare policy worldwide 📊 The Operative Encounter Registry – Making anesthesia care measurable 🏥 Improving Access – Why data matters for expanding surgical care 👩‍⚕️ The Role of CRNAs – Supporting safe anesthesia in underserved regions 🤝 Building the Future – Collaboration with WHO, IFNA, and G4 Alliance   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/dr-richard-henker/ Learn more about the Operative Encounter Registry: https://theg4alliance.org/oer-cop/ 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
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  Grade 1 View – S2, E15 – Surviving Clinicals: Lessons from Future CRNAs 21.07.2026 44min

  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 mistakes and imposter syndrome, while providing lessons on stress management and learning to laugh at yourself, this conversation is a reassuring reminder that becoming a CRNA is a journey—not a test of perfection. If you're about to start clinicals, this is the conversation you'll wish you heard on day one. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 😬 First-Day Nerves: Walking into the OR for the first time 💉 Clinical Mistakes: The embarrassing moments everyone experiences 🧠 Mental Resilience: Coping with criticism and difficult days 🤝 Finding Great Mentors: The impact of supportive preceptors ❤️ Perspective & Growth: Why mistakes are part of becoming a CRNA   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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  The Three Legal Battles That Shaped the CRNA Profession 16.07.2026 49min

  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 foundation for the profession's continued autonomy. It's an essential history lesson for every nurse anesthetist and a reminder that today's opportunities were earned through decades of advocacy. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: ⚖️ Three Historic Briefs – The only amicus briefs ever filed by the AANA 👩‍⚕️ Dagmar Nelson's Legacy – The case that secured CRNAs' legal right to administer anesthesia 🏛️ Antitrust Battles – Protecting fair competition and CRNA practice 📚 Lessons from History – Why every CRNA should know these stories 🤝 Advocacy Matters – How legal action continues to shape the 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
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  Airway Exchange – Ep. 22 – Improving Anesthesia Education Through Item Analysis 14.07.2026 30min

  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, CAPT (Ret), USN and Pedro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA, APRN to break down the importance of item analysis, a topic they presented at AANA’s EDGE event earlier this year. Just as CRNAs constantly refine their clinical practice, educators should continually evaluate, reflect, and improve the tools they use to assess learning. Better assessments lead to better education. Better education ultimately leads to better patient care. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 📊 Item Analysis: Using data to improve assessments 🎯 Better Questions: Writing exams that truly measure learning 👩‍🏫 Teaching Growth: Letting assessment data shape instruction 📚 Student Success: Building trust through fair evaluations 🔍 Continuous Improvement: Becoming a stronger educator every semester   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