Awakened Anesthetist

Awakened Anesthetist

This podcast is for Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants, AA students, and anyone hoping to become one. As a CAA, I know how difficult it can be to find guidance that truly reflects our unique perspective. I created Awakened Anesthetist to be the supportive community of CAAs I needed on my own journey. Every month, I feature CAA expanders in what I call my PROCESS interview series. I also create solo episodes that weave in themes of wellness, self-discovery, and mindful growth - offering insights and reflections that resonate with our high-pressure, high-responsibility lives. Through it all, you’ll discover the power you hold as a CAA to create a life by design, not by default. I know you’ll find yourself here at the Awakened Anesthetist podcast.

Episodes

June 25, 2025 15 mins

During this mid summer break check-in I announce the launch of CAA Matters, the first comprehensive professional development and wellness curriculum designed specifically for the Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant profession. After years of development, I'm piloting the program with 4 NSU AA programs and expanding offerings to both AA programs and Pre-Anesthesiologist Assistant students.

In this episode:

  • Discovering almost...
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Nicole Moore, Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and 2025 AAAA* President, shares her journey from discovering the CAA profession through a Google search to becoming a pivotal leader in CAA advocacy and education.

*American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants

In this LIVE Season 4 Finale recorded @ AAAA 2025 you will hear how Nicole:

  • Balances full-time clinical practice with AAAA presidency through an intentionally designed s...
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Are you a CAA looking for a new job? Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down again with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down the exact process to land your dream job.

In this episode we discuss:

  • common fears surrounding locums work
  • the paperwork involved: state CAA licenses and hospital credentialing 
  • the mone...
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Step into the world of Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants with Yulanda Greene as she shares her remarkable PROCESS to become a prominent CAA educator and leader. As the 2025 president of the Georgia Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants, Yulanda passionately advocates for the profession while offering insight into the challenges and rewards of her career path. In this PROCESS interview, Yulanda shares the little nudges and whis...

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Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...

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Reflecting on recent experiences, I share how taking an intentional break has rejuvenated my commitment to living life by my design. From unexpected snow days to exciting new projects like CAA Matters, this episode emphasizes the importance of balance and self-care in both personal and professional realms.  

In this episode I talk about:
• Personal update on podcast winter break and family time 
• The impact of tak...

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Get to know Chabely Rodriguez, a trailblazing Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant and social media influencer. As a first-generation Mexican-American woman, Chabely's story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Her story highlights not just the allure of financial stability, but also the profound impact of connecting with underrepresented groups who aspire to follow in her footsteps. From maintaining a healthy work...

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Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...

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Originally aired December 2022.
I hope this fun 5ish episode leaves you feeling nourished, encouraged and connected to yourself and our community this holiday/4th quarter season. You (still) deserve to feel good behind the drape.

Additional Resources:

  • Try out Lindywell at home Pilates for Free
  • Meal subscription services I have used before include Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Green Chef, Sunfresh, Home Chef

You can no...

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Join me for a 10-minute meditation, designed to fit into your busy day whether you're on a work break or commuting, learn how to embrace your natural source of resilience.

Meditation begins around 4:33

This isn't just about managing stress; it's about nurturing an inner resilience that's often overlooked. By allowing positive qualities to infiltrate our thoughts and emotions, we reinforce the s...

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Discover how Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs) can revolutionize their careers with the growing number of locums opportunities. I sit down with Sabrina Strange from LocumTenens.com to break down exactly what "working locums" means for CAAs, and what you need to have in place before considering a locums position.

LocumTenens.com
has recently updated their platform to make it more accessible than ever f...

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This is an update to Stephanie Zunini's original PROCESS episode 35 released September 1st, 2023. We catch up with Stephanie more than a year later to discuss the arduous process required to actually practice in a new state after passing a CAA licensure bill. Stephanie's experience in Nevada highlights the emotional and physical toll of this long, slow legislative process. She shares the behind the scenes of why she made ...

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Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...

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In this joint PROCESS episode, 2024 DEI AAAA scholarship winners, Ellen Fleurival and Tekiah McClary, share their unique paths to become Anesthesiologist Assistant students. Together, we uncover the challenges and triumphs they’ve faced, navigating through the demands of AA school while breaking barriers in a predominantly homogenous field. Ellen and Tekiah reflect on their motivations, their resilience, and the broader themes of u...

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In this episode, the 2024 AAAA DEI Committee chair, Arielle, and I, dive into the goals and selection process for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AAAA scholarship. This scholarship is designed to create a more inclusive CAA community by valuing each applicant's unique story. With criteria that emphasize student involvement and contributions to diversity, the scholarship seeks to ensure representation and prevent bias. 

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Gain the confidence to make decisions aligned with your true desires and embrace a compassionate approach to life. We'll explore how mindfulness can help break the cycle of equating worth with productivity, fostering inherent worthiness and resilience. I'll also share my personal experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder, illustrating how mindfulness has been pivotal in managing anxiety and building resilience. Wheth...

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Curious about what it truly means to be a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA)? You're in the right place! From nearly two decades of experience, I share a clear and comprehensive breakdown of the CAA profession. Think of me as your older sister or best friend, guiding you step-by-step through the essentials—from what CAAs actually do to how much money we make, no topic is off limits. Whether you're an aspiring AA s...

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Discover how Washington Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants President, Sarah Brown, paved the way for CAAs in Washington State. Hear her PROCESS from Georgia to Seattle, balancing career & family, and breaking legislative barriers in this 2024 CAA victory.

Do you want CAAs licensed in all 50 states? Then you should
1. Join the AAAA (American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants)
2. Donate to the AAAA Legis...

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If you missed the viral video mentioned in this episode you can watch (or rewatch) it HERE ~credit @CAALifestyle

In this Season 4 premiere I share how going viral in May 2024 changed my life. I give you all the juicy details and my final take away is something you won't expect. I FINALLY learned a big lesson, once and for all.

You can now text me! Questions/Suggestions

Sign up to learn how you can join the fir...

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Join me for my first LIVE podcast interview featuring our 2024 AAAA President, Danny Mesaros. This episode was recorded in April 2024 in front of an intimate audience at the American Academy of Anesthesiologist Assistants (AAAA) conference in Orlando, FL. During this candid conversation Danny discusses the demands of his presidency and what he envisions for the future of our profession.  He also addresses the haters. A must-listen ...

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