Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

What does it really mean to advocate for your profession, and why does it matter before you even graduate? In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kevin and Larry sit down with AANA lead lobbyists Matt Thackston and Kristina Weger to provide a look into the world of CRNA advocacy.

From behind-the-scenes insights on Capitol Hill to tips for making your voice count at Mid-Year Assembly, they share eye-opening stories, practical advice...

Today, ​we're ​focusing ​on ​the ​next ​generation ​of ​CRNAs ​and ​the ​importance ​of ​early ​engagement ​with ​the ​American ​Association ​of ​Nurse ​Anesthesiology ​and ​the ​AANA ​Foundation. ​As ​new ​grads ​step ​into ​their ​careers, ​they ​have ​a ​unique ​opportunity ​to ​connect, ​contribute ​and ​grow ​within ​the ​profession. ​Recent grad Jake Bonnema, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins us to ​discuss ​why ​it’s so important to enga...

Have you ever wondered about the potential impact of surgery and anesthesia on cognitive function? Today’s show will discuss the complexities of Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders (PND), a term encompassing conditions like postoperative delirium (POD), postoperative cognitive decline (POCD), and delayed neurocognitive recovery (DNR).

Through insightful discussions rooted in the latest research, we aim to shed light on:

• The...

Happy Earth Day! In this special episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Olivia explore how anesthesia providers can make a real impact on the environment, one case at a time. As healthcare professionals, CRNAs play a significant role in the healthcare sector, which is responsible for nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions. This episode emphasizes the importance of being environmentally conscious in our practices, especially when it com...

How can a quick bedside ultrasound transform patient safety in anesthesia? Today, Sharon and guest co-host Carole Doyscher, CRNA, BSN, MS, APRN explore the growing role of gastric point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS), a tool helping anesthesia providers assess stomach contents in real time.

Joined by Rachel Edgerton, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, CHSE and three doctoral students from St. Mary’s University - Molly O’Neill, BSN, RN, Hannah Pei...

In this episode of Grade 1 View, we sat down with two incredibly brave and inspiring guests, Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA and Rigo Garcia, MSN, MBA, CRNA, who opened up about their personal battles with substance use disorder. They didn’t hold anything back. From near rock bottom to recovery, from fear and shame to leadership and advocacy, their stories are raw, real, and deeply relevant to our lives as students and future CRNAs.

Here’...

As more CRNAs continue practicing well into their 60s and 70s, it raises a critical and complex question: how do we balance respect for experience with the need to protect patient safety? As ​healthcare ​evolves, ​so ​does ​the ​understanding ​of ​how ​aging ​affects ​performance ​in ​high ​stakes ​environments ​like ​the ​operating ​room. Today we’re going to have an open and honest conversation with longtime educator and CRNA Jud...

Today we’re going to break down three life-threatening syndromes that every CRNA, anesthesia provider, and healthcare professional should know: Serotonin Syndrome, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), and Malignant Hyperthermia (MH).

Though these conditions are rare, their symptoms often overlap—making quick, accurate diagnosis and intervention critical. Garry and Terry take a deep dive into the causes, symptoms, physiology, and t...

Postoperative cognitive disorders (POCD) are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and underestimated, but they can dramatically affect a patient’s recovery and long-term quality of life. We’ve invited Dr. Christine Detwiler to join us so we can better understand the science behind POCD, the risk factors, and the strategies anesthesia providers are using to protect brain health.

Along with guest co-host Dana Pederson, CRNA, we dive ...

All four hosts are back together to welcome an inspirational guest to the show. We’re excited to spend time with David Warren, a nurse practitioner turned CRNA and well-known content creator in the nurse anesthesia community. David opens up about his unconventional journey—going from emergency medicine to nurse anesthesia—and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

📚 David’s unique j...

CRNAs take pride in the precision and care that goes into every procedure, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? In the high-stakes world of healthcare, when something goes wrong, the patient isn’t the only one affected.

Today we’re going to shine a light on Second Victim Syndrome—the emotional trauma healthcare professionals experience following adverse patient events. Joined by Maria van Pelt, PhD, CRNA, CNE, CPPS, FA...

What’s next for CRNAs and the future of nurse anesthesia? Today we’re bringing you an exclusive update from the leadership at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology about the strategic vision for the future of the profession. AANA President Jan Setnor, MSN, CRNA, Col. (Ret), USAFR, NC and President-Elect Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA join us to share key updates, insights, and advocacy efforts shaping nurse anesthesia.

Here...

Why is incivility still a major issue in the healthcare field, and how does it impact students, nurses, and CRNAs? In this episode of Grade 1 View, Kevin and Larry had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Louisa Martin, a distinguished nurse anesthetist and educator about the widespread issue of workplace incivility in nurse anesthesia training and beyond.

Dr. Martin was selected to present at the AANA Annual Congress this year for t...

Does the type of anesthesia used during surgery impact cancer outcomes?  Today we’re going to explore the relationship between cancer and anesthesia with Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital. This topic goes beyond the operating room to cover patient outcomes, recovery and even reoccurrence. Join us to learn more about the growing field of Onco-Anesthesia and its critical role in cancer treatment and patient survival.

Understanding systolic vs. diastolic heart failure is crucial for anesthesia providers, as both conditions present unique challenges in the operating room. In this episode, Terry and Gary break down the key differences between these two types of heart failure, their underlying mechanisms, and the best strategies for anesthesia management.

They discuss the risk factors, symptoms, and pathophysiology of each condition, as well as how...

We’re turning our focus back to healthcare advocacy with a tremendous panel from the Kentucky Fall Meeting. Sharon was joined by KyANA president-elect Jared Crocker, DNP, APRN, CRNA, past president Debbie Barber, DNP, CRNA, and Libby Milligan, Principal with McCarthy Strategic Solutions to discuss why advocacy matters, how to build relationships with legislators, and the vital role CRNAs play in shaping healthcare policy.

Key Topic...

In this episode of Grade 1 View, host Olivia Conn shares her experiences and insights gained from attending AANA’s Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators (ADCE) conference and provides her perspective on the importance of student participation. The ADCE might not seem like an event aimed at students, but understanding the educators' perspectives and engaging in discussions can enhance the learning experience for future CRNAs.

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We’re back with another Courage to Lead special and we’re honoring the legacy of Hilda Salomon, a pioneering figure in nurse anesthesia and the third president of the AANA. Join us as we look back on her remarkable journey from her early life in Lynn, Massachusetts, to her influential role in shaping the nurse anesthesia specialty.

With special guests and past AANA presidents Sandy and Dick Ouellette, we explore Hilda's contributio...

The world of anesthesia is evolving, and pain management is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary non-opioid analgesic, Suzetrigine, a selective NaV1.8 inhibitor making waves in perioperative and acute pain management. With increasing pressure to reduce opioid dependence while maintaining effective pain control, anesthesia providers must stay ahead of cutting-edge developments. Joi...