Beyond The Mask: Innovation & Opportunities For CRNAs

CRNAs provide the majority of obstetric care across much of the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, the data hasn’t always reflected that reality. That disconnect is exactly what sparked the creation of the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research (SONAR), a growing movement focused on advancing nurse-led research and elevating the role of CRNAs in obstetrics. In this episode, the team behind SONAR shares how the organization started, the challenges they’re working to solve, and why their research could reshape the future of OB anesthesia. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 👶 CRNAs provide a majority of OB anesthesia care 🔍 Data gaps are masking the true impact of CRNAs 📊 Research is critical to shaping future policy 🏥 OB care varies widely between urban and rural settings 🚀 SONAR is working to elevate and unify the specialty   Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Learn more about SONAR: https://www.sonar-ob.org/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Earn MAC Dev Credit: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) represents one of the most complex and physiologically demanding procedures encountered in modern perioperative medicine. In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy: Lynn & Garry Unplugged, Garry takes listeners on a deep dive into the anesthetic management of these challenging cases. Rather than a checklist approach, this conversation walks through how to think during a HIPEC case—understanding the phases, recognizing evolving physiology, and staying ahead of rapid changes. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🔥 HIPEC creates controlled physiologic stress 🧠 Anticipation matters more than reaction 💧 Precision fluid management is critical 🌡️ Temperature swings must be managed actively 🔄 Physiology is constantly evolving   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

What really matters when you move from being a student to stepping into your role as a CRNA? In this special crossover episode recorded at the AANA Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., Levi Davis interviews Airway Exchange hosts Nickie Damico, PhD, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA and Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA about advocacy, their role as educators, and the transition from resident to practicing CRNA. Mid-Year Assembly brings together CRNAs, residents, and nursing students to discuss important topics in the field of nurse anesthesia. It serves as a platform for networking, advocacy, and education, creating an atmosphere unlike any other.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 🏛️ Advocacy shapes your future career 🤝 Networking builds long-term opportunities 🎓 The transition to CRNA is a mindset shift ⚠️ Confidence and vigilance must balance 🧠 Culture matters in your first job   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

The future of nurse anesthesiology leadership is on the ballot. In this special election edition of Beyond the Mask, you’ll hear directly from every candidate running in the AANA Board of Directors, including candidates for Director, Treasurer, Vice President, and President-Elect. Each candidate shares their background, leadership experience, priorities, and vision for the future of the CRNA profession. 🗳️ Voting runs May 12 through May 26 at noon Central Time. Login and cast your vote here. Here are the candidates we’ll hear from: Director Candidates: Matt Oxford, DNP, MSN, BSEd, CRNA - Georgia Myra Branch, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA - Virginia Bijal Chaturvedi, DNP, CRNA, FNP, FAANA - Illinois Jeffrey Darna, PhD, DNP, CRNA, ACNP-BC, FAANA - California Dee Berry, DNAP, MS, CRNA - MIchigan Laura Wiggins, DNP, MSN, CRNA, Lt. Col. (Ret), USAF  - Pennsylvania Howie Goodwin, DNAP, MSN, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA - Virginia Treasurer Candidate: Debra Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA - Florida Daniel King, DNP, CRNA, CPPS, CNE, FNAP  - Illinois Joseph Rodriguez, DNAP,  CRNA - Arizona Vice President Candidate: Suzie Newell, DNP, CRNA, FAANA - Ohio Randy Cornelius, DNP, MSN, CRNA - Iowa Erin Foley, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, APRN, FAANA - Maine President-Elect Candidate: Erik Rauch, DNP, MBA, CRNA, NSPM-C - Florida Jennifer Banek, MSN, MHA, CRNA – Illinois   Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Cast your vote here: https://www.aana.com/membership/elections-and-governance/governance/election-center/candidates/    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

In this episode, we sit down with mentorship program participants Jon Casto, SRNA and Abigail Poss, SRNA, to find out what surprised them, what inspired them, and what they wish every future CRNA knew before attending AANA Mid-Year Assembly Stepping into a national conference for the first time can feel overwhelming but it can also be the moment everything clicks. You’ll hear real experiences from residents navigating their first major professional event, how mentorship accelerates growth, and why getting involved sooner rather than later can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🤝 Mentorship accelerates career growth 🌎 Networking builds lifelong connections 🏛️ Advocacy starts earlier than you think 📚 Students can lead from day one 🚀 Early involvement shapes future leaders   Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ Earn MAC Dev Credit: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246