CRNAs are self-starters who strive in individual settings, but we’re all much stronger and successful with the support of others. In our latest podcast episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with the Fab Four, a group of extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on the CRNA community. These trailblazers, innovators, and phenomenal individuals have not only shaped the profession but have also built a powerful support network that has been instrumental in their success. Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring discussion on leadership, mentorship, and the power of friendship.   ..read more

In this episode, we’ll explore nurse anesthetists’ indispensable role in disaster response and mass casualty incidents (MCIs). Drawing from real-life examples, including the harrowing experiences during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, we’ll highlight the resilience, expertise, and dedication required from nurse anesthetists in times of crisis. We’ll also dive into the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) guidelines and the importance of preparedness, coordination, and innovative problem-solving in managing both clinical operations and emergencies.   Here’s some of what we discuss ..read more

Retirement represents a pivotal milestone in a CRNA’s life and it ushers in a new phase that could extend over 20 to 30 years or more. How do you best prepare yourself for that transition after work? Today we’re joined by John Diehl, CFP®, CLU®, ChFC® of Hartford Funds to discuss the four stages of retirement and the impact of longevity on financial planning and quality of life. Join us as we explore the concept of 8000 days developed by the MIT Age Lab.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why MIT breaks down things down into 8000 day sections of life. What is the Age Lab a ..read more

We’re thrilled to spend time today with a special guest who is not just a nurse anesthetist but also a passionate advocate for healthcare and community issues. Kellie Deeter, CRNA is currently running for a seat in the Ohio House of Representatives with a campaign focused on her extensive experience in the medical field and a commitment to public service. Join us as we hear about her journey, the vision she has for Ohio, and how her CRNA background has prepared her for politics.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Her background as a nurse anesthetist, wife, mother of six ..read more

Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anesthetist profession. In part two of the conversation, we’ll look back through the significant transformations over decades, evolving from diploma programs to doctoral entry. Learn more about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the profession, from early practice battles to the establishment of standardized education and accreditation.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why it became necessary for nurse anesthetists to orga ..read more

Today we’re joined by the distinguished Elena Meadows, DNP, CRNA, who is the Associate Director of Didactic Education at Wake Forest University’s nurse anesthesia educational program. In this episode, the trio dives deep into Alpha-Gal Syndrome, an emerging and pressing healthcare concern involving severe allergies to animal proteins, primarily transmitted by the Lone Star tick. Elena shares her extensive background in nursing education and her journey into the study of Alpha-Gal Syndrome.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Background on Alpha-Gal and how the allergy gets ..read more

Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anesthetist profession. We’ll cover everything over two episodes and we’ll begin with the challenges faced by nurse anesthetists, the formation of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and the significant contributions of pioneers like Agatha Hodgins, Gertrude Fife, and Helen Lamb.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: What led to the formation of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NANA), now known as the AANA. The ..read more

In this week’s episode, we tackle a topic that is sometimes overlooked and deserves more attention: the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: the care of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ginny Ramsey, DNAP, CRNA, ARNP, CHSE has dedicated her career to improving patient outcomes and raising awareness about the unique challenges facing this underserved community, and today’s show will help all nurse anesthetists provide better care.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Why people with disabilities don’t have the same ..read more

Today we're diving deep into a critical and often deadly complication in septic patients: Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy or SIC. We'll be discussing the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management strategies based on a comprehensive narrative review by Drs. Brittney Williams, Lin Zou, Jean-Francois Pittet, and Wei Chao.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The pathophysiology of SIC is a complex interplay between the immune and coagulation systems. We’ll discuss the diagnostic criteria and tools in detail. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for init ..read more

How would you enjoy turning on your favorite streaming platform and finding a sitcom about anesthesia? It could become a reality if a CRNA’s efforts come to fruition. In this episode, we welcome Ben Hartland, CRNA to discuss his creative endeavor in producing a pilot TV episode about dental anesthesia and the challenges that come with producing a show about the world of dental sedation. Find out how this idea even began and what you can do to help support the endeavor.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How the TV pilot idea about dentistry came to fruition. How COVID kick ..read more