We’re excited for today’s episode as we explore the intersection of anesthesia, leadership, and military service with the incredible Debra Diaz, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA. She’s a CRNA who served in the US Navy and shares her profound experiences from the front lines to the operating room. Discover the unique challenges of military anesthesia, the critical importance of leadership, and the unyielding spirit of service that defines the CRNA profession.

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

• The difference between being a CRNA in the military and working as a civilian.
• The training the military provides and how the Navy stresses leadership training.
• The experiences she had on aircraft carriers, including being on a ship that had just two females among a crew of 5500 people.
• Debra shares stories about treating combat injuries and why she had to carry multiple weapons during some of her assignments.
• What she gained from her military service that benefits her as a CRNA.

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Today we're exploring a topic that goes deeper into the realms of medicine and neuroscience, and it's something that affects us all: cognitive health post-surgery. Adam Flowe, Chief CRNA at Duke University Hospital, brings his 20 years of experience and a personal connection to the table, discussing the intricate relationship between anesthesia, surgical stress, and the brain. With the aging population and the rise in surgeries, the question of how these procedures affect our cognitive function is more pressing than ever.

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

• Post-op cognitive dysfunction is underreported and has greater incidence than expected.
• CRNAs are critical to prevention and optimization as direct care has major impacts (more so than they probably realize).
• Post-op cognitive decline might be caused by the surgery and not the anesthesia.
• The science behind post-op cognitive decline is expanding rapidly. Inflammation is a key factor and the blood-brain barrier is also key.
• Anesthesia has been awesome in improving safety through equipment and work on HARD OUTCOMES; the future of quality for us is in SOFT OUTCOMES.

About our guest: https://anesthesiology.duke.edu/personnel/adam-flowe-crna

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Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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In this heartfelt episode of Beyond The Mask, a story of unique dynamics when working alongside family in the world of anesthesia comes to life. Jeremy and Sharon sit down with a remarkable mother-daughter duo, Melody Secrest and Emily King, both CRNAs, who share their experiences working in the same hospital department. We uncover the challenges and triumphs that come with balancing professional boundaries and personal relationships in the operating room.

Discover how Melody and Emily navigate their careers while supporting each other, and how they've managed to maintain their individual identities as healthcare professionals. Their story is a testament to the strength and resilience of family bonds in the face of demanding careers.

This episode is not just a conversation; it’s a celebration of the ties that bind in the world of anesthesia. Join us for an episode that goes beyond the professional mask to reveal the personal connections that enrich the CRNA community.

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

• The journey of transitioning from individual careers to working as a family unit.
• Strategies for maintaining professionalism while working with relatives.
• The impact of family dynamics on patient care and team interactions.
• The importance of forging one's own path and identity within the same profession as a parent.

Emily King: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-king-a730a320/

Melody Secrest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-secrest-81947b36/

Johnston Health : https://www.johnstonhealth.org/

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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In this episode, hosts Terry and Garry take listeners on a journey through the evolution of anesthesia, reflecting on the remarkable changes witnessed since their early days in the field. From manual adjustments of OR beds to sophisticated ventilator technologies, they explore the transformative advancements that have revolutionized patient care.

Focusing on lung protective ventilation strategies, Terry and Garry delve into the intricacies of reducing postoperative pulmonary complications, drawing upon historical practices and cutting-edge research to provide valuable insights for anesthesia providers.

With a blend of anecdotal reminiscences and evidence-based discussions, they aim to empower listeners with knowledge to enhance patient outcomes and navigate the complexities of modern anesthesia.

Join Terry and Garry as they embark on a captivating exploration of the past, present, and future of anesthesia.

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

• The transformation of anesthesia technology over the years.
• Understanding atelectasis and its impact on pulmonary physiology.
• The role of PEEP, tidal volumes, and recruitment maneuvers in lung protection.
• The significance of limiting driving pressure during mechanical ventilation.
• The concept of mechanical power and how it relates to potential lung injury.
• Strategies for optimizing patient outcomes and mitigating postoperative complications.

Anesthesia Machine Commercial mentioned in the show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w13QxH9vS1E

Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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With Sharon away for work this week, we invited Andrew Opdyke, CFA from First Trust to join us to address a concern that many people have this year: the future of the market. What's ​the ​Fed ​going ​to ​do? ​Where's ​this ​economy ​going? ​How's ​this ​election ​going ​to ​affect ​my ​portfolio ​and ​my ​financial ​future? We tackle all these pressing financial questions and get Andrew’s thoughts on the year ahead.

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

• What will the Fed do with interest rates in 2024?
• What impact did COVID have with the shutdown and the government spending that followed?
• What is driving inflation right now?
• The issue that stems from consumer debt continuing to rise.
• How will the US service their massive debt and what problems is that causing?
• The impact AI will have on everything.

About our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewopdyke 

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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The intersection of cannabis use, vaping and anesthesia is a topic that’s sparking conversations in operating rooms and beyond. With marijuana legalization spreading across the globe and vaping gaining popularity, it's crucial for healthcare providers and patients alike to understand how these factors can impact the surgical experience. In this episode, we’ll explore this topic and share the considerations CRNAs need to make when dealing with cannabis users.

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

• The science behind how cannabis interacts with our bodies.
• The physiological effects of cannabis use.
• A breakdown of vaping and what it means for those heading into surgery.
• How it impacts the postoperative period.

Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: 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

Step back in time as we celebrate the trailblazing nurse anesthetists who forged a path for today's CRNAs. In this episode, we’re joined by guests Stacy Yancey, MSNA, CRNA and Megan Conner, PhD, CRNA to pay homage to formidable women like Sophie Winton and Gertrude Gerrard, whose remarkable bravery and dedication earned them medals and a place in history. Hear stories of the first nurse anesthetists, whose contributions to medicine have often been overshadowed by time but are no less significant.

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

• Nurses were not only the first to give anesthesia, but were and continue to be the clear experts in anesthesia with an amazing safety record from the beginning of surgical anesthesia until today.
• Nurses went to the frontlines to care for soldiers and administer anesthesia, and nurse anesthetists are still the ones on the frontlines.
• The stories of these early nurse anesthetists need to be told because history often leaves them out.
• Today’s CRNAs should be educated and proud of our nurse anesthesia history and know our profession would not be where it is today without the commitment of these ladies.
• It’s exciting to think what the 60,000 plus CRNAs will accomplish in the future going forward for our patients and our profession.

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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Most CRNAs have come up with solutions in the operating room for airway management, but today’s guest took it a step further and developed a product to address issues we face as patient body types change. Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA takes us on her journey from recognizing the urgent need for better tools to inventing a groundbreaking device, the McMurray Enhanced Airway.

As patient demographics shift and sedation practices evolve, Roxanne shares the challenges anesthesia providers encounter and the creative, patient-centric solutions that are emerging. Our discussion unveils how these innovations not only enhance safety and comfort but also reflect the ingenuity that CRNAs bring to the operating table.

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

• How she came up with the idea and what it took to make it a reality.
• The process for developing and securing a medical patent.
• How products are tested to see how long they will last.
• Roxanne shares stories and outcomes they’ve experienced so far with the product being used.
• How this compares to CPAP devices.

About our guest: https://www.mcmurraymed.com/

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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Substance Use Disorder (SUD) impacts all types of people but trying to confront addiction is never easy. Today we’ll try to unravel the stigma surrounding SUD among anesthesia providers with Amy Yerdon, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CNE. Our discussion illuminates the personal and professional challenges that arise when confronting substance abuse within our ranks. We tackle the complexities of recognizing signs of diversion and the imperative actions that follow, while sharing the poignant emotional toll it takes on everyone involved.

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

• Her perceptions about people with SUD and how that’s changed as she’s learned more about the disease.
• Stories that highlight how much more common this is than many people want to believe.
• Understanding the pharmacology and physiology of substance use disorder may help decrease our negative perceptions.
• Understanding the occupational and personal factors making anesthesia providers more likely to fall into SUD may help change negative perc
• Why anesthesia providers should look out for one another and communicate when they see something.

About our guest: https://scholars.uab.edu/6674-amy-yerdon

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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Today we're going to dive into an interesting topic: some medical legal considerations. And we’ll talk a little bit about being an expert witness. We'll cover anesthesia standards created and published by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, and share some of our own experiences acting as expert witnesses in medical legal complaints filed on behalf of patients. Perhaps just as important though, we're going to talk about ways that you can keep yourself out of hot water and keep your patients safe.

It's important that as providers we periodically review the standards by which we're expected to practice. Both for the benefit of our patients and to make sure that we're practicing at the highest levels of anesthesia care every single day.

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

• Reviewing the Standards for Nursing Practice from the Professional Practice Manual.
• The most common problems that I have seen that have resulted in litigation fall into four main categories.
• Who evaluates whether or not the standard of care has been satisfied?       
• The difference between a deposition and trial testimony and how it impacts you.

Visit us online and get show resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: 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

CRNAs spend their days providing support for others, but we don’t always give ourselves the attention we need. Today we tackle the health and wellness challenges CRNAs face in the current healthcare climate with Donna Keeney, CRNA and Dr. Cathy Horvath. Both women are on the Health and Wellness Committee at the AANA, and the insights shared in this episode will resonate with anyone in healthcare trying to maintain their passion for the profession amidst burnout.

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

• How to get rid of negative self-talk and why that’s so important.
• Two strategies that can improve clinician well-being at your place of employment.
• Two strategies that you can employ today to start taking steps toward better health and wellness.
• Resources and support for CRNAs and SRNAs to access.

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/

Get the CE Certificate here: 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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