This is the conclusion to the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. Find out the details to the depositions, how a few of the anesthesiologists were caught lying, and how a couple became expert witnesses. Plus, we’ll find out how it all ended and how much time and money went into the case.   Get part one here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-67-the-story-of-crnas-an-antitrust-victory-with-tafford-lori-oltz-part-1/2348/    Read more about this episode and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2391    Today's show rundown:  2:04 – Pre-trial settlements and the summary judgement 3:08 – Taff and Lori had a lot going on at this time. 4:19 – After the first depositions, Taff got a surprise call. 6:03 – Demands came to fire them. 7:22 – The remaining three anesthesiologists were each deposed but conspired to not tell the whole truth. 8:11 – In the meantime, St. Peter’s Chief of Staff received a subpoena with instructions.  9:15 – Taff tells the story of the last two anesthesiologists and how depositions went down. 10:20 – First settlement was offered but rejected by the Oltzs. 10:41 – Let’s shift to post-trial rulings. 14:42 – How long did it take to close this case and the costs associated? 16:02 – The court ordered a settlement conference and required all 24 hospital board members to attend. 16:45 – Taff details settlement money. 18:30 – Final thoughts on this experience from Taff.    21:15 – How CRNAs can use this case. 23:29 – Final thought from Lori on MDAs and CRNAs

This is the story about Tafford Oltz, CRNA, and his antitrust victory in the late-80s, which came to our attention during a previous podcast. When we heard it, we had to talk with Taff and his wife Lori - also a CRNA - to hear how it all happened. It’s a fascinating story that hinges on a manilla folder and you’ll hear all the details that led up to the trial in part one.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2348    Today's rundown:  2:30 – We think this is going to be one of the most interesting podcast we’ve done. 3:50 – Background on the Oltz vs St. Peter’s Community Hospital case. 3:47 – Tafford Oltz and his wife Lori tell us about their background. 4:54 – The couple just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. 5:15 – How their employment was structured in the 70s and how the relationship with St. Peter’s began. 9:23 – Taff shares one specific patient story he still remembers. 9:56 – The medical landscape in Montana in the mid-70s. 10:31 – When the third MD arrived, he informed the vascular surgeon the use of a CRNA was medical malpractice. 11:46 – Here’s how a typical day looked for Taff with a 100-mile commute. 13:05 – What changed with his situation? 14:45 – The story turns because of a folder. Taff explains. 17:40 – Lori shares details of what was actually written in some of the letters. 19:38 – How was that working relationship after finding out about their plans? 21:52 – How the lawsuit began. 22:45 – What anti-trust litigation is and the three things you need for a case. 27:07 - Many courts aren’t familiar with anti-trust cases. There had only been one prior in Montana. 28:41 - Once they started investigating, they found St. Peter’s market power near 84%.  30:31 - The hospital produced a letter that the anesthesiologists were increasing charges by 10%. 32:58 - How do you choose legal representation for a case like this and what were the costs? 37:15 - How important were other cases at the time? 44:17 - The role Lori played during the trial. 46:07 - To be continued…

As we continue to devote our attention to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, let’s move our focus to the aid options for CRNAs. On this episode, we’ll break down the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and explain the ways in which you might be able to get some financial relief during these difficult times.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-68-cares-act-what-crnas-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-aid/2376/    Click here to download the PDF with more CARES Act FAQs: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/CRNA-FP-BTM-CARES-Act-FAQs-V4.pdf    Today's rundown:  1:41 – Here’s the topic for this episode. 2:53 – Will CRNAs be able to benefit from the cash payments the stimulus will provide? 4:18 – What options do people have for withdrawing money from retirement accounts? 6:33 – You need to have coronavirus-related reasons for taking advantage of this option. 7:28 – If you’re diagnosed with coronavirus, does it qualify for workers’ comp? 8:16 – Are you still required to take your RMDs this year? 9:38 – What unemployment benefits are available? 12:12 – The loan options available to small business owners. 15:43 – Paycheck protection program could be very beneficial for CRNAs  22:05 – The government is acting quickly and might be rolling more out. 23:14 – Employee retention credit 25:02 - The AANA is also providing relief 27:32 - Let’s all do little things to help each other

When we finally make it through the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak, there will be stories from across the country about heroes on the front lines that saved lives and prevented disasters. Nurses everywhere are battling the virus, and one millenial SRNA is giving them a voice now through an anonymous platform.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2370    See the Mission for Masks form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScqX7mNJv4cZtJTAsyb9ZEf-9VOxlXk9xwVehO8sy0h5XKbbg/viewform    Today's rundown:  2:56 – Welcome in our guest Sonja Schwartzbach, BSN, RN, CCRN 3:45 – Sonja explains what her book is all about.   5:02 – Sharon found out about Sonja just recently and the impact she’s been making.   6:16 – How she started her Instagram account and found a way to use it to build the nursing community. 8:38 – She’s been doing a lot of work involving COVID-19 right in a hard hit area and describes where the biggest needs are. 9:48 – She started the Mission for Masks Google Form template to anonymously collect stories and got a lot of feedback immediately. 11:29 – These strains are happening across the country, not just in CA, NY, and WA. 12:59 – This is giving nurses a platform to speak out and share info from the frontlines. 15:10 – The history of retaliation in the nursing profession. 18:16 – What else has happened since the article came out in the The New York Times? 19:44 – Sonja shares some of the stories she’s hearing around the country right now. 21:33 – ‘There’s a sense of such helplessness.’ 23:45 – Hopefully we come out of this and are much more prepared for an outbreak like this. 27:28 – Wrapping up the conversation with a final message from Sonja.   

When we talk about COVID-19, our attention goes immediately to our own cities and states, but the US is one of more than 150 countries dealing with the pandemic right now. To get an update on how CRNAs around the globe are being impacted, we talk with IFNA President Jackie Rowles, MBA, CRNA, ANP-BC, FAAN.   Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2363    Today's rundown:  1:42– Jackie Rowles updates us on some of the headlines globally, which countries are being impacted, and how students are being called to help. 7:06– Jackie details her visit to Brussels before returning back to the US. 8:27– How is everyone holding up around the world? 11:32– We’re all going to deal with a learning curve through this ordeal but we also have to do an in-depth analysis after to become more prepared. 12:40 – Do countries have the personal protective equipment that they need? 13:49– Why was the US so underprepared? 20:28– The bottomline is there’s just so much uncertainty with this and it’s impacting employment. 23:16– Teamwork rises above the politics and we’re all having to come together. 25:26– There’s a demand for healthcare and the elective procedures will come back strong. 28:04– We need to take more precautions when we’re traveling. 32:07 – Jackie’s final message about being blessed to serve the IFNA on behalf of our country.

No one could have predicted the outbreak we’ve seen from COVID-19, and it’s served as a wake up call for many people. We’ve all been impacted financially or emotionally or both, and now we’re getting a lot of questions about how we can manage finances when income is up in the air. On this bonus episode, we’ll look at the options you have during this uncertain time.     Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/bonus-episode-covid-19-has-impacted-my-income-what-are-my-options/2358/    Contact CRNA Financial Planning here: https://www.crnafinancialplanning.com/    Today's rundown: 1:32 – Everyone is being impacted financially and emotionally right now. 4:08 – Things can change in an instant, like employment status, so you need to have an emergency fund. 7:19 – Roles and responsibilities for CRNAs are even changing during this pandemic. 10:09 – A lot of CRNAs are worried right now about income.   14:30 – Can I file for unemployment? 16:47 – What if you work for a company/hospital and get reduced hours? 18:09 – Options for hospital-employed CRNAs 22:03 – How is the unemployment amount calculated? 24:27 – Hopefully we all learn a lot from this experience once it passes.   26:32 – Basic financial steps you need to be taking everyday. 30:32 – Don’t forget that tax deadlines have been pushed back. 32:50 – Jeremy’s final message for everyone.

Nursing continues to grow its presence in politics and no one represents those achievements better than Bethany Hall-Long. The Lt. Governor of Delaware became the first nurse in the country to hold that esteemed position and she joins the show today to talk about the importance of being involved and having a voice in policy-making.   About our guest: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/    Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2353    Today's rundown:  1:44 – We’re excited to welcome Bethany Hall-Long on the show. 2:19 – Bethany gives us a little background on herself and career.   4:15 – The Coronavirus shows why it’s so important to having the calming voices of nurses in the policy-making world. 5:30 – Sharon begins the conversation with a story about connecting with Bethany. 6:44 – Where did Bethany’s interest in a political career come from? 9:32 – Take us back to your first election and what lessons you learned from that? 14:09 – Why should nurses be involved in policy? 16:11 – What are some of the risks when nurses aren’t at the table? 19:02 – If no one is speaking for nurses, who will? 20:04 – We’re seeing examples of this with COVID-19.   21:44 – Nurses seem to have the makeup to be strong leaders. Why don’t they run very often? 25:31 – Bethany will be joining the candidate school for nurses at Yale. 29:08 – If you could choose another profession, what would it be? 32:19 – Bethany leaves us with one final message.

Have you ever aspired to be the association president in your state but aren’t completely sure how to get there? We brought together four former state presidents for a roundtable discussion on the path to reach that position. We’ll talk about the traits you need, the importance of getting involved, and what everyone gained from the experience.     Read more and get additional CRNA resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2323    Today's show rundown:  2:25 – A Facebook message sparked the idea for this episode. 2:58 – Former presidents Jackie Rowles, Tracy Castleman & Carole Doyscher join us today. 4:03 – What’s the first step on that path to presidency? 5:48 – Carole feels finding a mentor is very important.   6:36 – Tracy was a big part of the AANA’s mentorship program getting started. 8:19 – Jackie shares her perspective on what it takes to rise up. 9:51 – If a young CRNA wants to get involved, what should that first step be? 11:41 – The women discus character traits they’ve seen from leaders. 15:48 – You have to be able to identify someone that can come up behind you and be your replacement.   17:04 – There’s a sacrifice to be made when you take a leadership position.   19:22 – What resources do we have at the AANA level? 23:06 – How do you prepare for issues? 25:04 – Carole shares her point of view working in a small state like South Dakota. 27:44 – Teamwork is important and finding a great lobbyist is crucial 28:45 – As a president in a state, what exactly do you do?   30:56 – Remember that you are a representative the entire profession. 32:04 – Summarizing what everyone feels about the role of the president. 33:37 – What did each woman get out of taking the president role in their state?

We continue our ‘Courage to Lead’ series by bringing Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, MS, into the studio to look back on her time as AANA President. Join us as we discuss the accomplishments, the lessons learned, and what message she wants to get across to the next generation of CRNAs.   Read more about Nancy and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2319    Today's show rundown:  2:12 – Nancy Bruton-Maree joins us in studio today. 2:28 – Summarize some of the things that happened during your AANA presidency. 4:26 – The office based guidelines began during her time on the board. She explains how it came to be. 6:50 – Mentoring program for doctorate-level students was a new concept 25 years ago. 9:56 – This progression of education has taken place over a short period of time. Why is that?   11:34 – Nancy remembers the new program director’s orientation workshop that was in place. 13:31 – The AANA was an early adopter of the dedication of the Women in Military Service Memorial. 14:47 – Were there a lot more women than men in the 80s and 90s? 16:00 – The first CRNA boat cruise was held during her year. 16:45 – HCFA and the deferral to states on supervision of CRNA Medicare cases. 21:30 – Nancy talks about the strong board that she had. 23:45 – Board meetings were very organized and efficient. 25:16 – Here are some of the lessons Nancy learned as president. 28:16 – What would you tell the new generation of CRNAs about the profession? 31:42 – If she couldn’t be a CRNA, Nancy would be a veterinarian.

Choosing to become a CRNA requires a lot of hard work or dedication but the time has never been better to enter this profession. We wanted to get a better sense of the challenges and opportunities for anesthesia school students in 2020 and Dr. Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, MS, RRT, from the University of Arizona’s College of Nursing will help us gain that perspective.   About the guest: Dr. Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, MS, RRT is the Program Administrator for the University of Arizona's DNP-Nurse Anesthesia program. She chose to become a CRNA after serving with them in Desert Storm.  Kristie has years of experience as a CRNA in every practice model and setting, to include office based, critical access, academic teaching hospital and trauma centers   Check out the show notes and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2309    ***CE CREDIT ALERT: Did you know you can get continuing education credit from the AANA for listening to this episode? Go to AANACKN.com to get the details and get your credit today! And see a list of other episodes that qualify for CE credit here. Note, some episodes are pending CE approval and may have an expiration date.   Today's show rundown:  2:08 – Welcome in our guest Dr. Kristie Hoch, DNP, CRNA, MS, RRT  2:33 – Today we’re focusing on students and their perspectives as they learn in anesthesia school. 3:57 – This is an important topic because these students are our future and we need to provide all the tools they need. 4:29 – What are the advantages of being a nurse anesthesia student in 2020? 6:17 – Online classes today allow Kristie to provide students the lecture ahead of time and use class for discussion. 7:24 – Anesthesia class is such a challenge so we want to make sure each student has a support system. 7:50 – Students are able to find mentorships through social media and other online sites. 9:00 – How has the demand for CRNAs affected Kristie’s work? 10:22 – How is the DNP changing opportunities for students and CRNAs? 12:20 – Dr. Hoch shares an ‘aha moment’ 13:25 – The prospects for these graduating students is very bright in 2020.   14:42 – One of the big challenges still is how costly the education process has become. 16:48 – Financial education needs to be a conversation for students throughout the process. 19:12 – We tell students to live like they did on a nurse salary for a few years to pay off debt and gain control of finances. 21:24 – Another thing students are completely unaware of is that they move up a tax bracket. 21:49 – A popular conversation we have with students is W-2 vs 1099 work. 22:38 – What are some of the other challenges are students are facing right now? 26:29 – Social media has its advantages, but it can also be very disruptive to students and their careers.   30:25 – There’s so much negativity on social media with people tearing each other down. Why is that? 31:48 – How Dr. Hoch got into education. She shares the story of saying no to the job and why her mind changed. 33:50 – Dr. Hoch explains the unique way that she picks her travel.             35:09 – Her last trip was to Santa Fe. 35:46 – Dr. Hoch’s final message to students about how challenging school is but how rewarding it will ultimate be.

The three women behind the Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups podcast joins us to talk about the personal side of the profession. Being a mother is such a difficult job on its own but then you add in a CRNA career and it can be a struggle at times. You’re not alone! Let’s speak candidly about the challenges and how we can lean on each other for support.   Full show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2292    Today's rundown:  1:33 – Jeremy and Sharon use Facebook Live today.  1:55 – Sharon is excited about this topic. She’s been talking about this for months. 2:38 – Welcome CRNAs Crystal, Ellen, and Laci from the Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups podcast. 2:49 – Laci shares her background as a CRNA.    3:50 – Ellen tells us about growing up in the Ukraine, her career, and family.  4:54 – Crystal shares her background.   7:28 – Why is this subject so important and what made you start this podcast?  8:23 – Social media has allowed moms from all over the country to connect with each and support one another.  9:52 – All three ladies live in different states and time zones. Have they been able to meet face to face yet? 12:56 – What was your biggest misconception about parenting?  13:52 – What was Crystal most unprepared for when becoming a parent? 14:33 – The difficulty of breastfeeding explained to Jeremy.  16:52 – Jeremy stirs it up with another question about breastfeeding.   18:34 – There’s so much external guilt placed upon moms to breastfeed.  20:13 – Mom-judging goes both ways, too.  21:26 – Let’s talk about the difficulty of making a marriage work on top of everything else.  24:38 – Crystal talks about the issues and challenges of marriage with kids and a career. 25:20 – The subject of love language comes up and some of us share ours.  27:19 – The discussion of laundry and husbands takes over.  29:40 – What do you make time for to take care of yourself? 33:06 – It’s important to maintain your own identity.  35:28 – Here’s where you can find the ladies and connect with them.  36:10 – Final thoughts from the ladies.    Come join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondthemaskpodcast/?modal=admin_todo_tour 

The state of North Carolina is fortunate enough to have Cathy Briggs, CRNA, documenting the history of the organization as well as the profession for the NCANA. She joins us today to look back on the lessons learned through the years, the important legal battles, and the people who have influenced the most.   Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2279    Today's rundown:  1:33 – We’re recording at the NCANA meeting in Wilmington. 2:16 – Today we’re joined by Cathy Briggs, historian for NCANA.   2:38 – How did you get involved in this role? 3:49 – Kathy being given the lifetime achievement award from the NCANA. 4:24 – What are some of the important things in our history that we can learn from? 6:21 – 50% of all CRNAs are going to retire in the next 10 years. 6:50 – How strong is the NCANA? 7:33 – Looking back on some of the legal battles North Carolina has faced. 9:11 – North Carolina has used strong advertising efforts to create awareness for the industry. 11:37 – Who has influenced the history of the NCANA the most? 12:48 – Cathy is seeing a trend that current students aren’t as aware of the association as past generations. 15:18 – Has there been much collaboration between other advanced nursing professionals? 16:22 – What can we do to encourage SRNAs? 21:16 – Tell us more about what’s happening with legislation.   22:42 – Some history on when the NCANA was formed. 24:44 – What would Cathy be doing if she wasn’t a CRNA? 26:14 – Final message from Cathy on staying involved.   29:09 – Cathy recalls a message she heard years ago that sticks with her today.

Our latest installment of the ‘Courage to Lead’ series features Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, who was president of the AANA in 1989. We go back in time to reflect on her long list of accomplishments from that year and beyond. Sandy played a key role in Medicare reimbursement, the IFNA’s creation, and AANA insurance and she looks back on each of these and more.     Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2270    Today's Rundown:  2:18 – One of our favorites is in studio with us today, Sandy Ouellette. 2:47 – Sandy takes us back through her year as AANA president. 3:42 – A list of achievements in 1989. 6:52 – ‘Sandyisms’ 7:45 – What was the role of the board of directors and Medicare reimbursement that year? 9:51 – It takes a village to make these changes.   10:28 – TEFRA and how ratios were agreed upon. 12:18 – Some history on the formation of IFNA 16:03 – AANA insurance celebrated 30 years in 2019. Why was it formed and what was the purpose of that?   18:53 – The insurance has also created some additional benefits.   19:21 – Sandy describes the replica dividend check she received which shows how much has been given back to the AANA. 21:17 – The College Bowl has become a special event. 23:16 – Sandy shares the trade publications that have made a big impact on the industry and how history will be documented moving forward. 27:58 – What are the most valuable leadership lessons Sandy learned during her year in office? 30:05 – As this new generation of CRNAs takes over, what message would you like to get across to them? 32:05 – We need to use the power of social media for good. 34:10 – Sandy wouldn’t change her career path if given another opportunity. 36:00 – One final message from Sandy.

It can be challenging enough for CRNAs to keep up with their own responsibilities each day so we understand how difficult it is to stay updated on changing legislation and regulatory issues. Did you know the AANA can be a huge resource for you? We brought on Senior Director of State Government Affairs Anna Polyak, RN, JD, to tell us about where the organization is focused and what they’re doing to help CRNAs.   Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2253    About the guest:  Ms. Polyak is the Senior Director of State Government Affairs and Legal at the AANA’s where she works closely with state associations of nurse anesthetists to remove barriers to CRNA practice to assure that CRNAs can practice to the full extent of their training and education.  Ms. Polyak received her BSN and JD from Loyola University Chicago.  Prior to joining the AANA in April 2011, she worked as the Corporate Compliance attorney for a national long-term care company and served as the Associate Chief Counsel for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Prior to starting her legal career, Ms. Polyak practiced as an operating room nurse.   Today's rundown:  2:21 – Welcome our guest today, Anna Polyak, RN, BSN, JD 3:15 – Let’s begin by talking about the legislative and regulatory things that CRNAs face and who regulates our practice. 4:46 – Why is this topic so important right now for CRNAs? 5:33 – What are some of the AANA goals have related to CRNA practice and scope of practice? 6:41 – Are all CRNAs under the board of nursing in all states? 7:43 – Anna explains the tracking service tool the AANA offers. 9:53 – Let’s talk about how CRNAs are regulated at the state level. 10:53 – AANA members can use the group to get help understanding the regulations. 11:55 – They look at these basic areas and focus attention here. 12:55 – How states can opt out from the federal supervision requirement.   15:40 – Most members don’t know about this added value resource.   18:35 – What states are going through certain issues currently that the AANA is spending time on? 19:17 – AANA is rolling out a pilot program in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Arkansas. 23:00 – What advice would you have for practicing CRNAs right now and what can they do to keep things moving forward? 25:42 – Sharon’s experience building relationships with legislatures in North Carolina.   26:50 – Educating your facility administrator can also be very helpful.  29:46 – What do you say to the CRNAs that don’t want to get involved beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of the job? 32:37 – Does Anna have any predictions about how the landscape might change in the coming years? 33:50 – Anna is in the middle of organizing a charity race.

Have you ever stopped and asked yourself why something is done a certain way? There are so many aspects of our job that are based on standards and procedures developed years before us but should we be questioning these? Today we talk with Peter Strube, CRNA, DNAP, about dogma and traditions in nurse anesthesia and how things will continue to evolve.   Read more and get additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2245    Today's rundown:  1:43 – Let’s welcome Peter Strube to the show. Tell us a little about yourself. 3:29 – Why is this topic dogma and tradition important? 6:22 – What’s the oddest dogma that you talk about in your lectures? 7:33 – How hard is it to break tradition? 10:36 – What’s Peter’s favorite current dogma trend? 11:57 – How LR leads to panic attacks.   13:46 – Peter recently had to undergo surgery.   15:27 – How did Peter get involved in this area? 17:06 – Do you implement the things you learn about in your practice? 18:47 – What does the future hold for changing dogma? 21:03 – What would Peter be if he wasn’t a CRNA? 22:34 – Final message from Peter on this subject.

Working as a nurse anesthetist can be a highly emotional and stressful position as you constantly deal with pressure to perform. That’s why there’s an emphasis being put on health and wellness by people like Jerry Hogan, DNSc, CRNA, ARNP-BC, who is the program director at Rush University. He joins us to talk about this topic and ways that CRNAs and SRNAs can cope with the stress and PTSD brought on from work.     Read more and get additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2238    Today's rundown:  2:25 – Our guest today is Jerry Hogan, DNSc, CRNA, APRN-BC 3:37– Opening up with the key points on today’s topic of PTSD, Second Victim Syndrome, wellness, and stress. 5:55 – PTSD is divided into three clusters: re-experiencing, avoidance, and persistent arousal. 7:28 – How much of this is a societal issue? 10:09 – Anesthesia school is very trying and that’s where wellness starts. 13:13 – Jerry believes that healthy people are people that can control their thoughts and feelings and behaviors. 14:28 – We are the ones responsible for our own well-being.   15:43 – Wellness resources that are available for CRNAs. 17:32 – How do you practice mindfulness? 20:30 – What’s your response when people say we are babying our students? 22:35 – Discussion on cognitive reframing. 26:00 – What Jerry does when his stress level is elevated? 28:31 – Jerry recaps his career and experience in the military, which led him to this field. 34:00 – Final message from Jerry

In the latest installment of our Courage to Lead series, we spend some time with Dick Ouellette, CRNA, MEd, who was a two-term president of the AANA. During his time serving in that capacity, Ouellette helped reinvigorate the profession by focusing on education standards and had a heavy involvement in direct reimbursement coming to pass.   Read more about this episode: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2223    Today's Rundown:  2:43 – Our special guest today is Dick Ouellette, CRNA    3:17 – Give us some highlights from your two terms as AANA President. 4:46 – The second thing he was interested in at the time. 6:19 – Where he was focused during the second term. 7:18 – Why were joint committees so important to Dick at the time? 10:39 – Direct reimbursement’s beginning and how it progressed during his term. 16:42 – What’s the significance of direct reimbursement? 19:18 – What would it look like today if direct reimbursement didn’t happen? 23:48 – Education was a big concern for Dick. What was the response when he wanted to increase requirements? 28:08 – Dick shares a great story about Sandy and education.   28:33 – Moving to 1990 and the commission that formed. 33:06 – The thing that Dick feels we’re lacking the most today. 36:39 – If Dick could pick one other profession, what would it be?    

The healthcare industry, much like the world around us, is full of uncertainty. How comfortable are you with the potential for change? Today we talk with keynote speaker Calvin Stovall about actions and principles you can apply to your life to help you continue to grow and perform at a high level.   Read more about this topic and get additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2231    Today's rundown:  1:50 – Our guest today is Calvin Stovall. 4:36 – What can a person do to prepare for uncertainty? 5:43 – Widen your circle to become a better person. 7:01 – What keeps people from stepping out of their comfort zone and meeting new people? 8:51 – We aren’t taught how to fail. How does someone move forward after failing? 11:16 – Putting this podcast together was stepping out for us and a big learning experience. 12:07 – What Sharon would tell her children when things weren’t going well.   12:59 – You should never stop learning. It’s a big part of being successful. 15:31 – What do you tell people that are scared to step out of their comfort zone? 17:58 – Do you know how much the average attention span has changed since 1980? 20:52 – What Sharon does every year to challenge herself. 22:27 – Calvin has a mastermind group that meets every quarter. 24:41 – How can take that entrepreneurial spirit and apply it to the CRNA industry? 26:29 – The book ‘Think and Grow Rich’ talks about mastermind groups. 28:20 – Why Calvin’s favorite word is passion. 31:12 – What final message would Calvin like to leave for listeners? 32:34 – How to get in touch with Calvin.

No one ever expects to be a part of a lawsuit but situations arise where CRNAs have to answer questions under oath. It’s an intimidating process, especially for someone who’s never been a part of a trial before, but we’ll help prepare you for a deposition by explaining the process and how you can protect yourself.   ***CE CREDIT ALERT: Did you know you can get continuing education credit from the AANA for listening to this episode? Go to AANACKN.com to get the details and get your credit today! And see a list of other episodes that qualify for CE credit here.   Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-54-how-crnas-should-prepare-for-depositions-with-steve-mund/2215/    Today's Rundown:  2:23 – Today we’re joined by Steve Mund. 4:07 – Why is this topic so important? 4:59 – Here’s what got Steven interested in depositions. 7:14 – Why would a CRNA ever need to be deposed? 8:26 – Steve explains the deposition process. 10:46 – You need to have a lawyer that represents you personally. 13:26 – It’s important to understand your insurance policy and what it says.   15:44 – So I’m being sued, what do I do? 17:16 – How often do administrators have to deal with lawsuits? 18:38 – How are depositions different from trials? 21:13 – Being deposed makes people nervous. Here’s what you can do to make sure you don’t speak out of turn.   22:28 – Charting is extremely important.   24:24 – What do you do if you make a mistake while you’re testifying? 26:58 – If you feel like you’re losing your cool in that environment, what should you do? 29:48 – Why your demeanor can affect your deposition. 32:51 – What training or resources are available to CRNAs? 37:13 – Final thoughts on the subject.

Past AANA presidents Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, and Nancy Maree, CRNA, join the show for the final episode of 2019. We’ll take a look back at how they’ve seen the profession evolve and discuss the gifts they’ve given and received from the profession through the years.   Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2208    Today's Rundown:  1:32 – We’re joined today by Nancy Maree and Sandy Ouellette for another historical episode. 2:27 – Today we want to talk about gifts received over a career in anesthesia.   3:42 – What drew Nancy into a career as a nurse anesthetist? 5:26 – Here’s what got Sandy into the career and it started at a young age. 8:50 – How has the educational process for nurse anesthetists changed over the past 40 years? 13:47 – Sandy remembers a coup that happened when she began school. 16:28 – Sandy talks about how different many of the processes were. 19:54 – The return on investment is still tremendous for CRNAs. 22:07 – Over 90% of CRNAs spend a career in clinical anesthesia, but Nancy and Sandy moved from clinical to educational. They talk about why. 26:47 – Both ladies have given back a lot to the profession. 31:59 – Nancy gives her thoughts on what she’s thankful for and what the next generation of CRNAs should be thankful for.   35:45 – Here’s what Sandy is thankful for.   37:12 – Sharon has a message for Jeremy.

As much as you love the work you do, eventually you’ll want to step away and enjoy time to yourself in retirement. But what’s the best way to invest for your future? Should you contribute your pre-tax money into a traditional IRA or is Roth a better option? Let’s discuss all the options available to you and what factors will determine the best route to retirement.   Full Show Notes and Additional Resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2200    Today's Rundown:  1:52 – Today we’re talking whether CRNAs should be contributing to a Roth or a pre-tax retirement account. Or both? 2:43 – There are two sides to remember to this. First you have Roth IRA vs Traditional (or pre-tax) IRA. And now you have Roth 401k/403b vs Traditional 401k/403b 3:43 – There’s no blanket answer. It’s different for everyone. 4:40 – Let’s start with the Roth IRA. Here’s what you need to know. 6:17 – The big debate is pay taxes now or pay them later. Here’s what you should consider. 8:20 – There’s an opportunity cost for utilizing the Roth. What if you took that extra pre-tax money and invested that elsewhere? 10:23 – What are some other reasons we might potentially choose the Roth? 12:25 – If we know you need to control your taxable income, Roth can be utilized. 14:19 – Planning helps you determine what percentage of your money to put into each account? 15:36 – Why the retirement system is skewed against high-income earners like CRNAs.    17:02 – How can you save more than the $19,000 limit? 18:55 – Jeremy explains backdoor contributions. 21:22 – Here’s the caveat to the backdoor though. 22:55 – Let’s talk about another option for CRNAs that have 1099 gigs. 25:18 – Can you contribute to both Roth and pre-tax within the same employer retirement account? 26:59 – How healthcare can impact your decision. 29:17 – Jeremy’s goal is to help the CRNA community be prepared. 30:47 – Everyone should have a financial check-up every year. 32:02 – Final thoughts on the topic.

Ronald Caulk poured more than 50 years of his life into being a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and his impact on the profession can still be felt today. Among his lifetime of achievements was his determination to have CRNAs around the world recognized for the work they do. Today we’ll look back at his life and his legacy with Sandy Ouellette, CRNA.   Full Show Notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2192    On This Episode:  1:59 – Sandy Ouellette back in the studio with us today to discuss Ronald Caulk. 2:37 – Who was Ronald Caulk and what did he accomplish? 5:02 – Most of his level of service at the state level was with the Arizona Association of Nurse Anesthetists. 6:09 – He had many AANA contributions. 7:10 – The establishment of the council on recertification and how he ended up meeting his wife Susan Smith. 10:13 – How did Sandy and Ron get involved together? 10:42 – They began working very closely when the idea of the IFNA began. 12:40 – How the IFNA formed. 15:22 – One of Ronald Caulk’s most memorable experiences happened on a trip to Ghana. 17:47 – Tell us about his contributions to the AANA and IFNA. 21:18 – Sandy tells a story about a time they visited North Carolina and Sandy’s jeep got stuck on the beach. 26:02 – How will Ron be remembered?

The nurse anesthesia profession hasn’t traditionally been a field known for its diversity but that’s something leaders are trying to change. At the forefront is Dr. Courtney Brown at Wake Forest. She joins the show to discuss the importance of recruiting people from all backgrounds to nurse anesthesia and what’s being done to make that happen.     Show Notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2150   Today's Rundown:  2:16 – Welcome in our guest, Dr. Courtney Brown 3:23 – Dr. Brown has made many efforts to improve diversity and inclusion at Wake Forest and that will be our focus today. 3:46 – Why is this topic of diversity so important for our field? 4:35 – We’re behind many other health professions 6:00 – Explain diversity and inclusion and what they mean. 6:28 – An example of a recent graduate that almost didn’t apply to the program because of the marketing materials. 8:26 – Is there a negative perception of nurse anesthesia due to the lack of diversity? 10:26 – Why do people associate promoting diversity with Affirmative Action? 13:37 – Now that things are on the radar, is progress being made? 16:58 – How does recruitment work and what do you look for? 19:01 – Dr. Brown shares the updated statistics from her program. 20:23 – Explaining pipeline programming and how it works. 23:04 – The balance of male versus female in the profession. 24:49 – What can faculty at other programs do to improve diversity and inclusion? 27:20 – Where can the average CRNA start? 31:52 – What should be a part of the national agenda to assist in diversifying our profession? 27:17 – Final thoughts from Dr. Brown.  

Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this wonderful day of gratitude, we welcome on AANA CEO Randy Moore and AANA Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs Ralph Kohl to help us give thanks for an organization that does so much for the CRNA profession every year.   Full show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2172    On this episode:  1:37 – Thanksgiving morning! 2:00 – We’re thankful for our guests today, Randy Moore, CEO of the AANA, and Ralph Kohl, the Senior Director of Federal Government Affairs for the AANA. 2:35 – This podcast will focus on giving thanks for the AANA. 3:12 – Ralph explains what he’s thankful for. 4:15 – What this organization means to Randy. 6:31 – What mentors – past or current – are you thankful for knowing? Randy first. 8:13 – Ralph on his mentors. 10:23 – What does success look like for the AANA from Randy’s perspective? 11:49 – Ralph’s idea of success. 12:39 – What should every CRNA be thankful for? 14:49 – How would you explain your enthusiasm for the AANA? 18:43 – How do you want to be remembered if you move on, Ralph? 20:55 – What about Sharon, what are you thankful for from the AANA? 22:00 – Jeremy shares what he’s thankful for.

Dan Simonson and Jack Hitchens are long-time CRNAs that identified a need in the profession to be able to easily track and manage data. That’s why they created the Open-Source Anesthesia Electronic Medical Record, which they believe provides great value – at no charge – to CRNAs around the world. Find out everything you need to know about OSAEMR and its future.   Full show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2163    Today's rundown:  1:55 – Welcome in our two guests, Dan Simonson and Jack Hitchens. 3:55 – Today’s topic is OSAEMR or Open-Source Anesthesia Electronic Medical Record. Here’s some background on what it is. 4:46 – Why is this important for our profession? 5:32 – This even allows you to track your data as a student. 6:26 – This is a project Dan and Jack have worked on for five years. Here’s how it all started. 8:54 – A labor of love for Dan and Jack. 10:21 – It’s been a way for both guys to contribute to the profession and more than 400 CRNAs are using it now around the world. 11:44 – How does this interface with other systems already in place? 13:10 – Have these EMRs been helpful in the development in OSAEMR 15:02 – Is there a reason people wouldn’t want this data out there? 16:14 – What is OSAEMR’s motto relative to data? 17:28 – There’s no data being captured in plastics work but this can change. 20:04 – Pain management procedures are going to be a part of the data collection. 21:09 – Here’s what CRNAs can do to help OSAEMR continue to move forward and grow. 23:04 – There are three versions of the product currently. 25:56 – What are the near-term goals for the product? 26:51 – Final thoughts from Dan.

We were on location at the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists and wanted to get a historical perspective on CRNAs. With the help of past AANA presidents Sandy Ouellette and Nancy Maree, we take a look back at the important battles fought and won by nurse anesthetists through the years that help shape the way our industry operates today.   Full show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2167    On today's show:  1:37 – We’re recording live from the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists meeting. 1:51 – Two popular guests, Nancy Marie and Sandy Ouellette, join the show. 2:37 – Sandy highlights some of the past challenges that will help CRNA’s unite and fight future issues. 3:12 – Background on Frank vs South and why that decision is still important today. 5:04 – The next important case involved Dagmar Nelson in the 1930s. 6:34 – The road to reimbursement was a 7-year process in the 1980s.   7:50 – How the ANA helped turn around the industry when it began dying out in late 80s. 9:25 – The ongoing issue of federal supervision of nurse anesthetists in Medicare. Why we need to remove it and what role states are playing.   13:31 – ANA threw their support behind antitrust cases. 18:06 – Antitrust fights still go on today. 19:24 – Nancy explains the antitrust and fraud case against Twin City Hospitals in 2004 and what came from it. 23:42 – What role has the ASA played in all of the challenges and crises the industry has faced? 26:30 – The recent Anesthesia Care Team statement and why many believe it’s restrictive. 29:13 – What can ANA members do today to help the association succeed and remain strong moving forward? 30:36 – Why membership is so important for ANA. 32:24 – New students and new graduates seem to be the biggest hole in membership. 36:20 – Can the ANA be listening to members better? Here are issues they have spoken out on. 40:24 – Jeremy’s perspective as an outside on the membership issue. 44:11 – Final thoughts from Sandy on why it’s such a great time to be a CRNA.  

Accepting a new job is such a rewarding feeling that motivates you to get to work and continue growing your career, but understanding your employment contract first is vital. Mark Silberman, legal counsel for the AANA, will break down the specifics of a contract, what you need to know, and how to protect yourself. Plus, he’ll help us understand the different types of employment statuses and which is better for CRNAs.   ***CE CREDIT ALERT: Did you know you can get continuing education credit from the AANA for listening to this episode? Go to https://knowledgenetwork.aana.com/home to get the details and get your credit today! And see a list of other episodes that qualify for CE credit here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/series-ce-credit   Show Notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2142   Today's rundown: 2:29 – Welcoming on our guest today, Mark Silberman, who is legal counsel for the AANA 3:05 – What we’re talking about on this show and why it’s important. 4:17 – Mark breaks down the parts of a contract and what you need to know about one. 5:45 – A real-life example from a CRNA of a contract that didn’t get put in writing. 6:47 – Let’s define the differences between an employee and an independent contractor. 9:08 – Mark explains independent contractors even further. 10:20 – Trying to understand why some independent contractors are classified that way when they appear to be an employee. 12:02 – It all comes down to what is the intention. 13:16 – You have to remember that employers will almost always have leverage because they hold the commodity: the job.   13:57 – Define ‘employee at will’ and how many states have that status. 15:48 – What’s the difference between job description and employee contract? 16:59 – Job descriptions are not enforceable. The contract specifics are. 18:02 – Does every CRNA need a contract? 20:06 – The biggest mistake people make when they’re looking at a contract. 21:44 – What are the most important things CRNAs should pay attention to in a contract? 20:07 – Can you re-negotiate your contract? 24:31 – Let’s talk non-competes. Every state has its own interpretations of these. 27:46 – How do we find out if these non-competes are enforceable? 29:12 – What happens when a new employer takes over? 31:39 – Should Independent contractor CRNAs incorporate for protection? 33:11 – Final words of wisdom for CRNAs entering a contract.

Nurses have all the right attributes to be successful in politics but there are so few in office around the country. We want to help change that by empowering nurses to feel confident and comfortable running for office. We’ll spend this episode discussing why it’s an important topic and we’ll learn more a new campaign school that Sharon Pearce and Kimberly Gordon are working to launch in 2020. On this episode:  1:52 – Introducing our topic and our guest Kimberly Gordon. 2:19 – Sharon talks about what her and Kimberly have done together in the past. 3:45 – Why is this topic so important? 4:57 – Only two nurses serve in office at the Federal level right now. 5:21 – Why aren’t there more nurses in office? 7:01 – North Carolina has three nurses in state legislature, including Gale Adcock. 8:10 – Who are the two nurses on the national level? 8:52 – Neither of those are advanced practice nurses, which we’ve never had at the Federal level. 10:01 – Let’s talk about the breaking down barriers project Sharon and Kimberly are working on at Yale. 12:37 – We’ve met nurses from all over the country and they feel like this is very important. 13:40 – We as nurses are really late to this game. Physicians have been training people for politics since the 70s. 14:34 – Is it intimidating for nurses to consider running for office? 15:35 – Occupation-specific schools have become popular for a reason. 16:29 – A huge barrier is we don’t like to ask for money or help and that’s an issue.                                                                                                                    18:41 – We’re not asking people to run for governor. We want to build a pipeline that starts in county commissions, school board, places like that. 19:32 – Maybe one day we’ll have a nurse as president. 19:55 – What kind of timeline are we talking about for this project? 20:34 – Yale has provided so much acceptance and assistance through this process. 21:39 – “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” 22:51 – Applications open on January 1, 2020. Get the full show notes and additional resources here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2135

  Retirement means many different things but one of the most important is transitioning to a new healthcare plan. For many people, Medicare becomes the best option but it can be difficult to sort through and understand. Who is eligible? What are my options? How much are premiums? We brought on Medicare guru Joanne Giardini-Russell to clear up a lot of questions for us. On this episode:  1:51 - Today we're talking about Medicare decisions for the retiring or retired CRNAs. 2:48 - Our guest today is a Medicare expert, Joanne Giardini-Russell 3:29 - Joanne gives us her background in the industry. 5:47 – Let’s start with the basics: what is Medicare? 7:09 – Who is eligible for Medicare and is it mandatory? 8:22 – If I’m still working at 65, does that effect anything? 9:44 – You don’t have to take Medicare at 65. It’s important to know that everyone’s situation is different. 11:14 – Understanding how the Health Savings Account plays into your decision. 11:54 – A lot of people don’t understand that premiums are income-related. 13:09 – When you start talking about retirement, planning needs to begin as soon as possible to work through options like these. 13:43 – Your HSA contributions get taxed and many people don’t know that.   14:40 – What does the acronym IRMA mean? 17:51 – Client story about a couple found out they were paying more than they needed to for premiums. 19:35 – Are there other costs for Medicare beyond the premium?        21:11 – You have two choices to handle the 20% beyond Medicare’s coverage. 23:02 – What are the pros and cons of the Medicare Advantage plan? 25:27 – What else does a CRNA need to know after they enroll? Let’s talk basics. 27:22 – If you’re over 65 and you’ve enrolled in Medicare, can you make changes or are you stuck? 28:44 – Pre-existing conditions do come back into play with Medicare. 29:33 – It’s very important to know that people with pre-existing conditions have one shot to get into Medicare. Here’s what you need to know. 30:23 – How much flexibility do you have in picking an insurance carrier? 32:29 – What are my annual requirements with Medicare coverage? 35:19 – Final thoughts from Joanne Show notes and additional resources: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2123

What does the next 5, 10, 20 years look like for the healthcare industry? That’s a question everyone would love an answer for, but there are many opinions out there. We sat down with Steve Mund to pick his brain on everything from insurance to costs to payments and more. On this episode:  1:59 – Introducing our guest on this episode, Steve Mund. 2:29 – Sharon shares some background on Steve. 4:24 – It’s an interesting time in healthcare and there’s no way to predict how it will change in the years to come. 6:57 – How to be a problem-solver for your department. 7:58 – The three payment models healthcare needs to engage in for the future. 10:14 – What about the accountability on the patient side? 11:19 – The providers get penalized but what about the payer? 12:57 – Jeremy shares a recent discussion he had with an insurance executive about drug costs. 14:01 – Let’s talk about mergers. Are their benefits to these large mergers? 14:59 – One prediction projected operating margin to be -16%. 15:55 – The length of stay can be an area of improvement potentially. 16:47 – Hospitals only operate on a 2.5-4% margin. 17:41 – Where is all the money going? 20:04 – What factors are driving the utilization of healthcare?              22:03 – What does Steve see as the future of healthcare payers? 23:36 – The best way to stay informed is Becker’s Review. 25:29 – How do you determine value in healthcare these days? 26:58 – So how can providers show their value to their organizations? 27:42 – How can we help cut down on waste in financial, clinical and personnel areas? 29:16 - The waste isn’t always about money, it’s also about time. 30:40 - Some final thoughts from Steve. Show notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-#43:-the-future-of-healthcare-with-steve-mund/2115/

Nurse practitioners play such an important role in healthcare so let’s learn more about the profession. The CEO and president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners join us on this episode to share their accomplishments, challenges, and goals to improve the industry and empower their nurses. Did you know the CEO of the Nurse Practitioners used to work for the AANA? Come join us for a great conversation.  Here's what we have on this episode:  1:46 – Welcome in our guests Sophia Thomas and David Hebert 3:06 – What is a nurse practitioner? 4:44 – Tell us more about your organization, AANP 5:47 – Sophia explains how the AANP is structured. 6:44 – David talks about his role at AANP and a little about the role of nurse practitioners. 8:41 – Why lobbying is so important in this line of work. 9:27 – The AANP has really increased their PR and media efforts in recent years. 11:31 – What are the challenges facing nurse practitioners today? 12:29 – David explains why nurse practitioners should be able to work independently. 14:23 – 28 states still require some sort of collaborations and that makes it difficult on NPs. 17:15 – It’s important for everyone in the profession to understand the issues and then get involved politically. 20:02 – Sharon talks about her goals to get nurses involved in the formulation side of the profession. 22:57 – We want to empower nurses to do more than just work and go home.   23:46 – Quality and cost of healthcare is important to consumers, but so is convenience. These are things that nurse practitioners can provide.    27:01 – A unified voice in the profession is very important and that’s the goal of the AANP. 28:26 – How does your credentialing work? 30:40 – What is David most proud of in his role at the AANP? 31:51 – David shares his history with AANA and what he remembers about that role. 34:18 – Some final thoughts from Sophia on the history of the profession.   To get the full show notes and additional resources from Beyond the Mask, click here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/?p=2108

We always talk about the importance of community within the CRNA profession so let’s take it a step further by discussing how and why you should get involved. There are varying levels of involvement, as we’ll get into, but Joe Rodriguez will help us understand what your participation means to the industry.   ***CE CREDIT ALERT: Did you know you can get continuing education credit from the AANA for listening to this episode? Go to https://knowledgenetwork.aana.com/home to get the details and get your credit today! And see a list of other episodes that qualify for CE credit here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/series-ce-credit   Show Notes: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/the-importance-of-getting-involved-with-joe-rodriguez-crna/2079/   Today's rundown: 2:20 – Introducing our guest today, Joe Rodriguez. 3:08 – His topic today is ‘getting involved.’ Here’s why it’s important. 4:07 – Participating in community at work versus neighborhood is a little different for Joe. 5:09 – Have you always been like this or did you develop this interest in getting involved?   7:25 – Should everyone be as engaged as Joe? What’s the happy medium? 9:18 – How many CRNAs total compared to AANA members? 11:16 – What is the average CRNA career worth? 12:17 – Do you remember MI 68? Their story shows why it’s important to be engaged. 13:00 – Sometimes people just need to be asked. 14:23 – Why Joe is so passionate about all these regulatory issues. 15:37 – How do you overcome an opponent that’s better funded? 19:12 – Highlighting the progress that Joe has seen through the years. 21:27 – How do you balance your time to get so much accomplished? 23:43 – If he wasn’t a CRNA, Joe would be a lawyer.                            26:30 – What advice would you give people to get them involved? And specifically for people at different stages of their career – early, middle, late.

As CRNAs, we don’t have a lot of experience dealing with the media or being in front of the camera. We’re used to working behind closed doors and out of the spotlight. But there are times whem we’re called upon to be a spokesperson for a place or an event. That’s why we brought on a public relations specialist to give us tips and techniques that make us feel like the experts we are. Today's rundown:  1:38 – Chris Bettin is our guest today.   2:21 – Some background on Chris 2:48 – Chris about to head off on a new endeavor in PR. 3:27 – Why we’re talking about spokesperson training today.     4:23 – How do you deal with the media and why it’s so important for CRNAs. 5:07 – Every CRNA is a candidate to be interviewed. 6:05 – Scenarios where CRNAs might be called on to be interviewed. 7:21 – What you need to understand about reporters. 8:18 – The biggest fears we have in an interview. 10:15 – Things that Sharon has learned from Chris. 11:35 – The message you’re trying to deliver is critical so don’t wing it. 13:47 – Have a built-in answer ready to give you time to gather yourself. 15:47 – Three techniques for navigating an interview: flagging, hooking and bridging. 20:47 – How can you control your nerves in front of the media?           21:39 – Do’s and Don’ts of spokesperson training.               23:20 – Any other techniques you want to share with us? 24:28 – More on Chris’ new company, Crossdot Communications. Get the show notes and additional resources here: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com

Lynn Macksey, CRNA, has been an expert witness on more than 50 cases and she’s bringing that knowledge to the show to help us understand the legal side to the profession. She’ll share what she’s learned through the years that will help you protect yourself and keep your name out of a case.   Today's rundown:  1:47 – Lynn Macksey is here with us today to talk medical legal implications in anesthesia. 2:18 – Some background on Lynn. 2:32 – How she decided to make the transition into anesthesia after 20+ years in ICU. 4:43 – Why this topic today is so important.    5:29 – Keeping yourself from being named in a case is so important. 5:59 – What are closed claims? 8:14 – Lawsuits now include everyone that has control. 10:08 – What are the reasons for surgical or anesthesia related lawsuits?   13:07 – The four elements of a medical malpractice case that must be present for negligence. 14:54 – What specific cases have you been involved in that might have changed your practice? 18:13 – A story about a former Saturday Night Live cast member.   21:02 – We learn so much from our mistakes. 23:37 – What range of money is involved in these types of cases? 25:48 – Final thoughts from Lynn on this topic. Get the full show notes and additional resources by clicking here. 

Our first installment of the presidential leadership series begins with a conversation with former AANA president Terry Wicks. His decorated career includes this year leading the organization in 2006-07, and we’ll go back with him to discuss the highlights, the challenges, and what he still remembers about the experience. You’ll enjoy some great stories along the way. The rundown for today's episode:  1:53 – Welcoming Terry Wicks to the show. 2:19 – Introducing the Presidential Leadership Series we’ll be doing. 3:26 – Sharon has a story about Terry she wants to share first. 5:02 – Terry talks about the new endeavor he’s taking on at UNC-Greensboro.   6:14 – Highlights from his year as president of the AANA from 2006-07 8:52 – There were some challenges as well.    10:28 – We want to do this series to teach people about the history of the industry and those that have impacted CRNAs.   11:45 – The accessibility of leaders has been so rewarding. 13:17 – What Terry enjoyed best about being the AANA president.   14:40 – What the travel is really like for an AANA president.   16:32 – Another unforgettable story that Terry will always remember.   18:14 – What advice would you give an incoming AANA president? 20:20 – What ways did your experiences shape your participation in the AANA after you left office? 22:30 – Helping people deal with substance abuse has become a passion.   23:46 – What advice would you share with new CRNAs? 25:09 – Is there another profession you’d like to be a part of if you had your choice? 26:50 – Some parting words from Terry.   Get the full show notes and additional resources by clicking here. 

The International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists is celebrating 30 years as an organization in 2019 and we had the chance to spend some time with four current board members and one past president. During this episode, we had the chance to talk about the IFNA’s history, its mission, where it hopes to go in the future, and much more. Check out the full show notes by clicking here.----more---- Today's rundown:  1:54 – Introducing today’s topic on the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists          2:09 – Welcome in our IFNA guests to the show. 2:28 – Some history on IFNA and how it formed from Sandy Oullette 5:15 – President Jackie Rowles introduces today’s panel: 1st VP Ingrid Andersson, Treasurer Zorica Kardos, and Executive Committee member Gye Seon Jeong 5:58 – Andersson shares the value of IFNA to her Swedish national organization.   7:16 – Similar practices between US and Sweden. 9:15 – Gye Seon Jeong on her experience with IFNA in Korea  14:10 – How many nurse anesthetists in Korea? 15:40 – Zorica Kardis from Slovenia joins the show to share her experiences. 16:40 – The challenges of being the treasurer of an international organization. 18:43 – The number of CRNAs in Slovenia and how their practice compares to the US. 20:05 – How the IFNA supports the growth within individual countries.   21:15 – 107 countries reported nurses provide nurse anesthesia and we have 43 country members. 21:48 – What IFNA is doing to grow and expand the organization.   22:55 – What are the greatest accomplishments of the IFNA? 26:33 – Where is the focus for the IFNA in the future? 28:49 – Each guests shares their best memory of IFNA 43:54 – Sandy Oullette shares a funny story. 46:27 – Jacky shares some closing comments on IFNA.

Whether you’re looking for that first CRNA job or you're a veteran in the industry, the interview process can be stressful. It’s easy to question yourself and your preparation. That’s why we wanted to bring on a guest from one of the country’s top medical centers to give you an inside look at the interview process and share tips to help you land your next job. Visit the Beyond The Mask Podcast website... ----more---- Show Notes: 2:17 – Introducing our guest Laura Ardizzone 5:46 – What we’re talking about today: CRNA job interviews 7:10 – What are some of the skills and strategies of the interviewer? 9:16 – Be confident that your future employer has seen your social media posts. 10:00 – Some companies/hospitals utilize software to cull social media feeds. 11:28 – Social media works both ways and employers are often reviewed by candidates. 12:52 – CRNAs are in high demand right now.  13:46 – Resources that can help you prepare for an interview. 15:00 – What types of questions are off-limits? 15:50 – Jeremy shares a funny interview story. 17:02 – A surprising thing that candidates have told Laura. 18:58 – How long does a typical interview last? 19:42 – A question that Laura commonly likes to ask to gauge the interview direction. 20:32 – Should CRNA’s ask about time off during an interview? 21:45 – How should you dress for an interview? 22:36 – How and when should a candidate follow up after an interview? 24:30 – What if you haven’t heard back for a while? 25:40 – Have you ever hired someone that turned out to be completely different than expected? 26:25 – Final words of wisdom from Laura.

There’s some concern in educational circles that the history of nurse anesthesia has lost importance during the evolution of the profession. We want to dive into that topic today and explore the history, accomplishments, and milestones with two experts on the subject. Sandra Ouellette and Evan Koch will provide historical insight and some wonderful information on this episode. Check out the full show notes by clicking here.----more---- Today's rundown:  1:38 – Introducing Sandra Ouellette, one of our guests today. 3:50 – A little background on Ouellette’s career and recent honor. 5:16 – Introducing our second guest Evan Koch and his background. 6:16 – Our main topic today: relevance of nurse anesthesia history in evolution of profession. 6:46 – What are some of the common themes found throughout history? 9:05 – Surgeons can be a CRNA’s greatest asset. 9:26 – Surgeon Evarts Graham’s impact on the history of the industry. 11:18 – Humbug in anesthesia at the outset of discovery. 12:47 – Ouellette on some of the history that’s been edited through the years. 14:01 – Where you can find a lot of great information on anesthesia history. 14:47 – The role that educators have played in our history. 15:54 – Helen Lamb’s impact. 17:00 – Educators have faced various threats and obstacles through the years. 19:30 – Contributions that CRNA’s have made on anesthesia. 22:19 – Has the discussion of professional identity been around for a while? The debate surrounding the title Nurse Anesthesiologist. 28:23 – It’s important to know and understand the history of nurse anesthesia. 30:51 – What’s the difference between DNPs vs PhD? 34:38 – When did history get taken out of the nurse anesthesia curriculum? 39:17 – History of the CRNA journal and other achievements. 42:13 – Closing thoughts from both guests.

Peripheral nerve blocks are a growing type of regional anesthesia and there’s an app out there that serves as a reference guide for CRNAs. We brought on Block Buddy co-founders Scott Urigel and Jeff Molter to find out how the idea was developed and how it’s benefiting the industry. Check out the full show notes for this episode by clicking here. ----more---- Today's rundown:  1:38 – To Block or Not to Block: That is the question 2:00 – Introducing our guests: Scott Urigel and Jeff Molter. 2:26 – Who are our guests today? 4:05 – How difficult was it to develop the Block Buddy app? 6:39 – How long did the process take? 8:57 – The app has evolved quite a bit since it was first published. 9:37 – How are CRNAs utilizing blocks now? 10:30 – What we’ve been seeing from large anesthesia companies in Ohio. 12:12 – There’s always a learning curve and peripheral nerve blocks are no different. 13:53 – When we first started doing it, we thought it was the worst idea. 15:18 – Some locations nationwide have limitations on blocks in our practice. 17:03 – Block Buddy is hosting its own conferences and programs now. 20:30 – Is there a financial opportunity for CRNAs? 22:08 – How can a CRNA that learns this skill go out and benefit from it? 24:38 – Congratulating Scott for a great award he just won. 25:17 – Jeff won Ohio CRNA of the Year.

Protecting yourself should be a priority for every CRNA and often times it’s easy to think that you’re already covered. But there are many options to consider with malpractice insurance, from the policy type to the company that you purchase the policy through. John Fetcho, Director of AANA Insurance Services, joins us to these differences and clear up any misconceptions we might have. See the full show notes on our website here.----more---- Take a look at the rundown for this episode: 1:40 – Welcome John Fetcho – Director of AANA Insurance Services 2:47 – Why is this topic of malpractice insurance so important? 4:50 – You want to understand who is insuring you and what coverage you have. 7:16 – Occurrence coverage vs claims made 10:45 – The two types of insurance companies: Admitted and Non-Admitted 14:30 – When CRNA is involved in a claim, 100% of the time there are legal expenses. 15:28 – How can you find ratings for insurance companies? 17:51 – Insurance policies aren’t created equally. There are significant differences. 20:39 – Are moonlighting policies still available? 21:42 – A real-life story about a how a supplemental policy could have made a huge difference. 24:26 – How the policy premiums different state to state. 30:00 – AANA is there as a resource for members. 31:11 – AANA premiums for CRNAs have gone down 33% since they began.

This week, we have the pleasure of speaking with Tom Baribeault, Chief CRNA at Lexington Surgery Center and Founder of the Society for Opioid Free Anesthesia (SOFA). He discusses his personal experiences with eliminating opioids in his own practice, and the challenges of breaking away from standard anesthesia practices. Tune in to find out what kind of opoid replacements are being used, as well as how you can begin to implement non-opioid strategies with your patients.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which went into effect at the beginning of this year, created a lot of changes that will heavily affect the taxes that CRNAs pay over the next several years. Jeremy will walk you step-by-step through some new options that you should consider taking advantage of, as well as some hazards that could trip you up if you're not in the know.

We turn the spotlight now to Helen Lamb, who spearheaded the efforts to standardize education across nurse anesthesia programs nationwide. Her vision for the future of nurse anesthesia education led to certification and accreditation and resulted in the very first standard curriculum for CRNAs.

This week, we'll continue our Historical Series with a look into the life and career of Alice Magaw. With a keen attention to detail and an unprecedented record of safety, she gained recognition around the world as a leader, teacher, published author and innovator in her field, and ultimately became known as the mother of anesthesia.

Caroline Killmon and Ashley Fedan are back, and this time they're teaming up to discuss the CRNA and SRNA presence on social media, and the bullying that has begun to pervade various platforms. We'll explore important issues such as the expectations of students versus practicing CRNAs, the disconnect between people's actions inside and outside of social media, and the importance of knowing your audience. We'll talk about why many of these elements have led to a fear of engagement, and what we can do to take back social media and make it a positive environment moving forward.

So, you want to get involved in CRNA advocacy, but you don't know how.  Or, you want to be involved, but you don't want to be the actual person doing the advocating.  That's okay! Kimberly Gordon, faculty member at Wake Forest School of Medicine, is here to share her insights into CRNA state advocacy.  We'll talk about how to build positive relationships with legislators, the importance of partnering with other associations, and the advantages of forming an independent expenditure.  But most importantly, we'll talk about how you can get involved and how you can get others to join in.

Caroline Killmon, student at Wake Forest and student representative to the AANA Education Committee, joins us to talk about some of the barriers to student leadership within the nurse anesthesia community. We'll unpack issues such as bullying within the nursing profession, generational differences, millennial stereotypes, work-life balance and much more.

We've talked in a past episode about the doors that could very well be opened by a switch to the Nurse Anesthesiologist descriptor. However, what kind of unintended consequences might we face as a result? This week, we'll shift perspectives and speak with four nurse anesthesia educators about how they believe this change would affect not only their own particular educational programs, but CRNA students as a whole.

June 10, 2019 is the 30th anniversary of IFNA, and to celebrate, we're talking to Sandra Ouellette, who was one of the founders of the organization as well as a past president of IFNA. She'll give us a brief history of the organization from the earliest discussions to present day. We'll also hear from Jackie Rowles, current president of IFNA, about how the federation has made enormous strides over the last several years to connect with other international organizations, and to help create solutions for global access to care.