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In this episode of Core Anesthesia, Cole and Tanner sit down with CRNA Jennifer Clevenger to explore a side of anesthesia many providers may not know much about: chronic pain management. Jennifer shares her path from the OR into pain management and breaks down what this unique area of practice actually looks like, from patient assessment and medication management to interventional procedures and long-term care. She also talks about the training involved, work-life balance, career opportunities, and what CRNAs should know if they're interested in pursuing this path. Plus, the conversation dives into the important role advocacy plays in expanding CRNA practice and improving patient access to pain care. Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at info@coreanesthesia.com
What separates a strong nurse anesthesia applicant from someone who simply looks impressive on paper? In this episode of Airway Exchange, Erin and Louisa sit down with Leah Gordon, DNP, APRN, CRNA, program director and assistant professor in the Nurse Anesthesiology Program at St. Mary's University of Minnesota and author of The Provider Mindset: A Complete Guide to Becoming a Competitive Nurse Anesthesiology Applicant. Together, they explore what educators are really looking for during the admissions process and why GPA, ICU experience, shadowing hours, and a polished interview only tell part of the story. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making. Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.com In this episode: The cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, and coagulation changes of normal pregnancy you need to know before you can recognize what's broken in preeclampsia Why preeclampsia is fundamentally a placenta problem that becomes a vascular endothelium problem — sFlt-1, soluble endoglin, VEGF neutralization, and the cascade that drives every symptom HELLP syndrome — microangiopathic hemolysis, hepatic involvement, and how it changes your anesthetic plan Magnesium sulfate pharmacology — NMDA antagonism, the dosing regimen, toxicity ladder, and why you must cut your non-depolarizing NMB dose by 30 to 50 percent Neuraxial vs general anesthesia in the severe preeclamptic — when neuraxial is safe, how to manage platelet thresholds, and how to blunt the catecholamine surge of laryngoscopy when general is unavoidable
UnitedHealthcare posted $5.5 billion in profit this quarter. Another state just opted out of physician supervision requirements. And CMS quietly gutted what's left of anesthesia's quality reporting program. Joseph A. Rodriguez, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Guide Anesthesia, is joined by Randy Moore, Chief Anesthetist Officer and Executive Vice President for Strategy, and Gary Keeling, VP Business Development at Coronis Revenue Cycle Management, for a wide-ranging read on where anesthesia economics are actually headed. They don't agree on how much of this changes practice on the ground. That's the point. Ohio becomes the 27th opt-out state, and the three break down why the practical impact rarely matches the headline. CMS's 2027 proposed rule drops the conversion factor again and dismantles MIPS reporting, Gary explains why almost nobody hits the threshold anymore. UnitedHealthcare's quarterly numbers spark a sharper conversation about what a 7% margin on $112 billion in revenue actually signals about the system underneath it, and about the difference between a flawed idea and a poorly executed one. A new rural healthcare bill promising higher CRNA and anesthesiologist reimbursement gets a clear-eyed "it won't work" from all three. Plus: the pre-op smoking conversation nobody has ever actually had, and why "productivity, not cost" might be the real headline healthcare keeps missing. TAKEAWAYS Opt-out status changes almost nothing for practice models outside of all-CRNA sites already considering the switch. The headline outruns the operational impact by a wide margin. MIPS in anesthesia has become a check-the-box exercise with no measurable link to patient outcomes. Most providers no longer even hit the reporting threshold. Every CMS reimbursement cut gets absorbed the same way: pushed onto facility subsidies, which raises the cost of entry for new and smaller groups and accelerates consolidation. A rural anesthesia reimbursement bump sounds like an access fix but doesn't change the math for anesthesiologists or hospitals. Small percentages of small numbers stay small. Extreme profit sitting next to a broken system is not proof that free enterprise failed. It's proof that execution failed. Confusing the two is what pushes public opinion toward bad solutions. Healthcare's financial strain reads as a cost problem when it's actually a productivity problem. Fix throughput and OR utilization, and a large share of the "cost crisis" narrative disappears. Want more Dr. Joe Rodriguez? Tik Tok: @jrodcrna21 Instagram: @jrod.crna & @abouttherestpod YouTube: @AboutTheRest Thanks for my co-hosts: Randy Moore (EVP & National Chief CRNA, NorthStar Anesthesia) Gary Keeling (VP of Anesthesia Services, Coronis RCM) To Learn More about Human Content Visit: http://www.human-content.com To Learn More about About The Rest Visit: www.abouttherest.com Got a Question? hello@abouttherest.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN has spent decades practicing, advocating, leading, mentoring, and telling the stories of nurse anesthesia. But behind the titles is a career shaped by formative mentors, difficult clinical days, unexpected opportunities, and a strong sense of responsibility to the profession. Nicolas and Kelsey have a great conversation with Sharon, not just a former AANA president and longtime voice in nurse anesthesia, but also a CRNA shaped by mentors, advocacy, hard clinical lessons, and a deep belief in giving back to the profession. She shares the stories behind her career, the people who helped build her confidence, what students can learn from difficult days, and why preserving the history of nurse anesthesia has become such an important part of her legacy. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Why the anesthesia staffing shortage has created one of the strongest job markets ever for new CRNAsWhat chief CRNAs are actually looking for during interviews and how to stand out as a candidateHow to evaluate your first CRNA job based on pay, location, flexibility, autonomy, and most importantly, cultureWhy you have more leverage than you think when choosing a job, plus one simple interview strategy that can make you unforgettableTo contact Braden Clark, CRNA you can email him at: bradenmclark6@gmail.com
Mike O'Dell, CRNA never planned on becoming a quilting entrepreneur, but a love of art, a willingness to experiment, and a push from the right mentor changed everything. What started as a handmade quilt pattern eventually became Legit Kits, a growing business that brought him all the way to Shark Tank. In this episode, Mike shares the twists, risks, failures, and lessons behind that journey while explaining why CRNA training gave him the confidence to pursue something completely outside anesthesia. His story is a reminder of what can happen when curiosity turns into action. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Regional anesthesia is one of the highest-yield, most heavily tested areas on the boards, but most review content buries the clinically useful details under anatomy that never gets asked. This episode breaks down the brachial plexus approaches boards actually tests, the truncal and lower extremity blocks showing up in modern multimodal protocols, and the complication patterns examiners use as answer traps.In this episode:The four brachial plexus approaches and why phrenic nerve risk drops as you move from interscalene to axillaryWhy adductor canal block has replaced femoral nerve block for TKA, and the volume myths that trip up test-takersThe LAST risk hierarchy by injection site, and the Exparel interaction rules boards loves to testFREE RESOURCES:SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boardsGPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia.Non-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one pageMalignant Hyperthermia Reference Guide — Recognize MH fast. Treat it faster — one-page referenceWANT THE FULL PLATFORM?Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.
My guests today are Abigail Lee and Johanna Bennett, two Doctor of Nursing Practice graduate students at the University of New England who focused their DNP project on perioperative use of IV methadone. Abigail Lee attended Southern Maine Community College and transferred to the University of Southern Maine to study nursing. She worked at Maine Medical Center in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. She intends to head down to North Carolina to work as a CRNA. Johanna Bennett went to Saint Anselm College. She started her career in healthcare in the Medical/COVID ICU as a new graduate nurse and worked there for three years before starting CRNA school at the University of New England. Jo will be joining our team at Maine Medical Center to work as a CRNA. This episode is on the longer side, so here's your TL:DL, too-long; didn't listen summary of perioperative IV methadone – the opioid-spairing opioid. Standard short-acting pure mu-agonists—like fentanyl, hydromorphone, and morphine—often leave our patients trapped in a roller coaster of ‘peaks and valleys,’ leading to oversedation, unexpected pain spikes, and high total opioid consumption in the PACU. In this episode, we explore why methadone is uniquely positioned as the ‘opioid-sparing opioid.’ Beyond its strong -receptor agonism, methadone boasts NMDA receptor antagonism and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, targeting pain at multiple pathways to blunt central sensitization and wind-up phenomenon. Key Clinical Takeaways from the Literature: The Effective Dose: An ideal single dose on induction is 0.2 to 0.25 mg/kg ideal body weight (or roughly 10-20 mgIV). Underdosing (
Many nurse anesthesia students enter their programs with an interest in teaching, but that interest can fade without formal guidance or hands-on opportunities. The Minneapolis School of Anesthesia is addressing that gap through a student faculty mentorship track designed to prepare future educators before graduation. In this episode, Nickie and Louisa are joined by faculty members Dr. Travis Laffoon, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Megan Kakela, DNP, CRNA, APRN, Jordan Popp, DNP, CRNA, APRN, and Dr. Grace Bedu, DNP, CRNA, APRN to discuss how the program combines mentorship, clinical release time, exam development, simulation teaching, and exposure to the realities of academic life. Their experience offers a practical model for strengthening the nurse anesthesia faculty pipeline. Here's what you'll hear in this episode:
Understanding opioid selection in the OR is all about recognizing pharmacokinetics and how they align with surgical needs and patient factors, rather than focusing solely on receptor effects. This episode explores the five opioids you use most—morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphone—and offers a framework for choosing optimally among them.Opioid receptor mechanisms and their clinical outcomesLipid solubility's role in opioid kineticsPharmacokinetics of morphine, fentanyl, sufentanil, remifentanil, and hydromorphoneManaging side effects like respiratory depression and opioid-induced hyperalgesiaGuidelines for opioid selection based on case specifics and patient renal functionResourcesAtomic Anesthesia Platform — In-depth lessons and quizzes on each opioid.FREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/gpcr-cheat-sheet to grab it free.MORE FREE STUDY RESOURCES:SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boardsNon-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one pageMalignant Hyperthermia Reference Guide — Recognize MH fast. Treat it faster — one-page referenceWANT THE FULL PLATFORM?Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.Mentioned in this episode:
Adam Flowe, MSN, CRNA returns to Beyond the Mask for a follow-up conversation on onco-anesthesia, cancer research, and the rapidly changing tools that may shape the future of care. After stepping away from a longtime leadership role at Duke and moving into a smaller practice setting, Adam reflects on career change, identity, and the importance of staying open to growth. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest unresolved questions in anesthesia: does the anesthetic technique used during cancer surgery affect long-term cancer outcomes? Adam discusses why several major research studies were expected to provide clarity, how funding cuts have stalled key randomized controlled trials, and why providers are still left with more questions than answers. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Anesthesia coverage is now the single most cited financial headache for surgery center leaders in the country, and MD-only care is disappearing fast: QZ billing is up 15%, team-based coverage is up 30%, and CRNA-involved cases have nearly doubled in Florida over 14 years. Joe Rodriguez sits down with Randy Moore, Chief CRNA and Chief Strategy Officer at North Star Anesthesia, and first-time guest Andrew Woodmancey, founder and managing partner of Anesthesia Operations Consultants, a mid-sized consulting firm based in Florida, to break down what's actually driving these numbers. They don't agree on all of it. The conversation opens with a new VMG Health survey on where anesthesia subsidies are headed in 2026, then moves into the billing data behind the shift away from MD-only care. Andrew, brought on as the non-clinical voice in the room, argues the real economic problem is reimbursement and industry infighting, not scope-of-practice fights. Joe pushes further, arguing that credentials alone don't guarantee value: the market only pays for solving someone else's problem, and if surgeons can eventually do it without anesthesia providers, they will. Randy and Joe also spar over how much weight to give data versus identity in shaping the industry's direction. Also in this one: what change management actually looks like for an anesthesiologist moving from a one-to-three model to zone coverage, and why the math behind CRNA-only staffing might be quietly reversing in some markets. TAKEAWAYS 1. MD-only anesthesia care is significantly decreasing, not because of politics or scope-of-practice wins, but because the economics stopped supporting it. QZ billing is up 15%, team-based coverage up 30%. 2. In Florida, roughly 90% of anesthesia cases now involve a CRNA, up from about 70%. 3. Credentials alone don't create economic value. Value in this market is transactional to some degree, tied to solving someone else's problem, not to years of training. 4. QZ utilization is increasing across states, though unevenly, some markets seeing modest growth, others far more dramatic shifts. MD-only care is significantly decreasing nationally, and medical direction/team models are increasing at varying rates by state. Want more Dr. Joe Rodriguez? Tik Tok: @jrodcrna21 Instagram: @jrod.crna & @abouttherestpod YouTube: @AboutTheRest Thanks for my co-hosts: Randy Moore (EVP & National Chief CRNA, NorthStar Anesthesia) Gary Keeling (VP of Anesthesia Services, Coronis RCM) To Learn More about Human Content Visit: http://www.human-content.com To Learn More about About The Rest Visit: www.abouttherest.com Got a Question? hello@abouttherest.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
One of the biggest events in our profession is coming up in a few weeks, and the AANA Annual Congress in Boston will provide countless opportunities for RNs and future CRNAs. With educational sessions, networking opportunities, career resources, workshops, and special events happening throughout the week, having a plan can make a major difference. With so much going on throughout the week, we thought it would be a perfect time to bring on some people who make all of this happen. So today Levi sits down with Hallie Evans, DNP, CRNA - AANA Senior Director of Education and Professional Development, Julie Rossberger, AANA Manager of Member Engagement and Experience, and Becky Frese, AANA Professional Practice Specialist to highlight the programming created specifically for RNs and nurse anesthesia residents. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
Sponsored by MyStaffSchedule, in this episode, Dr. Adam Striker interviews a husband-and-wife team who developed a scheduling platform for healthcare organizations. Listen in as CRNA, Ms. Krista Niedermeier, and IT professional, Mr. Ricky Niedermeier, discuss how it all began, the problems they hoped to solve, the current state of anesthesiology from their POV, and more. Recorded June 2026.
A recently identified genetic mutation, passed down on the maternal line, can cause otherwise healthy patients to develop severe and often permanent neurological injury after routine sevoflurane exposure. This episode breaks down the underlying mitochondrial mechanism, why TIVA with propofol is the safer anesthetic strategy, and the family history red flags every provider should be screening for.A newly identified genetic mutation that turns routine sevoflurane exposure into catastrophic, permanent neurological injuryThe mitochondrial mechanism behind it, and why some patients have zero reserve capacity to absorb the hitWhy TIVA with propofol becomes the clear anesthetic choice once you understand what spares Complex ISource: Sanz-Pons J, et al. "Effects of a Mitochondrial Genetic Variant on Sevoflurane Hypersensitivity." Anesthesiology 2026;144:1286–98.FREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/gpcr-cheat-sheet to grab it free.MORE FREE STUDY RESOURCES:SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boardsNon-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one pageMalignant Hyperthermia Reference Guide — Recognize MH fast. Treat it faster — one-page referenceWANT THE FULL PLATFORM?Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.Mentioned in this episode:
In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy welcome President and CEO of Aurnova University Linda Caccamo, CRNA, DNP, MS, MBA, MHA, to discuss why advanced business education is becoming an increasingly valuable asset for healthcare professionals. With more than 30 years of clinical anesthesia experience, Linda understands what it takes to create academic programs that meet today's workforce needs and we'll explore all areas of that in this conversation. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
How much does the clinical learning environment shape the future of nurse anesthesia? In this episode of Airway Exchange, Greg and Erin welcome Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA to discuss his groundbreaking research on incivility among CRNA preceptors. Together, they examine groundbreaking research showing that more than three-quarters of nurse anesthesia residents reported experiencing some form of incivility during training, while exploring why these situations occur and what educators, preceptors, and clinical leaders can do to improve the experience for everyone involved. Rather than simply identifying the problem, this conversation focuses on practical solutions. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Propofol, a cornerstone in anesthesia practice, functions as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA-A receptor. This episode explores its receptor pharmacology, the mechanisms behind its dose-dependent clinical effects, and addresses common questions like propofol infusion syndrome and pain on injection.Receptor pharmacology and allosteric modulationPharmacokinetics and context-sensitive half-timeCardiac and respiratory effectsRisk and management of propofol infusion syndromeHandling egg allergy concernsStrategies to reduce pain on injectionFREE RESOURCE FOR THIS EPISODE:GPCR Cheat Sheet — G-protein coupled receptors decoded for anesthesia. Head to atomicanesthesia.com/freebies/gpcr-cheat-sheet to grab it free.MORE FREE STUDY RESOURCES:SEE/NCE Study Plan — A structured, week-by-week plan to pass your boardsNon-Opioid Pharmacology Cheat Sheet — Every non-opioid analgesic you need to know, on one pageMalignant Hyperthermia Reference Guide — Recognize MH fast. Treat it faster — one-page referenceWANT THE FULL PLATFORM?Atomic Anesthesia is the all-in-one study platform built specifically for SRNAs — lessons, quizzes, flashcards, and more. Start your free trial at atomicanesthesia.com.Mentioned in this episode:
This week, we're talking about how becoming a CRNA doesn't have to be the finish line—it can be the beginning of so much more. Cole and Tanner sit down with Jon and Rhianna Schoeller to chat about using anesthesia as a launchpad to build financial freedom, create new opportunities, and design a life centered around what matters most. They share practical advice on avoiding lifestyle inflation, making smart financial decisions, and investing in ways that can give you more flexibility and time with your family. Whether you're still in school or already practicing, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what your CRNA career can make possible.Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at info@coreanesthesia.com
Recorded live from the IFNA World Congress in Australia, Sharon and special co-host Kevin Chem welcome Richard Henker, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, whose work with the World Health Organization and the G4 Alliance is helping reshape global anesthesia through data. We'll explore how the Operative and Encounter Registry serves as a simple point of care tool that allows anesthesia providers to capture essential surgical and anesthesia data, making our care visible in ways it hasn't been before. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:The critical distinction between high spinal and total spinal that everyone can define but few can actually tell apartWhy a negative aspiration on a labor epidural doesn't guarantee the catheter isn't sitting in CSFThe board favorite scenario where a spinal stacked on a failed epidural top off becomes one of the highest risk setups for total spinalWhy blood pressure stays normal in over half of total spinal cases and what the earliest reliable warning sign really is
Every nurse anesthesia student loses sleep over clinicals, wondering whether they're prepared enough to keep up. The truth? Everyone struggles in the beginning, even the students who seem to have it all together. In this episode of Grade 1 View, Mackenzie leads the discussion with Levi and Nicolas to share honest stories from their first months in clinicals. They'll open up about embarrassing mistakes and imposter syndrome, while providing lessons on stress management and learning to laugh at yourself, this conversation is a reassuring reminder that becoming a CRNA is a journey—not a test of perfection. If you're about to start clinicals, this is the conversation you'll wish you heard on day one. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Jake and Alex discuss The non-clinical conversations every preceptor should be having, including finances, the post-graduation credentialing gap, and disability insuranceWhy student wellbeing directly affects learning and the small ways preceptors can protect itThe difference between the right way, the wrong way, and just your wayWhy precepting is the highest-leverage thing you do as a CRNA and how one tip can ripple through generations of providers
In this episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA presidents Sandy Ouellette, CRNA and Dick Ouellette, CRNA join Sharon and Jeremy explore the only three amicus briefs ever filed by the AANA (and its predecessor, NANA). From the 1934 Dagmar Nelson case to the antitrust battles of the 1980s, they explain how these legal efforts defended CRNA practice, challenged misinformation, and laid the foundation for the profession's continued autonomy. It's an essential history lesson for every nurse anesthetist and a reminder that today's opportunities were earned through decades of advocacy. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode: ⚖️ Three Historic Briefs – The only amicus briefs ever filed by the AANA
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Jake and Alex discuss the most important relationship in CRNA school and why the transition to preceptor happens before most new grads feel readyHow to set the right tone from day one, give students an appropriate leash, and know when to step inWhy letting students safely get into trouble is more powerful than telling them what not to doHow to deliver honest, constructive feedback, including praise in public, correction in private, and debriefs that students lead themselves
Item analysis can sound intimidating, especially for educators who were trained as clinicians first and teachers second. But when used well, it can become one of the most valuable tools for improving assessments, clarifying instruction, and supporting student success. In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Erin and Louisa welcome in Valerie Diaz, DNP, CRNA, PMHNP-BC, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, CAPT (Ret), USN and Pedro Hernandez, DNP, CRNA, APRN to break down the importance of item analysis, a topic they presented at AANA's EDGE event earlier this year. Just as CRNAs constantly refine their clinical practice, educators should continually evaluate, reflect, and improve the tools they use to assess learning. Better assessments lead to better education. Better education ultimately leads to better patient care. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Why your biggest limitation is often your mindset, not your intelligence, work ethic, or backgroundHow to build real confidence through action, overcome self-doubt, and break through limiting beliefsWhy thinking bigger, embracing bold goals, and challenging your own ceiling creates new opportunitiesHow true success is measured by the impact you have on others and using your achievements to elevate your community
Retirement for CRNAs is much more than just reaching a savings goal. It's about deciding what kind of life you want to live, and that often means asking difficult questions about your home, your possessions, your finances, and even your identity. While popular retirement advice often focuses on what to sell before you retire, the better question is whether those things still support the life you're trying to build. In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon turns the microphone around and interviews Jeremy, a Certified Financial Planner®, about a viral retirement video that has generated millions of views. Together, they explore whether the financial advice in this video makes sense in real life. Through stories from CRNAs they've worked with over the years, we'll provide some practical guidance for creating a retirement that's intentional, fulfilling, and uniquely your own. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Graduation is in sight, boards are on the horizon, and one of the biggest decisions of your career is quickly approaching: choosing your first CRNA job. With demand at an all-time high and opportunities across the country, it's easy to focus on salary alone, but the best career decisions involve much more than compensation. In this episode of Grade 1 View, hosts Kelsey and Levi welcome Mackenzie Munoz, Director of Partner Success at MedGeo and Tonya Hamlin, Regional Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search to discuss how SRNAs/RRNAs can confidently navigate the job search process. Both of these companies partner with the AANA to run the MOTION platform so they'll be able to provide invaluable insight into the many factors SRNAs will evaluate when picking that first CRNA job. Join us for the chance to discover how to effectively navigate your job search and make informed decisions that align with your career aspirations. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:The major ventilation modes used on anesthesia machines, including volume control, pressure control, PCV-VG, and pressure support ventilationHow each mode works, what it guarantees, and the key advantages and limitations of eachHow to choose the right mode for common OR scenarios like obesity, laparoscopic surgery, Trendelenburg positioning, and LMA casesPractical ventilation pearls, including lung-protective tidal volumes, PEEP, airway pressures, and recognizing changes in pulmonary complianceA simple framework for understanding any ventilator mode without memorizing manufacturer-specific names or buttons
In this episode of Airway Exchange, Erin and Greg sit down with Yasmine Campbell, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, CHSE, FAANA, a clinical associate professor at Florida International University and member of the AANA Education Committee. The episode discusses strategies for writing better exams, the growing role of AI, and creating meaningful professional development opportunities for CRNA faculty. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Joe Rodriguez sits down with Randy Moore and Tracy Young, to work through the week's hardest stories. Let the spicy takes flow! Reimbursement: UnitedHealthcare stops paying for physical status. Oklahoma and Louisiana fight back with legislation. Tracy makes the case that anesthesia has been commoditized, and that hospital subsidies taught payers they never have to pay full price. Private equity: California and Oregon pass laws to curb PE in medicine. Tracy argues we legislate against bad actors instead of punishing them. Randy defends consolidation, then explains why the Oregon deal was a playbook of what not to do. And the line nobody else will say: hospitals don't fire anesthesia groups that are doing a good job. Workforce: AA bills fail in Iowa and Minnesota. Joe argues the entire AA strategy asks the wrong question. Tracy disagrees with both hosts and predicts a sorted market: CRNA-centric facilities on one side, MD and AA medical-direction models on the other, driven by math, not preference. Plus: why anesthesia companies obsessed with growth keep losing contracts, and why CRNA residents work full-time hours unpaid while physician residents draw a salary. Takeaways: Hospital subsidies are functioning as a defacto safety net for the entire industry. They are the mechanism that lets payers keep cutting. Every subsidy dollar confirms someone else will cover the gap. Differentiation in anesthesia is no longer simply price. It is recruiting and retention, full stop. Culture is the product. Hospitals don't replace groups that are performing. If a contract gets shopped, there was a problem, whatever the press release says. Growth without product is a failure of leadership. The large groups losing contracts did it to themselves. The workforce will sort itself in the next decade. The average anesthesiologist is 55. CRNA graduation just crossed 3,000 for the first time. Profit motive is not a disease. Imbalance is. Everyone you've ever hired has a profit motive, including you. Want more Dr. Joe Rodriguez? Tik Tok: @jrodcrna21 Instagram: @jrod.crna & @abouttherestpod YouTube: @AboutTheRest Thanks for my co-hosts: Randall Mooore, DNP, MBA CRNA are Executive VP of Strategy and Chief Anesthetist Officer, former AANA CEO. Tracy Young: Incoming President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology To Learn More about Human Content Visit: http://www.human-content.com To Learn More about About The Rest Visit: www.abouttherest.com Got a Question? hello@abouttherest.com Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Making Of Evelina Smiles | Front Desk, Floors, and Soft Opening Strategy with Dr. Rich ConstantineIn this episode Ashley catches up with Dr. Rich Constantine after a few weeks away and gets a full update on everything happening at Evelina Smiles. From hiring the front office team to finally solving the herringbone flooring saga, to insurance decisions and the philosophy that is shaping how Rich is building his team this time around, this episode is packed with real, in the moment startup updates.What You'll Hear In This Episode:The Herringbone Floor Update Remember the flooring drama from a few episodes back? Rich's team found a machine that could finally cut the planks the way they envisioned. The floors look incredible and prove that sometimes the answer really is just more elbow grease.Building The Front Office Team First Rich hired two full time front desk administrators right out of the gate, both former assistants, so they can speak clinical language and step in when needed. He explains why splitting check in and check out responsibilities matters so much in a larger office and why he wanted them trained up together before adding the clinical team.Slow Is Smooth, Smooth Is Fast Rich shares an update on his favorite phrase from training. This time he is intentionally building in time to coach his team, role play patient conversations, and make sure everyone is on the same page before opening the doors. He breaks down why confused patients do not commit to treatment and why getting the team aligned matters more than speed.Construction And Equipment Status Six operatories are fully equipped. Chairs, sterilization, cabinetry, and CBCT are all in. Scanners and the handheld x-ray unit are still on the way. The parking lot needed an unexpected redo and furniture is being timed around construction completion.Schedule And Sedation Plans Rich shares his initial hours, Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5, and his plan to reserve Fridays for longer procedures and sedation cases once he is solo. He also talks about why he works with a CRNA group for sedation rather than managing it himself.Dropping Delta Dental Rich shares his reasoning for stepping away from being in network with a major insurance plan and how comparing the membership plan cost to typical payroll deductions made the decision clear.The Membership Plan Breakdown Rich walks through how his membership plan works through Clerri, including the 20% discount structure, how clear aligners are included, and why tracking a membership plan is the real challenge, not setting one up.Hiring Challenges In This Job Market Ashley and Rich get honest about no shows, ghosting, and how different hiring feels compared to his their startup. He also shares how leaning on a consultant's team member helped streamline some of the interview process.Connect with Ashley: Instagram: @ashleyjovesddsConnect with Rich: Instagram @dr.c_smiles or richconstantinedds@gmail.comThank You to Our PartnersNet32: The dental marketplace that helps practice owners stop overpaying for supplies. Compare and save at net32.com/themakingof.Studio 8E8 — Dentistry's story-driven growth agency for startups. s8e8.com/vslKasper Opportunity Finder: Fill those empty chairs and reclaim lost revenue with one click. Get it free at meetkasper.com/register.Support the showFind Out MoreThank you for listening to The Making Of podcast. If you enjoyed it, please share with anyone you think will gain value from the show by clicking on one of the sharing tabs above.SUBSCRIBE to our NEWSLETTER HEREAlso, please consider leaving an honest review on iTunes. It helps other listeners find the show, and I would be forever grateful.Questions or comments? Feel free to contact us at - themakingofadental@gmail.comFollow us on Instagram or Facebook and improve your dental practice every day!Have you subscribed? Don't miss a single episode!
Send us Fan MailLee has been a perfusionist for over 43 years. He was at the Cleveland Clinic for 17 years, during which the team there was involved in creating many techniques still used today. He now has a TikTok page where he tells stories from the early years of heart surgery and also discusses modern techniques.Learn about career options from the people doing it
Nurses are consistently ranked as the most trusted profession in America. So why aren't more nurses helping shape the conversations that influence healthcare policy, patient education, technology, and innovation? In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome Stroke Certified Registered Nurse, podcaster, author, and healthcare communicator Rosa Hart for a conversation about the power of storytelling, communication, and advocacy in modern healthcare. Drawing from her experiences in stroke care, podcasting, and healthcare media, Rosa explains why nurses possess a unique ability to translate complex medical information into meaningful conversations that patients and families can understand. She shares how witnessing remarkable stroke recoveries inspired her passion for education and discusses how communication may be one of the most overlooked clinical skills in healthcare. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Along life's winding roads we've each worked tirelessly to hone our skills and ultimately become the excellent clinicians we are today. But what happens when being great in the OR isn't enough? Each week on About the Rest, Joe Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, gets into the weeds on the definitive podcast for fellow CRNAs and MDs who want to understand how our profession actually works behind the scenes… warts and all. The spiritual sibling of the award-winning podcast Anesthesia Deconstructed, About the Rest takes a commentary-driven approach to facing the infrastructural obstacles that keep holding us back. Because the hard truth is… although our clinical skills are essential, the business of healthcare far too often treats them as commodities. Unapologetically inside baseball, join the podcast where together we become leaders, gain influence, and hone the skills nobody taught in our programs to take control of our careers. To Learn More Visit: ww.abouttherest.com Got a Question? hello@abouttherest.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
CRNA education has never been more demanding. As nurse anesthesia programs have evolved into rigorous 36-month doctoral programs, educators are seeing increasing levels of stress, anxiety, burnout, and mental health challenges among students. So how can faculty better support students while maintaining the high standards required of the profession? In this episode of Airway Exchange, hosts Nickie and Erin welcome Gerard Hogan, DNSc., APRN-BC, CRNA, FAANA, LtCol, USAF (ret.), psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, educator, and researcher, for an important conversation about resilience in nurse anesthesia education. Dr. Hogan discusses his research on resilience among nurse anesthesia residents and explains why resilience is a skill that can be taught, strengthened, and developed over time. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Why COPD is more than a lung problem — how alveolar destruction, V/Q mismatch, and cor pulmonale connect at the bedsideHow to ventilate a COPD patient intraoperatively: I:E ratios, PEEP strategy, and avoiding auto-PEEPThe pharmacology of bronchodilators — LABAs, LAMAs, and inhaled corticosteroids — and which ones to continue on the day of surgeryAnesthetic agent selection for reactive airways: why volatile agents help, why nitrous oxide doesn't, and when to consider TIVAPostoperative priorities: extubation to NIV, oxygen titration in CO2 retainers, and preventing reintubation
Twenty-two steps to reach an airway is not a quirky workflow problem, it's a patient safety problem. We're turning our attention to a neuro-interventional radiology (Neuro IR) suite where cables, monitors, and a poorly positioned anesthesia machine created a cramped, high-friction non-operating room anesthesia (NORA) environment. Joined by John Edwards, CRNA, we unpack how a real-world quality improvement project at the University of Kentucky Medical Center turned staff frustration into an evidence-based anesthesia workspace redesign.We start with what triggered the change: frontline clinicians describing barriers to optimal patient care, unsafe ergonomics, and a layout that made simple tasks unnecessarily hard. From there, we connect the dots to broader NORA safety expectations, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists guidance on having sufficient space, equipment access, and the ability to reach the patient quickly. Them, the team brings anesthesia staff, interventional radiology personnel, and facilities managers together to redesign the room with minimal disruption.You'll hear the practical interventions that made the difference, like cable management using existing ceiling infrastructure, switching to a more compact anesthesia machine, and repositioning equipment to restore clear access to the patient. The results are striking: smoother movement, less clutter, improved morale, and a dramatic reduction in the distance to the airway. If you work in any NORA location, this is a blueprint for safer anesthesia workflows.Subscribe for more NORA safety and patient safety insights, share this with a colleague who works off-site, and leave a review to help more clinicians find the show.For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/311-from-cable-chaos-to-one-step-airway-access/© 2026, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation
Every CRNA school interview panel asks about shock. Most applicants can name the four types. What separates the answers that land is mechanism — Frank-Starling in hypovolemic, the afterload trap in cardiogenic, iNOS-driven nitric oxide collapse in distributive, RV dilation and septal shift in obstructive. This episode covers all four shock states at the cellular level: hemodynamic profiles, bedside clues, and the exact language to use when a program asks you to walk through shock in an interview. We have a full shock states lesson inside The CRNA Club learning library — hemodynamic profiles for every shock type, built for CCRN prep and CRNA interview practice. Start your free seven-day trial. FREE RESOURCES TO HELP YOU ON YOUR CRNA JOURNEY: Transcript Analyzer - Find out if your GPA is competitive for CRNA school 9-Step Application Checklist - Every step you need to apply to CRNA school, in order CRNA School Database - Search and compare 140+ CRNA programs Certification Planner - Your personalized CCRN study schedule Timeline Generator - Build your personalized application timeline Try The CRNA Club FREE for 7 days - The only tool personalized to YOUR CRNA school journey CHAPTERS: [00:00] Cold open: warm post-op patient, ambiguous shock type [01:30] Welcome and shared framework: shock as inadequate tissue perfusion [02:30] Tank, pump, pipes, obstruction overview [03:00] Hypovolemic shock: Frank-Starling, sympathetic compensation, why pressors alone fail [06:00] Mid-episode: learning library shock lesson [07:00] Cardiogenic shock: calcium handling failure, the afterload trap, inotrope rationale [10:00] Distributive shock: iNOS, nitric oxide, why norepinephrine targets the right receptor [13:00] Obstructive shock: PE anatomy, tension pneumo, tamponade — and Beck's triad caveat [15:00] How to answer the shock question in your CRNA interview [16:30] Three clinical takeaways and cold open callback Follow us on Instagram: @thecrnaclub More resources at THECRNACLUB.COM
Every healthcare professional carries a story. Some are inspiring. Some are heartbreaking. Some quietly shape who we become as clinicians, educators, leaders, and people. But what happens when those stories are never told? In this episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and guest co-host Laura L. Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA welcome nurse educator, author, and storyteller Mary Ellen Miller, PhD, RN, PHNA-BC for a powerful conversation about narrative medicine, reflective writing, grief, healing, and the courage it takes to share personal experiences with the world. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
June is Pride Month, and on this episode of Grade 1 View, Levi and Kelsey sit down with John Gianitsis, MSNA, CRNA and Carlota Izaguirre, DNP, CRNA and from the Nurse Anesthesiology Pride Foundation (NAPF) to discuss representation, belonging, mental health, and community within the nurse anesthesia profession. We'll also explore the organization's evolution from GALA to NAPF and the important role it plays in supporting LGBTQ+ CRNAs, students, and allies. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
Welcome to the Atomic Anesthesia podcast hosted by CRNA professor Dr. Rhea Temmermand and Co-Founder Sachi Lord. On this show, you'll hear clear, clinically grounded discussions designed for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs who want to feel more confident in complex pharmacology, physiology, and real-world anesthesia decision-making.Want more content like this? Become a member of our learning platform: http://atomicanesthesia.comIn this episode:Why desflurane needs its own specialized Tec 6 vaporizer (and what its 22.8°C boiling point means for safe delivery)The four inhalational agents you need to know cold — sevoflurane, isoflurane, desflurane, nitrous oxide — with MAC values, blood:gas coefficients, and clinical trade-offsHow coronary steal actually works with isoflurane, and when it matters at the bedsideThe second gas effect explained at the alveolar level: concentrating effect + augmented inflowCompound A, carbon monoxide, methionine synthase inhibition — the metabolic pitfalls each agent brings to a caseTailoring agent choice for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, neuro, and cardiac patients
Could you imagine working in a rural location where access is truly a lifeline for people? Today's guest is April Erickson, DNP, CRNA, an Alaska based nurse anesthesiologist and anesthesia medical director with more than 15 years of experience in rural independent practice. Sharon and guest host Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, sit down with April to discuss frontier medicine, independent practice, leadership, and what it truly means to provide care where access is critical but not guaranteed. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
At the SOAP meeting in Montreal, Desiree Chappell and Monty Mythen interview Dr. Marie Louise Meng, Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology at Duke University Department of Anesthesiology and her former cardio-obstetric fellow Liliane Ernst, assistant professor in the Obstetric and Gynecologic Anesthesia section Wake Forest University. The conversation focuses on cardio-obstetric anesthesia, hemodynamics, monitoring, and patient-centered care. Meng describes building multidisciplinary "pregnancy heart teams" to plan management for complex cardiac disease in pregnancy and reduce birth trauma. Ernst discusses research using the Premier database on preexisting atrial fibrillation in pregnancy (about 25 per 100,000 deliveries) and associated management and outcomes. They review cases including mechanical circulatory support with an Impella to prolong pregnancy and highlight knowledge gaps about placental perfusion and pulsatility, including Fontan physiology. Meng outlines individualized hemodynamic monitoring for labor and C-sections, emphasizes recognizing hypertensive instability, and details preeclampsia with severe features, its end-organ criteria, incidence, disparities, postpartum follow-up challenges, and potential use of remote monitoring and noninvasive cardiac output/SVR monitoring to guide therapy. Monty Mythen, founding editor-in-chief of TopMedTalk, is now Senior Vice President, Scientific Liaison, BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. He is also Emeritus Professor of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, University College London, UK. Desirée Chappell, former co-editor-in-chief of TopMedTalk, is now Director of Medical Affairs and Medical Science Liaison, BD Advanced Patient Monitoring. She is also a CRNA at NorthStar Anesthesia, USA. -- Join us at Evidence Based Perioperative Medicine (EBPOM) World Congress 2026 in London. Be part of a global conversation as clinicians from around the world gather between 7-9th July at the British Library in London. Three days of evidence-based perioperative medicine, global insights, and expert debate—featuring speakers including Michael Marmot and Ken Rockwood. Register here - EBPOM World Congress 2026
What if CRNA school interviews have been measuring the wrong things all along? In this episode of Airway Exchange, Vicente Gonzalez, DNP, CRNA and Ann Miller, DNP, CRNA, faculty from Florida International University, break down their groundbreaking new admissions interview process designed to assess what traditional interviews often miss: resilience, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional regulation. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
Most CRNAs have never heard the name Florence Boswell. But maybe they should have. In this fascinating historical episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA president Debra Malina, CRNA, MBA, DNSc, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, uncover the remarkable story of Florence Boswell, a nurse anesthetist, aviation pioneer, charter member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and one of the earliest women pilots in America. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode:
What really happens after CRNA school ends? In this episode of Grade 1 View, former host Kevin Chem, DNP, CRNA returns to the show nearly a year into practice to talk honestly about the transition from SRNA to CRNA, from the stress of boards and credentialing to the emotional reality of walking into the OR independently for the first time. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode:
What happens when anesthesia providers from around the world come together in one place? In this special recap episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon is joined by Erin Foley, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA, FAANA, and TxANA Vice President Jennifer Andersen, MSNA, CRNA to look back on their experience attending the International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists (IFNA) Congress in Australia. Find out what we learned, what surprised us, and why these meetings matter so much to our profession. Here's some of what you'll hear in this episode: