In this reflective episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we explore how perspective shifts with experience and how nurse anesthesia residents can study more effectively not just for exams, but for lasting clinical mastery. The episode outlines twelve lessons the host would apply if starting grad school again—from focusing on physiology over perfectionism, to using memory maps instead of endless notes, to treating organization as a core learning strategy rather than an afterthought. Listeners will hear why prioritizing long-term understanding, questioning clinical conventions, and building strong professional networks early can transform both their education and their future practice. Practical, honest, and experience-driven, this episode reminds anesthesia trainees that true competence comes from depth, connection, and curiosity—not from chasing straight A’s.

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This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast focuses on dexmedetomidine (Precedex), a highly selective α2-adrenergic agonist that provides cooperative, arousable sedation, analgesia, anxiolysis, and sympatholysis with minimal respiratory depression for perioperative and ICU care. Aimed at nurse anesthesia residents, it reviews dexmedetomidine’s α2-selective pharmacology, rapid distribution and hepatic metabolism, and its ability to mimic non-REM sleep via locus coeruleus inhibition while significantly reducing MAC and opioid requirements. Listeners learn practical dosing strategies for OR, ICU, and procedural sedation, common indications such as awake fiberoptic intubation, MAC cases, withdrawal management, and pediatric emergence delirium, and key safety considerations including bradycardia, hypotension, transient hypertension with rapid loading, and the ongoing need for vigilant airway and hemodynamic monitoring when incorporating dexmedetomidine into multimodal anesthetic plans.

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, host Dr. Rhea Temmermand speaks with Michael Hoess, CRNA and Lead CRNA for Education at Cooper University Hospital, about the crucial role of CRNAs in austere and tactical medical environments. Drawing on over a decade of trauma and resuscitation experience, Mike shares how CRNAs contribute to training military and government medical teams operating in resource-limited or remote conditions. The discussion explores how core anesthesia principles adapt when blood banks, ventilators, or full surgical teams aren’t available, emphasizing the importance of airway control, hemodynamic management, and damage control resuscitation in the field. Mike also discusses building resilience through high-stress simulations, developing adaptive leadership skills, and fostering mission readiness for both seasoned CRNAs and students. Listeners gain insight into how these lessons from austere medicine can strengthen everyday anesthesia practice and prepare clinicians for the challenges of modern conflict and disaster response.

If you want to reach out to Michael, you can contact him at [email protected] or [email protected]

Articles:

• Austere Resuscitative and Surgical Care Teams: Supporting Far-Forward Trauma Care on the Future Battlefield
• Military and Civilian Surgery Partner for Innovation, Effectiveness
• A Western trainer says talk of 'golden hour' would be laughable to Ukrainian forces.

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we’re talking to future nurse anesthetists who’ve just crushed the biggest milestone yet — getting accepted into CRNA school. Between acceptance and day one, there’s often a long waiting period, and this episode is your roadmap for using that time strategically. From tackling financial readiness and creating a solid academic foundation to preparing your family, refining your clinical skills in the ICU, and strengthening your mindset, we cover every step of the “Pre‑CRNA School Survival Checklist.” You’ll learn how to simplify your finances, refresh your physiology and pharmacology knowledge, set up realistic support systems, and mentally prepare for the demands ahead. Whether you start in a few months or next year, this episode gives you a clear, actionable plan to transition smoothly from RN to SRNA with confidence and focus.

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This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast features guest Cori James, DNP, CRNA, for a candid and practical discussion on what not to do when working with CRNA preceptors. Designed for nurse anesthesia residents, this conversation highlights the most common pitfalls students unknowingly fall into during clinical rotations—from over-socializing and being unprepared to showing poor teachability, lacking situational awareness, or demonstrating unsafe habits in the OR. Cori shares firsthand insights on maintaining professionalism, demonstrating initiative, and developing adaptability across different teaching styles. The episode also explores critical aspects of communication, infection control, and teamwork that can make or break a student’s clinical experience. Whether you’re just beginning your first rotation or refining your professional presence, this episode equips you with the self-awareness and mindset needed to build strong preceptor relationships and thrive in the clinical setting.

If you want to contact Cori, follow her on TikTok @corijamess or IG at @coricrna. You can also email her at [email protected]

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, host Dr. Rhea Temmermand provides a detailed pharmacology review of propofol, the main IV sedative hypnotic used for induction, maintenance, and procedural sedation in anesthesia practice. The episode covers propofol’s drug class and chemistry, its lipid emulsion formulation and infection risk, and key physicochemical properties including high lipophilicity and protein binding. Listeners learn the mechanism of action at the GABA A receptor, translating into CNS effects, cardiovascular and respiratory depression, and no analgesia. The discussion walks through pharmacokinetics and context‑sensitive half‑time in a clinically practical way, tying concepts to infusion planning and dosing strategies for various cases. Major adverse effects, toxicity including propofol infusion syndrome, allergy and infection‑control practices, and drug synergies are highlighted, with high‑yield clinical pearls on patient selection, hemodynamics, and airway rescue.

REFERENCES:

1. Nagelhout JJ, Elisha S, Heiner JS, eds. Nurse Anesthesia. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2022.
2. Flood P, Rathmell JP, Urman RD, eds. Stoelting’s Pharmacology & Physiology in Anesthetic Practice. 6th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
3. Katzung BG, ed. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology. 14th ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2018.

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This episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast unpacks the real clinical risk of adrenal suppression after a single dose of etomidate, challenging common debates every anesthesia resident faces. Drawing on the latest studies, listeners will discover exactly which patient groups—cardiac, septic, trauma, pediatric, and elective—are actually vulnerable to etomidate’s effects, and when transient adrenal suppression matters for outcomes. The discussion highlights the drug’s unique origins, why its hemodynamic stability often outweighs risks in routine cases, and why infusions are off the table. Tune in for practical guidance on using etomidate safely, tips for steroid coverage in critically ill patients, and a sneak peek at promising new etomidate analogs. Whether you’re prepping for exams or your next high-stakes induction, this episode helps you make smarter, evidence-based choices in the OR..

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, pediatric CRNA and educator Dr. Becky Motykiewicz presents a comprehensive guide for nurse anesthesia residents preparing for their pediatric anesthesia rotation. From preoperative communication strategies with parents and pediatric patients to practical tips for inhalational induction, airway management, and safe emergence, Dr. Motykiewicz shares her real-world advice. The discussion covers essential topics such as age-appropriate communication, preoperative assessment, differences in pediatric and adult induction, critical emergency drugs and dosages, IV equipment considerations, and safe practices for emergence and extubation. Lists of must-know calculations, including formulas for endotracheal tube size, IV fluids, and emergency drugs, are highlighted along with recommendations for trusted resources. Emphasizing preparation, humility, and patient-centered care, this episode equips listeners with actionable steps and practical wisdom to approach pediatric anesthesia rotations with confidence and curiosity.

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we talk with Dr. Hallie D. Evans, DNP, CRNA, APRN, CNE, a nationally recognized nurse anesthesia educator and clinician, about what it takes for CRNAs to step into the world of teaching. Dr. Evans discusses how her journey from clinical anesthesia to academic leadership began, the personal qualities that make an effective educator, and how to determine if you have the right temperament for academia. Listeners will learn the practical steps to becoming a nurse anesthesia educator, essential skills to develop when transitioning from the OR to the classroom, and what to expect in terms of salary, schedule, and sacrifices. With over 15 years of anesthesia experience and more than a decade in education, Dr. Evans shares her insights on balancing clinical practice with teaching, building innovative programs, and fostering future generations of CRNAs through mentorship and evidence-based pedagogy.

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In this episode of the Atomic Anesthesia Podcast, we tackle the complex reality of caring for patients under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a frequent challenge for nurse anesthesia residents and CRNAs. Covering the physiological effects and anesthetic implications of acute and chronic intoxication with alcohol, benzodiazepines, hallucinogens (such as LSD, PCP, and MDMA), cocaine, and cannabinoids, this episode offers fast, practical guidance for optimizing perioperative care and minimizing patient risk. Listeners will learn how substance use alters anesthetic requirements, impacts drug metabolism, and poses unique airway and hemodynamic risks, while also receiving actionable tips for drug class-specific management like when to use or avoid certain agents, the importance of invasive monitoring, and strategies for handling withdrawal or overdose. Tune in for a high-yield rundown that will help you make safer decisions when handling intoxicated patients in the OR.

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