As the new AANA leadership team begins to settle in, we had a chance to sit down with the current AANA President, Jeff Molter, MBA, MSN, CRNA, to hear about his journey to this prestigious position and what keeps him grounded during all the travel and meetings. Plus, we’ll get updates on the biggest issues affecting the CRNA profession and hear what goals this new Board of Directors will have for the upcoming year.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🩺 Advocacy in action – The AANA continues to fight discriminatory 15% reimbursement cuts from major insurers.

⚖️ Legal momentum – A federal writ of mandamus aims to compel enforcement of provider nondiscrimination laws.

🧭 Leadership with purpose – Jeff emphasizes connection, humility, and the value of mentorship in leadership.

👥 Growing membership – AANA now welcomes RN and APRN members, expanding outreach and influence.

🧠 Governance reform – New bylaws strengthen board accountability and transparency for the future.

Check out the AANA Board of Directors: https://www.aana.com/about-us/leadership/board-of-directors/ 

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Landing your first job as a CRNA can feel overwhelming but knowing what to expect and how to approach the job market can ease a lot of the uncertainty. Today, Kevin and Olivia sit down with Jay Cobden, a 2023 graduate of Rhode Island College and trauma CRNA at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, to hear about what he learned from navigating the process. After attending the AANA Annual Congress, Jay realized he had many of the same questions as other SRNAs about what to do next after school, and wanted to share that experience with others in this position.  

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

🧭 Three Golden Rules – Balance compensation, autonomy, and work-life priorities.

💬 Ask the right questions – In interviews, learn about team dynamics and MDA relationships.

💵 Understand your contract – Know how sign-on bonuses, non-competes, and terms really work.

🧠 Seek mentorship – Guidance doesn’t stop after graduation—learn from others’ experience.

✈️ Be bold – Your first job won’t be your last. Don’t be afraid to move or take risks for growth.

Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!

Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/

Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

What does it take to lead through one of the most defining battles in CRNA history?

In this Courage to Lead conversation, Larry Hornsby, CRNA, BSN reflects on his presidency during a pivotal and tumultuous era for the AANA at the turn of the century. Facing national policy shifts, physician supervision debates, and an all-out fight with the ASA, Larry shares the behind-the-scenes stories of late-night strategy sessions, fax campaigns to Congress, and standing on the rope line with President Clinton.

This episode is more than history—it’s a powerful look at leadership under pressure, the sacrifices required, and the resilience that shaped the future of nurse anesthesia.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

⚖️ Policy at the crossroads – How supervision became the central fight for CRNAs.

📨 Fax campaigns & hidden emails – The creative tactics used to get Washington’s attention.

🧑‍⚕️ Courage under fire – Standing firm while facing threats, opposition, and burnout.

💪 Leadership lessons – Listening to your board, your members, and never asking more than you’re willing to give.

🌟 Legacy and inspiration – Why today’s CRNAs stand on the shoulders of giants.

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Artificial Intelligence is moving at a rapid pace and it’s already having a big impact in the classroom. Today, we’re going to explore how AI is reshaping nurse anesthesia education. From tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly to advanced simulation and custom-built chatbots, we’ll discuss how educators are using AI to improve lectures, assessment design, and even accreditation work.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🤖 AI is already here – Tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly are reshaping how CRNA faculty teach and students learn.

🧠 Cognitive offloading is real – AI can help, but overreliance may weaken critical thinking and recall.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching with AI – Creative uses include generating lecture feedback, analogies, and story-based learning.

🔐 Academic integrity – Privacy settings, copyright, and prompt design must be taught intentionally.

🧩 Simulation & chatbots – The next wave: AI-driven patient scenarios, assessment chatbots, and adaptive feedback loops.

📚 AI literacy is essential – Nurse anesthesia programs must integrate AI education before standards catch up.

Get resources for today's episode here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/airway-exchange-ep-2-ai-in-crna-education/5727/ 

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

In 2017, Dr. Randy Moore made the leap from the OR and into bigger and bigger leadership roles that challenged him to think beyond patient care. At that time, he thought he was done with clinical practice for good. But, as he explains on today’s show, that assumption was very wrong. Join us to hear about this unique journey, from practicing CRNA to AANA CEO to Chief Anesthetist Officer at NorthStar Anesthesia CEO and then back to patient care after many years away.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

⚖️ Leadership lessons – Strategy and long-term planning vs. OR split-second decisions.

🧠 Growth through discomfort – Why nerves and butterflies signal meaningful growth.

🌍 CRNAs in influence – Why more CRNAs should pursue leadership and policy roles.

🔄 Rediscovering anesthesia – Returning to practice rekindled his love for the profession.

Read his Substack about the decision: https://randymoore.substack.com/p/i-left-the-or-for-the-c-suitethen

Revisit our conversation about moving from the OR to the C-Suite a few years ago: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-206-from-the-or-to-the-c-suite-with-randy-moore/3966/

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Today we’re diving into one of the most fundamental tools you’ll encounter in clinical practice: the ventilator. Mechanical ventilation can seem intimidating at first, but understanding how it works is essential for keeping your patients safe and for making adjustments in real time.

We’ve invited Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA, FAANA of Ursuline College to the show to help us understand the fundamentals of mechanical ventilation. He shares insights on how ventilation and oxygenation are key goals in anesthesia, and walks through how understanding the different modes of ventilation—volume control, pressure control, SIMV, and more—can help CRNAs tailor their care.

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

🧑‍⚕️ Volume vs. pressure control – Learn how volume and pressure modes differ and when to use each.

🩺 Ventilation basics – Oxygenation and CO2 removal are the primary goals in anesthesia ventilation.

💨 Ideal body weight – Use this for accurate tidal volume calculations to avoid lung injury.

🧪 SIMV mode – How to integrate pressure support for more precise control in mechanical ventilation.

About our guest: https://www.ursuline.edu/academics/nurse-anesthesia-faculty

Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!

Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/

Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Addiction in healthcare is often hidden in the shadows, but it doesn’t have to end in tragedy. This powerful episode features an intimate discussion about substance use disorder with Luci New, DNP, CRNA, FAANA and Rob Hartman, a CRNA who shares his journey through addiction and recovery. Now nine years sober, Rob reflects on treatment, rebuilding trust with his family, and his return to practice. He also offers a message of hope for CRNAs and SRNAs who may be struggling: you don’t have to fight this alone.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

💉 From injury to addiction – How prescription use escalated into diversion and dependency.

🚨 Signs and suspicions – Why colleagues often hesitate to speak up, and why they must.

🏥 Treatment & recovery – Parkdale Center, 12-step programs, and rebuilding life after crisis.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family impact – Honesty and amends are part of healing.

🌟 Message of hope – Recovery is possible; support and resources are available.

If you or someone you know need help, the AANA provides these resources to use: https://www.aana.com/membership/here-for-you/health-and-wellness/where-to-get-help/  

Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!

Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!

Click here for more details and to register

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

In the premiere episode of Airway Exchange, the new series from AANA and Beyond the Mask, hosts Nickie Damico, Greg Collins, Erin Martin, and Louisa Martin introduce themselves and share the vision for the podcast: to empower educators, inspire students, and build community across the nurse anesthesia profession.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

🎙️ New series launch – A podcast created by and for CRNA educators.

👩‍🏫 Meet the hosts – Four faculty members from programs across the country.

🤝 Community building – Keeping the sense of connection alive beyond Congress and EDGE.

🧠 Faculty challenges – Balancing rigor, student wellness, and faculty well-being.

💡 Future focus – Innovative teaching practices, mentorship, and faculty development.

Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram

Submit a Topic: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/airway-exchange-podcast-request

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Mental health and substance use have been impacting CRNAs and SRNAs, but we’ve come a long way in recognizing and addressing these challenges thanks to organizations like the Parkdale Center for Professionals.

This episode is a powerful one centered on healing, growth, and the critical role of peer support. We’re excited to welcome Linda Stone, DNP, CRNA, peer advisor Jack Stem, and Bridget Petrillo, MS, APRN, CRNA to reflect on 10 years of progress since the founding of the Parkdale Center. They share powerful personal stories of struggle and recovery, the evolution of peer assistance in nurse anesthesia, and how initiatives like the AANA helpline and Parkdale’s 24/7 peer-driven support have become literal lifelines.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

📞 Lifeline moments – How the AANA helpline and Parkdale save lives in critical moments.

🧠 Stigma and recovery – Why openly sharing stories reduces shame and fuels healing.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Peer assistance legacy – The history of CRNAs supporting each other since the 1980s.

🏥 Healthcare-specific care – Why addiction treatment for providers requires unique approaches.

🌟 Celebrating Parkdale – 10 years of profession-specific recovery and wellness support.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact Parkdale here: https://parkdalecenter.com/

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

The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099

Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246

Donate to Our Heart Your Hands here: https://www.ourheartsyourhands.org/donate 

Most CRNAs graduate, get a job, and settle into the profession. But Dr. Erik Rauch proves there’s another path—one of leadership, advocacy, and endless opportunity.

In this episode of Grade 1 View, Erik joins hosts Kevin and Charity to share his 17-year journey from clinical CRNA to program director, pain management fellow, MBA graduate, AANA Board of Directors, and now Chief Clinical Officer of a CRNA anesthesia management company. You’ll hear how economics and workforce shifts are creating unprecedented opportunities for CRNAs to practice independently, and why new grads who embrace skills like ultrasound-guided blocks and critical decision-making will be in high demand.

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

🚀 From teaching to corporate leadership, CRNAs can shape healthcare.

🏥 Rising demand in surgery centers is opening doors for autonomy.

💉 Skills that matter – Ultrasound blocks and independent decision-making set grads apart.

⚖️ Advocacy fights – Insurance reimbursement cuts put hospitals and CRNAs on the frontlines.

🌉 AANA initiatives keep SRNAs connected as they transition to practice.

Apply to be on the Grade 1 View Season Two (2026) Host Team!

Applications due November 1, 2025. Applicants must be current CRNA students/residents with a minimum of 12 months remaining in their program.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/g1v-host-application

About our guest: https://health.usf.edu/nursing/faculty-staff/directory/esrauch

Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/grade-1-view/

Visit the AANA Resident Hub: https://www.aana.com/resident-hub/ 

Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246