After a full year of conversations, shared experiences, and hard-earned lessons, the first season of Grade 1 View has reached the finish line. In this final wrap-up episode with our first four hosts, we’re reflecting on what it truly takes to survive and grow through nurse anesthesia school, clinicals, graduation, and the transition into practice.

Today’s show is honest, personal, and often humorous, covering everything from the emotional toll of clinical rotations to the shock of becoming a “real” CRNA overnight. Find out what surprised us the most, the moments that nearly broke us, and the experiences that ultimately shaped our confidence, resilience, and identity as anesthesia providers.

Thank you for being a part of the journey, but stay tuned for the next iteration of the show. We’ll have four more SRNAs or RRNAs taking the reins for year two, and that announcement will be coming soon!

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

🎓 Graduation, Boards & the Reality of “Being Done”

🏥 Clinical Rotations: Confidence, Humility & Growth

💼 The First Months as a New CRNA

🧠 Mental, Emotional & Physical Toll of Training

🌱 What We’d Tell Our Past Selves

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

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

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Vaping has exploded in popularity among teens, young adults, and even surgical patients who don’t think of themselves as “smokers.” But for anesthesia providers, vaping is not harmless. It brings new airway, cardiovascular, and pharmacologic challenges to the OR.

This week we’re joined by Beth Wilkes, DNAP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA to break down what CRNAs must understand about vaping: how these devices work, what chemicals they contain, why adolescents are drawn to them, and the rapidly emerging evidence on how it’s impacting anesthesia.

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

🔥 What’s Really Inside an E-Cigarette

🫁 Respiratory & Airway Risks

❤️ Cardiac & Hemodynamic Effects

⚕️ Anesthetic Considerations

🧨 Device Dangers

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

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Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

As our wellness theme continues, today we’re focused on student wellness, which is essential to producing competent, confident, and emotionally healthy CRNAs. Erin and Greg welcome Matthew Zinder, DNAP, CH, CRNA, practice owner, educator, wellness researcher, and co-founder of Program Prep, to break down the realities of stress inside anesthesia programs and what both faculty and students can do about it.

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

🧠 ICU culture follows students - Care for others → ignore self.

😷 COVID changed baseline stress - PTSD + chronic stress entering programs.

🎢 Type-A struggle with “square one” - Big fish → beginner again.

🧘‍♂️ Wellness must be structured - Integrated modules, daily practices, real tools.

💬 Check-ins matter - Safe spaces + simple techniques improve outcomes.

About our guest: https://www.matthewzinder.com/about

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Be a part of EDGE: Educate. Develop. Grow. Engage. >>  https://www.aana.com/premier-event/edge/

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

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The political and legal landscape of nurse anesthesia is constantly shifting for CRNAs and the threats to our autonomy are real. But so are the opportunities, and that’s why we wanted Elizabeth Bamgbose, PhD, CRNA to join us for this conversation.  She’s a CRNA, educator, practice owner, and a fierce political advocate, and we’re going to break down everything CRNAs must understand about scope of practice, opt-out rules, bylaws, credentialing, and how power structures shape your daily practice more than most realize.

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

🏛️ Know Your Regulators - State Nurse Practice Acts, Boards of Nursing, and CMS rules all affect scope — and don’t always agree.

📜 Bylaws = Your Real Power - Institutional bylaws can override practical independence, even in opt-out states.

🗳️ Opt-Out Isn’t a Free Pass - Federal opt-out removes supervision defaults but hospitals can still require supervision internally.

🧭 Political Literacy Matters - CRNAs who avoid politics still live inside political decisions. Knowing the system protects your practice.

🤝 Use Your Practice Division - Your state practice division and lobbyists are crucial allies when your institution or regulators push back.

About our guest: https://keck.usc.edu/faculty-search/elizabeth-blu-bamgbose/

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

Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

The “Big Beautiful Bill” has created some concerns in the nurse anesthesia community, especially for future CRNAs who were left wondering what it means for their education, their financial reality, and the future of the profession.

In this special episode of Grade 1 View, Greg Collins, DNP, CRNA and Michelle Canale, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA join Olivia and Kevin to break down what the Department of Education’s proposed borrowing caps really mean. They explain why the issue goes far beyond degree nomenclature, why CRNA education is so costly to deliver, and how the new limits could create barriers for students who simply cannot work during training.

This latest legislation is just another reminder that advocacy for our profession is as important as ever. Current and future CRNAs need to be proactive in voicing their concerns and participating in advocacy efforts, and the AANA is there to help provide updates and actionable steps to help you stay informed and involved.

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

💸 The Real Issue: Borrowing Caps

🏥 CRNAs Are Trained Like Physicians

🧑‍⚕️ A Workforce Crisis Is Already Here

📣 Advocacy Will Decide the Outcome

🌱 The Profession Is Still Worth It

Check out Greg on the Airway Exchange Podcast: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/airwayexchange/

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

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

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

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Direct laryngoscopy vs. video laryngoscopy — which one should be the standard?

In this lively and highly practical clinical debate, Sharon and Jeremy are joined by CRNA leaders Laura Ardizzone, MS, MBA, DNP, CRNA and Karen Maresch, DNAP, CRNA to explore the evidence, training differences, outcomes, technology trends, and real-world experiences behind DL and VL.

We’re going to dig into everything from first-pass success rates and airway injuries to teaching techniques, skill deterioration, and why newer providers often learn differently than seasoned clinicians. Is one truly better than the other? We’ll weigh both sides to try to answer that question today.

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

🔍 DL vs. VL Basics – The core differences and why clinicians care.

👀 Training & Teaching – How VL improves education and real-time coaching.

🩺 Safety & First-Pass Success – Why VL boosts outcomes, especially in difficult airways.

🧠 Skill Retention – Why DL skills fade without practice — and VL isn’t immune either.

🤖 The Future: Tech & AI – How imaging, documentation, and decision support will reshape airway management.

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

Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Faculty members are the backbone of every nurse anesthesia program, yet their own wellness is often overlooked. Over the next month, we’re shining the spotlight on wellness, and the first of three episodes features two special nurse anesthesia educator guests. Today, hosts Louisa Martin, PhD, CRNA and Erin Martin, APRN, CRNA, DNP sit down with Leigh Taylor, DNP, MS, CRNA and Crystal Hunnicutt, DNAP, CRNA, two leaders of the AANA Wellness Committee, to discuss the real challenges facing CRNA educators today.

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

🩺 Faculty Wellness Is in Crisis - Strained staffing, expanded workloads, and unrealistic expectations are driving educator burnout.

🧠 Personal Stories That Sparked a Mission - Lee and Crystal share the losses and turning points that pulled them into wellness advocacy.

🧱 Boundaries Aren’t Optional - Why answering emails at 10 p.m., hiding stress, and “pushing through” is harming faculty culture.

🤝 Mentorship & Support Matter - Healthy programs have transparent communication, aligned workloads, and peer support.

🎓 AANA Wellness Microcredential - A powerful resource — and free for SRNAs — that builds campus-wide wellness awareness.

Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram

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Wellness Resources: https://www.aana.com/membership/here-for-you/health-and-wellness/wellness-educational-resources/

Wellness Microcredential: https://ce.aana.com/proficiency/?_ga=2.96896415.1682082360.1724073777-1237658414.1717446176&_gac=1.216577636.1720721506.Cj0KCQjwhb60BhClARIsABGGtw-yYL9Nezmf5Td3FLBFijteNi6yQRbclD1ZvVrXcxRj4meAw1ULW2UaArOVEALw_wcB&_gl=1*obh08c*_ga*MTg1NTE3NDkwMi4xNzUxNTYwMzg1*_ga_N61713VJEF*czE3NjQ2NDQ3MDgkbzg2JGcxJHQxNzY0NjQ0NzY1JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_ga_EWGE3RE233*czE3NjQ2NDQ3MDgkbzcwJGcxJHQxNzY0NjQ0NzY1JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..

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

This Thanksgiving, Beyond the Mask celebrates gratitude, giving, and the CRNAs who make a difference every day.

Joining us for this special episode is John Yauger, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, the new CEO of the AANA Foundation, to discuss how the Foundation is shaping the future of nurse anesthesia through research, scholarships, and community support. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on one of the cornerstones of our profession and reflect on everything they’re doing to continue helping push the anesthesia profession forward.

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

🦃 Thanksgiving Reflections: Gratitude for the CRNA community and the power of giving back.

💉 Meet John Yauger: The new CEO of the AANA Foundation shares his journey from combat CRNA to servant leader.

🏛️ The Foundation’s Three Pillars: Philanthropy, research, and scholarly development explained.

🤝 The CRNA Connection: How donations directly fund scholarships, research, and professional growth.

🧱 Building Legacy: Inside the Friends for Life program and lasting ways to give.

Learn more about the AANA Executive Team: https://www.aana.com/about-us/leadership/aana-executive-team/  

Learn more about the AANA Foundation: https://www.aana.com/aana-foundation/

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

Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1

Ageism might not be the first ‘ism’ that comes to mind in healthcare, but it’s one that affects every provider eventually. Today’s guest, Cynthia Farina, DNP, CRNA, RN, CNE, is an educator who has devoted much of her life to advocating for wellness, inclusion, and professional longevity. She joins Kevin and Charity to break down the subtle ways age bias shows up in anesthesia—from assumptions about “slowing down” to underestimating younger providers—and how both ends of the spectrum can experience its effects.

Dr. Farina was recently part of an AANA webinar titled Respect Across the Lifespan: Tackling Ageism in Anesthesia, and her message today is clear: if you’re lucky, you’ll age too—so build a profession that welcomes wisdom, not just youth.

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

👩‍⚕️ Ageism cuts both ways – Bias can affect both older and younger clinicians.

🧠 Beware of meta-stereotyping – Don’t internalize limiting beliefs about aging or learning.

🗣️ Language matters – Avoid infantilizing patients. Use names and respect.

🔄 Inclusion across generations – Collaboration and mentorship strengthen the CRNA community.

💪 Grace and adaptability – Aging brings change, but not irrelevance—keep learning and leading.

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

Private equity is reshaping healthcare—but at what cost?

In this eye-opening episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and Jeremy welcome back Daniel King, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CPPS, CNE and Jennifer Banek, MSN, MHA, CRNA for a candid conversation about how private equity ownership affects anesthesia and beyond. They explain how investor-driven models prioritize profit over patient care, share real-world stories of unsafe conditions and staff cutbacks, and reveal how financial engineering often leaves hospitals saddled with debt.

Keep in mind, not all private equity is bad or creates the problems we discuss in this episode.

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

🚩 Red flags – Leadership churn, “efficiency” buzzwords, inflated wages, and bounced checks.

🩺 Patient safety at risk – Missing equipment, delayed prosthetics, and reduced staffing.

⚖️ Legal & financial fallout – Collapsed malpractice carriers left clinicians exposed.

📢 Advocacy matters – Transparency, documentation, and community awareness drive change.

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

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