Emergency cricothyrotomy is a rare, but incredibly important procedure that can be lifesaving. A primary step when performing a cricothyrotomy is correct identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM). 

In this episode Jeremy and Sass discuss the anatomy related to the CTM. They talk about palpation methods for finding the CTM, discuss current evidence for the use of ultrasound identification, and break down the ultrasound techniques that are useful in clinical practice. This is the podcast that will excite you to use POCUS for identification of the CTM!

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• Understanding and identifying the anatomy. 2:21

Show Notes & Resources:

1. Kristensen MS, Teoh WH, Rudolph SS. Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane: best evidence, techniques, and clinical impact. Br J Anaesth. 2016 Sep;117 Suppl 1:i39-i48. doi: 10.1093/bja/aew176. Epub 2016 Jul 17. PMID: 27432055.

1. Transverse TACA Technique: https://airwaymanagement.dk/ultrasound_needle_cricothyrotomy

About our hosts: https://www.kpsan.org/school/people/

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

One of the things you find out about CRNAs as they approach retirement is that their bank account might be ready for retirement but they might not be. Many people don’t consider the consequences of walking away from that daily routine of being at the hospital and interacting with colleagues, and not being prepared for that can leave you with a lack of fulfillment in retirement. Today we’ll discuss the importance of not only planning financially for retirement but also preparing emotionally and mentally for this significant life change.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• Most CRNAs fall in one of two camps when they retire. 5:50

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

The military isn’t a career path for everyone but those that choose that life get an experience and training that can’t be found anywhere else. Today we spend some time with one of those wonderful people to learn more about life in the military as a CRNA and the lessons that were learned along the way.

Janet Setnor, MSN, CRNA is a retired Colonel with the US Air Force Reserve Nurse Corps and someone we talked to last year about how she helped bring full practice authority to that branch of the military. Today she joins us to tell us more about her time in the military, how it helped prepare her for civilian life, and what she thinks will happen with the VA issue still being debated.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• What made her decide to serve? 6:45

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a rare and dreaded complication specific to anesthesia. It’s a systemic hypermetabolic syndrome that can result in severe disability or even death. In this episode Jeremy and Sass review the pathophysiology, preoperative considerations, signs and symptoms, complications, and management of this uncommon, but significant critical event.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• The pathophysiology of Malignant Hyperthermia 3:29

Resources:

• Connect with the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States (MHAUS): 1-800-664-9737 https://www.mhaus.org/

About our hosts: https://www.kpsan.org/school/people/

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Today we’re excited to dive into a topic we’ve been very curious about with a guest we’ve had the pleasure of interviewing previously. Tom Davis, DNAP, MAE, CRNA is an Air Force-trained CRNA with a lot of high-level experience in anesthesia, and throughout his CRNA career, he’s really focused on two aspects of the profession: healthcare leadership and patient safety. In doing this, he’s learned so much about emotional intelligence and the role it plays in creating a preferred workplace. He joins us this episode to define emotional intelligence, explain why listening is crucial, and help us better understand how we can improve our own EI.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• What does emotional intelligence look like? 5:11

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Are you a CRNA who feels lost in the complicated world of retirement planning? With many different accounts and investment options, it’s easy to make mistakes when it comes to your finances. In this episode, Jeremy Stanley, CFP® will cover some of the mistakes CRNAs make with their retirement plan and help you better understand how to best utilize different account types to save for the future.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• The different types of retirement accounts CRNAs commonly have. 3:50

Get retirement planning assistance: http://crnafinancialplanning.com

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

We all experience acute stress. Sometimes on a daily basis. In this episode Jeremy breaks down acute stress and talks about the anatomy and physiology of stress. He reviews a theory on how highly stressful situations can affect our thinking and performance. He also points out how a certain amount of acute stress is actually helpful.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• The anatomy of stress – what role does each part of the body play? (4:08)

Resources:

• David Grossman –On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace by Lt.-Col. Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen, PPCT Research Publications, 2004.

About our hosts: https://www.kpsan.org/school/people/

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

More nurses are leaving the bedside every year and it has created a shortage nationally. If you’re listening to this podcast, you probably already know good and well about this issue. So what can be done to attract and keep more nurses? Former ANA president Ernest Grant, PhD, RN, FAAN joins us to sort through this pressing issue within the profession and share ideas about what can be done at every level to solve the problem.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• Why is this crisis different than past nursing shortages. 4:30

Check out Ernest Grant's previous appearance on the podcast: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ep-139-nursing-politics-and-the-future-of-our-country-with-ernest-grant-phd-rn-faan/2960/ 

About our guest: https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2022-news-releases/ana-president-dr.-ernest-grant-named-among-modern-healthcares-top-100-most-influential-people-in-health-care/

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

The CRNA profession continues to be a strong career path that allows you to comfortably save for retirement, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t always have a backup plan just in case. As we’ve seen over the last few years, crazy things can happen that shake up our day-to-day routines at a moment's notice. In this episode, we’ll talk with Plan B CRNA Podcast host Bobby Jones, MSN about how anyone can start a side hustle, and maybe more importantly, how and why they should consider it.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• Why he began his podcast in order to help CRNAs with side hustles and wealth building. 5:20

About our guest: https://www.oncallinvestments.com/

Check out the Plan B CRNA Podcast: https://theplanbcrnapodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

Many CRNAs are returning to school to earn their Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice but is it worth it to spend the time and money to earn another degree? You can find plenty of information and discussion about DNP project topics and people that have earned their DNP, but it’s not as easy to find a thorough explanation of how to go through that process and the actual value it provides. Devin Miller, CRNA, DNP joins the show today to get into the details of a DNP and tell us why he feels it can empower nurses after completing the program.

Here are some of the things you’ll learn on this show:

• Background on the topic today and why Devin wanted to share more on getting your DNP. 3:59

About our guest: https://school.wakehealth.edu/education-and-training/nursing-programs/doctor-of-nursing-practice-program/projects/educational-intervention-to-improve-awareness-and-knowledge

Visit us online: http://beyondthemaskpodcast.com 

Get the CE certificate here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf