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

👩‍⚕️ Dagmar Nelson's Legacy – The case that secured CRNAs' legal right to administer anesthesia

🏛️ Antitrust Battles – Protecting fair competition and CRNA practice

📚 Lessons from History – Why every CRNA should know these stories

🤝 Advocacy Matters – How legal action continues to shape the profession

Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/

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

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

Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/

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

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:

📊 Item Analysis: Using data to improve assessments

🎯 Better Questions: Writing exams that truly measure learning

👩‍🏫 Teaching Growth: Letting assessment data shape instruction

📚 Student Success: Building trust through fair evaluations

🔍 Continuous Improvement: Becoming a stronger educator every semester

Follow @AirwayExchangePodcast on Instagram

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

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

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

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:

🏡 The Right Home – Should you downsize before retirement?

👨‍👩‍👧 Helping Adult Children – Knowing when generosity becomes a financial burden

🚐 Expensive Toys – When boats, RVs, and vacation homes stop bringing joy

🚗 Lifestyle Choices – Do retirees really need two cars?

🎯 Retiring To Something – Why purpose matters as much as your portfolio

Watch the video we referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IltvyKpy8Z4

Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/

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

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

Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/

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