Cardiogenic Shock: Clinical Insights with Nicole Kupchik, MN, RN, CCNS, CCRN-CMC, PCCN

In this special episode, Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA sits down with critical care educator Nicole Kupchik to unpack practical bedside considerations for managing cardiogenic shock in ICU patients. From vasopressors to mechanical support, this discussion offers real-world insight into how seasoned clinicians think through this complex condition.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Early signs of cardiogenic shock and why timing matters
• Pros and limitations of Impella, balloon pump, and VA ECMO
• Key hemodynamic markers like CPO and PAPI
• Clinical considerations when using norepinephrine, milrinone, dobutamine, and more
• The balancing act of fluid management in left vs. right ventricular failure

Recorded live at NTI 2025 in New Orleans—expect a more candid format and a touch of background conference buzz.

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with a network of Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors here: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

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Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

FREE! CRNA School Interview Prep Guide: https://www.cspaedu.com/uc9a5ih4

Have you ever wondered why your patient becomes tachycardic during intubation—or hypotensive when the surgeon hasn’t even made an incision yet? These aren't just random fluctuations. They're signals from the autonomic nervous system—and as a future CRNA, being able to interpret them can mean the difference between chasing vital signs and anticipating them.

If you're serious about anesthesia, understanding the autonomic nervous system (ANS) isn't optional—it’s essential. The ANS influences everything from anesthetic depth to hemodynamic management, and mastering its functions gives you a clinical edge both in school and in the OR.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems
• Why understanding ANS function is crucial for interpreting anesthetic depth and hemodynamic trends
• How neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and acetylcholine influence receptor activity
• The physiology of alpha, beta, and muscarinic receptors and how they guide pharmacologic decisions
• Real-world clinical examples that connect ANS theory to intraoperative decision-making
• Why the adrenal medulla plays a key role in the body’s fight-or-flight response
• How this knowledge directly applies to your future practice and board exams

In this special episode, Dr. Sass Elisha—a nationally recognized anesthesia educator and co-founder of The Nurse Anesthesia—walks you through the complex world of the ANS in a way that’s practical, clear, and rooted in real-life anesthesia scenarios.

By the end of this episode, you’ll not only understand the “yin and yang” of autonomic balance—you’ll be able to predict and respond to patient responses like a seasoned provider. This is foundational knowledge that will serve you from the classroom to the OR.

As Dr. Elisha would say, "It's go time!"

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy: https://cspaedu.com/join

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

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Learn More about The Nurse Anesthesia, get Free Crisis Checklists and more: www.TheNurseAnesthesia.com

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What if the hardest part of becoming a CRNA… is simply getting into school?

In this inspiring episode, Jenny sits down with Dalton, who recently gained CRNA school admission, proving that you don’t need years of ICU experience to make your CRNA dream a reality.

Discover how a spontaneous shadowing opportunity sparked Dalton’s passion, what really helped him stand out to admissions panels, and how he overcame imposter syndrome and a lack of support to land that coveted acceptance letter.

You’ll learn:

• Why persistence always beats perfection

• The mindset shift that transformed Dalton’s entire journey

• The underrated “little things” that helped him rise above the competition

• How the CSPA 12 Month Intensive helped him build confidence and strategy

• Why standing out doesn’t mean having a “perfect story” — it means taking action

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “ready” or “experienced enough” to apply, this is your sign to go for it — and this episode will show you how.

Hit play and get ready to feel empowered, inspired, and ready to take the next step in your CRNA journey.

Become a member of CRNA School Prep Academy! Get access to application & interview preparation resources plus ICU Educational Workshops that have helped thousands of nurses accelerate their CRNA success. Click Here: https://cspaedu.com/join

Want Guaranteed CRNA School Admission? Learn More about the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto

Get CRNA School insights sent straight to your inbox! Sign up for the CSPA email newsletter: https://www.cspaedu.com/podcast-email

Book a mock interview, resume or personal statement critique, transcript review and more: www.teachrn.com

Get into CRNA School- Guaranteed! Start the CSPA 12-Month Intensive Today! Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/meblfkto