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

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

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

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

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

Join the Free CSPA Community! Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

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

Join the Free CSPA Community! Connect with Aspiring CRNAs, Nurse Anesthesia Residents, practicing CRNAs, and CRNA Program Faculty Mentors who are ready to support you. Get real answers and expert guidance in a welcoming space that's free from misinformation and negativity. You don't have to do this alone! Join Now: https://www.cspaedu.com/community

Nurse Mentorship is a game-changer for any one in the nursing profession, especially for nurses pursuing CRNA. When done right, it can make all the difference in overcoming the challenges of anesthesia school and advancing in your profession.

Nurse mentorship and CRNA mentorship programs provide invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom that goes far beyond the classroom. In this conversation, Dr. Woodruff and Dr. Wilson, both key faculty within SNAP’s Nurse Anesthesia Program at Ursuline College, share expert insights on the profound impact mentorship has on both personal and professional growth.

You’ll learn how the right mentorship programs can shape your clinical skills, boost your confidence, and help you navigate the highs and lows of the CRNA journey.

Whether you're seeking mentorship as a student or looking to give back as a mentor, this episode is for you. You'll also discover why developing a new nurses mentorship program or improving an existing one could be the perfect DNP project idea to enhance nurse anesthesia education and foster the next generation of leaders in the field.

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

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

Learn More About Ursuline College with SNAP DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program: https://www.ursuline.edu/academics/programs/dnp-nurse-anesthesia

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

Streamline your CRNA Success with the CSPA 6-Month Intensive. Get CRNA Faculty Coaching, Access to Exclusive Live Events and more. Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/sixmonthintensive

When it comes to mastering anesthesia, a solid understanding of acid-base balance and blood gas interpretation is non-negotiable. Whether you’re a nursing student, an ICU nurse preparing for CRNA school or already deep into your Nurse Anesthesia Resident training, this topic is essential for clinical decision-making.

In today’s episode, we are honored to welcome Dr. Carly Mitchell, DNP, APRN, CRNA, the Program Director of Bellarmine University’s Juneja Nurse Anesthesia Program. With extensive experience in obstetric anesthesia and clinical education, Dr. Mitchell brings a wealth of knowledge to break down the complexities of acid-base physiology and arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis. Get ready to boost your critical thinking as Dr. Mitchell breaks down key concepts to help you understand and interpret ABG results with confidence.

From identifying respiratory versus metabolic imbalances to understanding compensation mechanisms, Dr. Mitchell delivers a comprehensive yet practical approach to acid-base management in anesthesia practice. She simplifies the science behind pH regulation, bicarbonate buffering, and the intricate role of the respiratory and renal systems in maintaining homeostasis.

If you’ve ever second-guessed an ABG interpretation or struggled to pinpoint whether an acid-base disturbance is compensated, this episode is for you. So, let’s dive in and elevate your expertise—because as future CRNAs, precision in acid-base management isn’t just important, it’s critical.

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

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

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

Learn more about the Bellarmine University Juneja Nurse Anesthesia Program: https://www.bellarmine.edu/lansing/nursing/graduate/dnp-na/

Streamline your CRNA success with the CSPA 6-Month Intensive. Get CRNA Faculty Coaching, Access to Exclusive Live Events and more. Click Here: https://www.cspaedu.com/sixmonthintensive

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

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

Legal issues in nursing, and nurse anesthesia practice, are more common than you might think- failing to protect yourself could have devastating consequences for your career. In this can't-miss follow-up to Part One, we’re diving deeper into the proactive steps you can take to shield yourself from legal liability as a CRNA or SRNA.

Our guest expert, Maggie Ortiz—a legal nurse consultant with Advocates for Nurses and a future attorney—shares real-life cases, expert advice, and actionable strategies to help you navigate the complexities of legal risks in anesthesia practice.

Whether you’re working in a hospital, surgery center or elsewhere, understanding how to advocate for yourself, document properly, and recognize red flags in patient safety is critical.

In this episode, you’ll gain invaluable insights on recognizing unsafe situations, understanding professional liability insurance, and knowing your rights when legal action arises.

You’ll also hear eye-opening stories about high-risk cases that nearly led to disaster—proving why standing your ground can literally save lives.

If you want to stay ahead of potential legal pitfalls and confidently protect your practice, you won’t want to miss this! Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge every anesthesia provider needs to safeguard their career.

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

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

Use code CSPA for 10% off courses on www.AdvocatesForNurses.com

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

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

Nursing malpractice is a serious issue that can have life-altering consequences for healthcare professionals, especially CRNAs and SRNAs who work in high-stakes environments. Whether it’s a documentation error, medication mishap, or a failure to adhere to institutional protocols, legal scrutiny can be overwhelming. In today’s podcast, we’re diving deep into proactive measures that can shield you from legal liability.

Special guest Maggie Ortiz, MSN, RN and Founder of Advocates for Nurses, brings her wealth of experience as a legal nurse consultant to discuss real-life cases, common legal pitfalls in anesthesia practice, and how CRNAs can protect themselves before an issue arises. From the importance of meticulous documentation to understanding state-specific regulations, this conversation is a must-listen for any nurse looking to safeguard their career.

Advocates for Nurses was born out of a pressing need to educate and empower nurses to navigate the legal complexities of their profession. Maggie’s firsthand experience as an investigator for a Board of Nursing has given her unique insights into the risks that nurses unknowingly take every day.

Whether it’s understanding the legal implications of medication administration, mitigating the risks of drug diversion accusations, or recognizing how seemingly minor charting errors can escalate into malpractice claims, this episode will equip you with the knowledge you need to practice smarter.

Tune in to this crucial two-part series to learn how to advocate for yourself, avoid legal pitfalls, and ensure that you’re practicing with confidence and protection in today’s litigious healthcare environment.

Use code CSPA for 10% off courses on www.AdvocatesForNurses.com

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

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

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

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

CRNA school rejection can happen to anyone. In fact, with acceptance rates averaging only 15% or less, it’s a challenge many nurses will face on their journey to becoming a Nurse Anesthetist. What can you do to bounce back when you're denied admission, or better yet, can you prevent CRNA school rejection in the first place?

Are you worried that rejection is the end of your journey? Perhaps you're wrestling with self-doubt, wondering if you're smart enough to become a CRNA. Or maybe the weight of debt feels like an impossible mountain to climb, making your dream seem further out of reach.

If any of this sounds familiar, then today’s episode is exactly what you need. We’re diving into an inspiring and raw story that will resonate with anyone navigating the highs and lows of the CRNA journey.

Meet Chris—a nurse who seemed to have it all: a 4.0 science GPA, strong ICU experience, and an impressive academic background.

Yet, despite these credentials, he faced rejection from CRNA schools not once, but twice before ultimately gaining admission.

If you’ve ever wondered how it’s possible to bounce back from rejection and keep pursuing your dream despite overwhelming challenges, Chris’s story will inspire you. He not only overcame the sting of rejection but transformed it into an opportunity to reevaluate, refocus, and ultimately, succeed.

Whether you’re actively applying, reeling from a rejection, or just starting to explore the path to becoming a CRNA, Chris’s journey offers lessons, insights and inspiration that you won’t want to miss.

This episode is full of the strategies he used that got him into CRNA school. He also shares about the mindset shift he made that allowed him to turn fear and failure into resilience and resolve. Plus, you’ll learn how mentors along his path, including those inside the CSPA 12 Month Intensive, helped him find the clarity and confidence he needed to finally hear the words, “You’re accepted.”

Tune in to uncover how Chris’s story can provide a roadmap for your own success and remind you that, no matter the obstacles, your dream is always worth fighting for. Let's dive in, Future CRNA!

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

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