Open Session Board Meeting

Bylaws and Resolutions Hearing

Opening Ceremonies and Awards

Speaker(s)

Kate Jansky, MHS, CRNA, APRN, USA LTC (ret)

FY2020 AANA President

Michael Greco, DNP, PhD, CRNA, APRN

Professional Development Committee Chair, Master of Ceremonies

Join FY20 President Kate Jansky, FY20 Professional Development Chair Michael Greco and others as we kick off the first-ever AANA Virtual Congress. Winners for the following awards will be recognized: Program Director of the Year Award, Didactic Instructor of the Year Award, Clinical Instructor of the Year Award, John F. Garde Researcher of the Year Award, Rita L. LeBlanc Philanthropist of the Year Award, Friends for Life, PR Recognition Awards and the 1983 Society.

Preview the AANA Foundation FY 20 Awards, Recognition, Accomplishments & Gratitude.

AANA Annual Business Meeting

Support the Front: Virtual Support Session on Burnout and Stress

Speaker(s)

Tracy Traut MS, LCAC - Mental Health Counselor

Program Director

Indiana Professionals Recovery Program and West Virginia Restore Program

An opportunity to share stories and listen to other’s to support your colleagues and help recognize and address stress and burnout.

Demystifying the Transition from SRNA to CRNA: A Panel Discussion (1 Class A CE)

Speaker(s)

Communication Committee; Melissa Machan, DNP, CRNA, APRN; Jason Bolt, DNP, CRNA; Erin Foley, DNAP, MSNA, CRNA; Terrica Harris, MSNA, CRNA; Craig Knudtson, MSN, CRNA; Kelly Petz, DNAP, MS, CRNA; Elizabeth McMillan, CCRN, RN and Guest Speaker: Tracy P. Young, CRNA, MBA

This session will answer questions from SRNA's about the transition from student to professional CRNA.  SRNA's may have unanswered questions about contract negotiations, practice models, dealing with difficult colleagues, career opportunities, managing student loan debt, involvement in professional association, and work/life balance as they start their careers.

Student Session

Highlights of the Student Session include announcements of the winners of the Student Excellence Award and Student Writing Contest, the farewell speech of the outgoing Education Committee student representative and introduction of the incoming student representative, and an educational session on Methods to Prepare for the NCE by a 2019 graduate.

College Bowl

Paralysis is Bad for Breathing: Outcome Criteria Associated with Residual Neuromuscular Blockade (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

Speaker(s)

Brent Dunworth, DNP, MBA, CRNA, NEA-BC

Director of Advanced Practice and Chief CRNA

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Supported by an educational grant from Merck

This lecture will increase awareness that respiratory failure is a persistent problem for patients undergoing general anesthesia who receive a neuromuscular blocking agent and/or neuromuscular blocking reversal agent. Enhancement of quality of anesthesia and post-anesthesia care can be achieved through a working knowledge of this endemic problem and the practical solutions for it.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze the clinical incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade.
2. Describe the postoperative respiratory complications associated with residual neuromuscular block.
3. Discuss the health care quality and economic implications of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade.

AANA Foundation Virtual Fundraiser: Treasure Island

Speaker(s)

Treasure Island – A Virtual Event for CRNAs & SRNAs will include live and pre-recorded content from CRNAs, SRNAs and the Foundation sharing instructional and fun videos, live activities, Award and Program recipient recognition, Steph & Vicki's Kitchen Cookbook, and so much more. Join us as we embark on honing our Fitness, Cooking, Mixology, Art, and Pirate skills! Our event will also include a virtual Treasure Chest Silent auction. Ticket includes full access to all content on the treasure island microsite, kicking off on August 16, and sailing beyond.

To purchase a ticket, make a donation to the Foundation at www.aanafoundation.com on our Donation Page and “designate” Treasure Island Ticket – CRNA (or SRNA) in the dropdown.  The ticket price is $100 for CRNAs and $25 for SRNAs. Foundation will send emails with instructions to those who purchased tickets as the event nears. In the case where you are purchasing on behalf of another, please note in the “notes” field their name and email address.

Drug Diversion and the CRNA: Impact and response due to COVID-19

Speaker(s)

Bernadette Henrichs, PhD, CRNA, CCRN, CHSE

Director, CRNA Education & Research at Washington U Anesthesia Dept

Professor & Director, NAP at Barnes-Jewish College, St. Louis, MO

Francesco Sessa, MS, CRNA, MBA

Chief CRNA NorthShore University Health System, Evanston, IL

Clinical Educator, NorthShore School of Nurse Anesthesia, Evanston, IL

Drug diversion has been deemed a multi-victim crime placing physicians, their patients, and coworkers at risk. Diversion has always been an issue, but with COVID-19, the potential risks for diversion have increased as access to medications and narcotics has expanded. This session will address the issues of drug diversion and how to mitigate it by increasing organizational awareness, using multimodal approaches/tamper-evident, ready to administer preparations and implementing opioid stewardship programs..

This event does not qualify for continuing medical education (CME).

The Use of Cryoanalgesia to Manage Pre-Operative Total Knee Arthroplasty Pain

Speaker(s)

William Prosser

Support the Front: Virtual Support Session on Mental Health and Well-Being

Speaker(s)

David Cummins, MD, FASAM

Medical Director

Parkdale Center for Professionals

Join an open peer support discussion on CRNA/SRNA risks of substance use disorder, mental health, depression, anxiety, and and what you can to find help. Dr. Cummins will present the Science of Addiction and facilitate the open discussion to follow.

You’ve Been Sued. Now What do You do?

A conversation addressing best practices and details of many legal aspects of working as a CRNA.  Speakers include

Kevin Spainhour, Esq., Of Counsel, Bendin Sumrall & Ladner, LLC; Dr. Pamela Chambers, DNP, EJD, CRNA, Pamela Chambers Consulting, Expert Witness, Consultant; Anesthesia, Nursing, Peri-operative Care and moderated by Mark J. Silberman is a partner at Benesch Healthcare+, where he serves as the vice-chair of Benesch’s Healthcare+ Practice Group and Chair of the firm’s White Collar and Government Investigations Group.  Mark also proudly serves as the General Counsel to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

Jan Stewart Memorial Wellness Lecture: Grief, Growth and Transformation: Tools for Navigating Loss- Introduced by Jan Stewart's Daughter (1 Class A CE)

Speaker(s)

Jodi Cohen, MBA, NTP

CEO and Founder

Vibrant Blue Oils

Sarah Stewart Gomes

Owner Principal

Sarah Ruth Consulting

Janet R. Stewart, CRNA, ARNP was the 1999 – 2000 AANA President. Following Jan’s 2002 accidental overdose death, increased recognition of the occupational risk of substance use disorder for anesthesia professionals became the impetus for the AANA wellness initiative in 2004, which was the beginning for today’s Health & Wellness program. Since then, each Annual Congress features a Jan Stewart Wellness Memorial Lecture to support CRNA/SRNA well-being and raise awareness to prevent substance use disorder. This year, the 17th in the Jan Stewart series, is presented by Jan’s daughter Sarah Stewart Gomes and Jodi Cohen to look at the physical and emotional impact of grief and bring light to strategies to navigate through pain and grief. For more info: www.AANA.com/JanStewart.

Sarah Stewart Gomes, the daughter of Jan Stewart, AANA President 1999-2000, will share how she found opportunity for healing and growth after her mother’s unexpected accidental self-administered overdose of sufentanil in 2002. Sarah chose to share her mother’s story with the anesthesia community and take on the very serious epidemic of Substance Use Disorder within the profession. Her mother’s loss became the impetus of the AANA wellness initiative in 2004 and contributed to the expansion of the AANA Peer Assistance Program.

Jodi Cohen, an award winning journalist and health researcher, will share her personal journey through grief after her 12-year-old son, Max, and his two friends, were killed in a tragic car accident. Through the process of personal trial and error, Cohen discovered actionable, effective strategies for calming the nervous system, so that she could navigate through ongoing personal and legal challenges in a pro-active, clear-headed space, instead of a reactive fear-based state. Cohen will share her strategies and tactics that can be applied immediately.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Describe how grief impacts your physical, mental and emotional health.
2. Identify the symptoms and thought patterns of grief and loss so anesthesia professionals can easily recognize them in themselves and others.
3. Discuss how fear, anger, blame, and shame can keep you trapped in a viscous grief cycle and make you more likely to form an addiction to alcohol, pain killers, or sleep aids to numb our and avoid pain.
4. Outline manageable strategies for moving through pain and grief along with explaining how and why they work.

Loans, Life Hacks, & Living Your Dreams

A conversation with “newer” CRNAs with discussion, most effective strategies for paying off school loans, to advice for maximizing investment both financially—and personally.  Panelists could include Nurse Dash Contributors, Joe Hernandez CRNA, Managing Partner at Arizona Anesthesia Solutions; Dr Jason Allen Bolt, DNP, CRNA; Rhianna Ferial, CRNA

Support the Front: Virtual Support Session on Grief and Loss

Speaker(s)

Christian Gabrano, CADACII

A follow-up discussion to the Monday evening Jan Stewart lecture Grief, Growth and Transformation: Tools for Navigating Loss.  Christian Gabrano, CADACII is a certified alcohol and drug consultant and has worked with hundreds of healthcare professionals.  Christian will share his experience on identifying and managing grief or loss often experienced by SRNA/CRNAs.

Airway Management During the COVID-19 Pandemic; Special Considerations for CRNAs (1 Class A CE)

Speaker(s)

Faith Stefan, MSN, MS, MBA, CRNA

Coordinating Lead Nurse Anesthetist

Lankenau Medical Center (LMC)

Supported by an educational grant from Medtronic

There are special considerations to consider when managing an airway during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Airway experts such as CRNAs should be informed about these considerations in order to safely provide patient care to patients with confirmed and suspected COVID-19.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Discuss common considerations related to COVID-19 and airway management.
2. Identify strategies to provide safe patient care to patietns with confirmed or suspected COVID-19.

Goldie D. Brangman Diversity & Inclusion Lecture: Taking a Closer Look at Sex, Race, and Social Class Disparities in Pain (1 Class A CE)

Speaker(s)

Edwin Aroke, PhD, CRNA

Assistant Professor

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Pain is a subjective experience that affects all segments of the population. However, there are inter-individual differences in pain. The biopsychosocial model proposes that the intersection of biological, psychological, and social factor create a pain experience and pain outcomes that differ by sex, race, and socioeconomic status. Many studies have reported that women report a higher prevalence of chronic pain (e.g., fibromyalgia, and migraine), and a lower threshold of experimentally induced pain, relative to men. Regarding treatment, women are prescribed and consume more analgesic medications than men. Similarly, compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Non-Hispanic Blacks report a higher prevalence and severity in both clinical (e.g., chronic back pain, and osteoarthritis) and experimentally induced pain. Regarding treatment, clinicians are more likely to underestimate the pain and to prescribe an inadequate amount of analgesic medications for Blacks experiencing the same amount of pain as White patients.

These racial differences in pain may be rooted in historical and sociocultural stereotypes and biases, which suggest that Blacks experience less pain than Whites. Recent studies have reported that many lay white people, medical students, and residents still have these false beliefs. Studies show that a patient’s race influences some providers’ decision to treat pain and choice of opioids. Racial disparities in pain cannot be fully appreciated without considerations of socioeconomic status. Work from our lab found that for Whites, higher subjective socioeconomic status was associated with lower pain outcomes. However, for Blacks, higher subjective socioeconomic status was associated with higher pain interference and pain severity.

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Discuss the biopsychosocial factors that influence individual differences in pain.
2. Distinguish between differences in pain and disparities in pain.
3. Understand and articulate race, sex, and social class disparities in pain.
4. Understand implicit and explicit factors that contribute to disparities in pain.

Closing Ceremonies

Speaker(s)

Kate Jansky, MHS, CRNA, APRN, USA LTC (ret)

FY2020 AANA President

Steve Sertich, JD, MAE, CRNA

FY2021 AANA President

Michael Greco, DNP, PhD, CRNA, APRN

Professional Development Committee Chair, Master of Ceremonies

Join outgoing FY20 President Kate Jansky, incoming FY21 President Steve Sertich, FY20 Professional Development Committee Chair Michael Greco and others as we close the first-ever AANA Virtual Congress with awards, introduction of new FY21 President Steve Sertich, and introduction of FY21 Board of Directors. Winners of the following awards will be recognized: Agatha Hodgins Award, Helen Lamb Award and Ira P. Gunn Award.

Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators: Developing the "Full Scope of Practice/Autonomous" SRNA in a Practice-Restricted Environment (1 Class A CE)

This session is apart of the Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators series.

Anesthesia and Value-based Care – Demystifying Healthcare Transformation (1 Class A CE)

Value-based care is transforming the rules for how healthcare is delivered and reimbursed. Medicare and other payers expect clinicians to be skilled at providing high quality care services for less money and utilize new techniques and data to improve outcomes. This session will provide you with knowledge about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) various value-based programs that have significantly altered how anesthesia care providers deliver care and are reimbursed for their services. Further, you will learn about factors CRNAs can influence that may improve quality and outcomes while lowering the cost of care. And finally, you will learn items to be aware of when negotiating a value-based care contract.

Reproductive Grief Care Throughout the Perioperative Experience: Giving Permission to Grieve (1 Class A CE)

Approximately two million couples experience reproductive loss every year in the United States. The perioperative experience for a patient grieving a perinatal loss requires empathetic and sensitive pregnancy loss support from the entire healthcare staff (Wool & Catlin, 2019). Reproductive grief reactions in comparison to traditional types of mourning experiences (i.e. death of a parent or sibling) have been associated with more chronic mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic distress, substance abuse, eating disorders, and diminished or distressed attachment with subsequent children (Bennett, Litz, Maguen, & Ehrenreich, 2008; Daugirdaite, van den Akker, & Satvinder, 2015; Hughes, Turton, Hopper, & Evans, 2002). Patients and their families often report a lack of emotional validation and minimization of their grief by the healthcare providers they encountered during or shortly after the loss (Watson, Simmonds, La Fontaine, & Fockler, 2019). Nurses and medical providers often cite a lack of knowledge, inexperience in using effective perinatal bereavement communication skills (e.g. fear of saying the wrong thing), and negative emotions concurrent with compassion fatigue as the reasons for their emotionally avoidant or irreverent behaviors during a perinatal loss (Harris, 2015; Hutti et al., 2016; Lang et al., 2011). This interactive workshop provides medical professionals with the skills to positively impact the grief trajectory by helping them identify a reproductive loss and communicate a more empathetic and sensitive approach with the bereaved.

How Does Genomics Affect Your Anesthetics? (.75 Class A CE with .75 Pharm)

Consideration of genomics by nurse anesthetists will improve anesthesia care for patients by providing an understanding of physiologic mechanisms and variability in patient responses to anesthetics. Perioperative complications associated with conditions such as Leiden Factor V and atypical pseudocholinesterase can be managed more effectively. Knowledge related to genomic variability associated with pain or postoperative nausea and vomiting can help the clinician understand why a management protocol may not be working in a patient. And the nurse anesthetist will realize that not all malignant hyperthermia cases will present with the same manifestations even if associated with the same genomic variant.

Patient Safety Movement Foundation (1 Class A CE)

Patient Safety Movement Foundation will discuss their Seven Strategic Goals, APSS content, PSMF Hospitals and Partners, APSS Implementation and how YOU can get involved!

Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators: Professional Socialization and Engagement: Implications from Nurse Anesthesia History Study (1 Class A CE)

This session is apart of the Assembly of Didactic and Clinical Educators Series.

Intersectionality of Racial/Health Disparities and Social Isolation of Nurse Anesthesia Students of Color: Strategies for Feasible Solutions and Measurable Outcomes (.5 Class A CE)

Historically, racial and ethnic minority nurse anesthesia students are severely underrepresented in graduate nurse anesthesia programs. This phenomenon is accompanied with social isolation in academia and in clinical rotations. This adversely impacts any well-meaning efforts in combatting racial/health disparities. Social isolation is not in congruence with university affiliate diversity initiatives and mission. This presentation will bring awareness of this issue that have been in existence for decades. And, will express the negative effects of social isolation and offer strategic initiatives to reduce this phenomenon with measurable outcomes. These strategic efforts are multi-faceted with a purposeful agenda to address this issue. This presentation brings awareness of a problem that need research and future publication in a peer-review nursing journal.

Ketamine Infusion Centers: From Inception to Infusion (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

An interactive look into the history and future of ketamine with a focus on outpatient infusion centers. We will look into the research on why ketamine is effective for different disease processes and use that research to develop infusion protocols. In closing, we will look at the business of ketamine clinics and how to best set one up.

Preoperative Use of Gastric Ultrasound Screening to Reduce Aspiration Risk (1 Class A CE)

The aim of this presentation is to explore the current empirical evidence supporting the preoperative use of gastric ultrasound in making clinical decisions for patients at risk for aspiration. Currently, gastric content is unknown and uncertain based on clinical information. Ultrasound images and scanning will follow a standardized format to enhance the anesthesia providers clinical correlation to enhance adoption into clinical practice. Once the adequate image is obtained, the provider will learn gastric ultrasound interpretation based on qualitative and quantitative findings (interpretation).

CRNA Business Boot Camp: Turning Your Craft into Capital (1 Class A CE)

The business of anesthesia can be complex but not insurmountable. Embrace the fact that you are uniquely educated to be an Entrepreneur in the clinical setting. Why not take that same skill set and utilize it on the business side of your practice? You may be thinking of your evolving practice setting, maybe a greater role in your current practice, or even a better working knowledge of your present position. But what do you need to know to move into that uncharted territory? Understanding a few of the “Business Basics” will expand your practice options and comfort zone during your quest for that little slice of heaven. Today’s sessions will include recognizing the basics of practice change and how to capitalize on it, legal entities, the business start up, contracts, billing and collections, negotiating, practice arrangement ideas, and marketing for the CRNA.

Because You Can't Fix Dead: Evolution of AANA Peer Assistance to Address Substance Use Disorder in Nurse Anesthesia Practice (1 Class A CE)

This presentation will focus on the provision of educational content for knowledge of the occupational risk of substance use disorder (SUD) and will also provide current Helpline data related to the incidence of SUD in the nurse anesthesia community. The process for early identification, intervention, and handling of crisis and non crisis SUD calls, and admission into a quality treatment program for healthcare providers will be described.

How to "ACE" Pediatric Emergence! (1 Class A CE with .75 Pharm)

Pediatric patients can present quite a challenge when emerging from anesthesia. Let’s discuss ways to “ACE” your transition to PACU! “A”void Emergence Agitation, and discover the latest evidence about “C”riteria for “E”xtubation in this challenging population.

Perspectives of Parents/Legal Guardians of Children with Down Syndrome Requiring Anesthesia: Concerns and Sources of Information (.5 Class A CE)

The purpose of this study was to identify sources of anesthesia information and personal concerns with anesthesia of parents/ legal guardians of children with Down syndrome. This study gathered data from 512 participants involving 4 areas: 1) demographic characteristics of caregivers of children with Down Syndrome 2) caregiver information resources commonly utilized to gain information regarding anesthesia and children with Down syndrome 3) Biggest concerns with anesthesia that parents and legal guardians expressed, 4) and personal experiences with anesthesia . Data analysis demonstrated that caregivers of children with Down syndrome use the internet and social media sites like Facebook for information. However, the respondents said they would prefer a face-to-face conversation with the anesthesia provider and if possible would prefer that their anesthesia provider have a child with Down syndrome. The biggest concerns with anesthesia involved airway management/breathing, neck instability, long-term cognitive affects/ regression, waking up and detoxification. This information will now be used to create an evidenced based toolbox of resources to be shared with anesthesia providers, organizations, and social media sites whose members are parents/legal guardians of children with Down syndrome.

Billing for Opioid Free Anesthesia; Successes, Challenges and Lessons Learned (1 Class A CE)

The magnitude of the opioid crisis has caused widespread disruption in healthcare’s habitual, longstanding practice of using inexpensive and readily available opiates as the “quick fix” first line treatment of acute and chronic pain. This epidemic and its far reaching, highly publicized consequences highlight the new reality that those who can, but do not, actively combat the opioid epidemic are culpable in it. This new era has become the impetus for widespread adoption of opioid alternatives and practice change in the United States. Providing a route for billing for opioid-free anesthesia incentivizes providers to change their practice away from opioid-based analgesia to pre-emptive analgesia. The more providers using and billing for OFA, the more pressure will be put on the healthcare insurance industry to fundamentally change reimbursement from inexpensive, readily available and exceedingly high-risk opioids to non-opioid alternatives.As of yet, a CPT code for OFA does not exist, making it challenging to bill for this service. Although admittedly challenging, by using alternate coding, a “back door” provides a pathway for additional reimbursement for this critical service. Through a process of trial and error, some pearls of wisdom have been gained and are worth sharing.

Nutrition During Labor and Delivery: It’s Time to Feed the Need (1 Class A CE)

This presentation will outline the need to change clinical practice in the non-complicated OB patients as it relates to nutritional support during labor and delivery. This will include a comprehensive review of the evidence as well as a template that describes the changes that need to be implemented at the institutional level to promote these changes.

Updates in the Care of Transgender Patients in the Perioperative Setting (1 Class A CE)

Discrimination, bias, and marginalization in our profession is inherent. It is a hard pill to swallow, but it is inherent with any profession for it is human nature. The main goal of this presentation is, to first and foremost, assess one's own personal bias in the care of transgender individuals as patients, have an open mind, and then learn the accompanying skills and knowledge in the care for the utmost safety of our patients, as a whole. According to Equality Florida, 30% of transgender people have postponed medical care for fear of being marginalized and 20% have been refused care. The transgender community is rapidly evolving and care in the surgical setting is expanding. With this presentation, terminologies, medications, and best practices for the surgical care of transgender patients will be discussed in alignment with the different stages of transition (e.g., male to female, or female to male).

Putting the Patient First in Patient Blood Management: Starting a Patient Blood Management Program at Your Facility (1 Class A CE with .25 Pharm)

The majority of blood products are given by anesthesia in the OR. CRNAs should be current on both infectious and non-infectious risks of blood components, indications for blood component therapy, transfusion triggers, and management of transfusion complications such as hemolytic reactions, TACO, and TRALI. Special emphasis will be placed on developing a Blood Management Program and implementing Patient Blood Management Bundles for surgical patients in a healthcare facility. PBM patient care bundles will be outlined including establishing a preoperative anemia clinic, utilizing oral and IV iron preoperatively, blood salvage, minimizing phlebotomy, clinician decision support tools, antifibrinolytics, point-of-care testing, audits with feedback, and education for practitioners and patients.

Keeping the Clot Firm: Case Studies in Coagulation Challenges Utilizing Viscoelastography Testing (ROTEM, TEG, and SEER) (1 Class A CE)

Have you had difficulty deciding when to transfuse plasma, platelets, or cryoprecipitate? Does your facility have established coagulation treatment algorithms to help you decide the correct amount to transfuse when the patient is bleeding? Do you know the thresholds for transfusing in the non-bleeding liver failure patient with low platelets? Come and learn the basic principles of viscoelastic testing and how to manage your patients with evidence-based guidelines and algorithms.

Sleeping with Mary Jane: Cannabis Considerations for the Nurse Anesthetist (1 Class A CE with .5 Pharm)

Anesthesia providers are more frequently encountering patients who have recently used cannabis prior to surgical procedures, and this number will inevitably increase over time. Special concerns that will be covered in this presentation include:-Ethical and legal concerns-Pharmacology and pharmacokinetics related to the endocannabinoid system-Physiological effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems-Overview of risks related to perioperative cardiopulmonary morbidity-Cross-tolerance to anesthetic agents-Discussion of case reports and relevant research, including a retrospective study conducted by the presenter in the endoscopy suite

Implicit Bias, Implications, and Discordant Anesthesia Practices in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) (LGBTQIA+) Community (1 Class A CE)

Implicit bias can have detrimental physical and emotional effects during the perioperative period. Anesthesia providers may be unaware of their own implicit bias toward populations that are already at risk for discrimination and are, therefore, unaware of the consequences of implicit bias in their anesthesia practices. This lecture, focuses on care of the LGBTQ community and anesthetic implications associated with this community, it is intended to help you recognize your own implicit bias toward vulnerable populations and to help you minimize the effects implicit bias has on your anesthesia practice.

The Heart in FoCUS: The Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Exam for the Non-Cardiac Anesthetists (1 Class A CE)

The success or failure of an ultrasound-guided anesthesia procedure largely depends on the provider’s ability to obtain and accurately interpret what is displayed on the screen. A basic understanding of ultrasound principles and sound-tissue interaction is essential in understanding how an image is created. Identifying key anatomic structures is the first step in determining normal cardiac function. Clinically-based scenarios are used to demonstrate the practical application of the FoCUS exam.

Suicide Prevention for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) (1 Class A CE)

The session will be a panel presentation given by members of the AANA Health and Wellness Committee. Presenters will establish a warm, supportive, safe environment for the discussion; describe the phenomenon of suicide in nursing in general and nurse anesthetists in particular. The concept of responding to the stresses of the profession and life will be discussed, including the importance of seeking help for mental health challenges such as depression, followed by describing helpful and harmful coping mechanisms. Signs identifying suicide risk will be described. Intervention techniques and helpful and extensive AANA Health and Wellness resources, available on the AANA website will be discussed (AANA Website). These resources include a link to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). 

Understanding the Fundamentals and Business of Independent and Office Based Anesthesia (1 Class A CE)

As we search for ways to reduce cost and improve patient care there is a shift in elective procedures away from hospitals and into ambulatory surgery centers and office-based practices. As CRNAs we are at the forefront of this movement and are the best-positioned anesthesia provider to bring this service to our communities. To be prepared to offer our services we have to expand our knowledge past the hospital based setting and be prepared to think out of the box which requires knowledge of several the fundamentals of both the practice and the business of anesthesia.The goal of this discussion is to create the fundamental building blocks necessary for our CRNA anesthesia providers to step out and feel they have the tools necessary to begin building their own independent anesthesia small business. These fundamental building blocks will include, but not be limited to, things such as marketing, negotiating, meeting standards of care, cost control, equipment acquisition, and more.

Development of an Evidence Based Perioperative Anesthetic Pathway for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery (.5 Class A CE with .25 Pharm)

Anesthesia providers can optimize patient outcomes by implementing an evidence based anesthetic pathway for use in the immediate perioperative period in patients undergoing spine surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify current evidence based anesthesia recommendations for neuromonitoring, multimodal analgesia, intraoperative fluid management and thermoregulation in patients undergoing spine surgery. Utilizing GRADE, evidence was evaluated and incorporated in the development of an evidence based anesthetic pathway for use in the immediate perioperative period.

The Physiochemical Approach to Acid-Base Management (1 Class A CE with .75 Pharm)

Understanding the specific physiochemical etiology of acidosis is a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality. The anesthesia provider must have a thorough understanding of acid-base disturbances to provide the optimal level of care to their patients. The implications of the physiochemical approach on IV fluid management, pharmocological agents, and hemodynamic monitoring will be discussed.

Development of an Evidence Based Perioperative Anesthetic Pathway for Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery (.5 Class A CE with .25 Pharm)

Anesthesia providers can optimize patient outcomes by implementing an evidence based anesthetic pathway for use in the immediate perioperative period in patients undergoing spine surgery. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify current evidence based anesthesia recommendations for neuromonitoring, multimodal analgesia, intraoperative fluid management and thermoregulation in patients undergoing spine surgery. Utilizing GRADE, evidence was evaluated and incorporated in the development of an evidence based anesthetic pathway for use in the immediate perioperative period.