Autonomic Nervous System Function and Catecholamine Synthesis Breakdown with Dr. Sass Elisha, The Nurse Anesthesia
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
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39:17
How to Get Into CRNA School with Less Than 1 Year of ICU Experience at the Time of Application w. Dalton, Nurse Anesthesia Resident and CSPA Student
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
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20:27
Nurse Mentorship: Why Mentorship Matters w. Dr. Richard Wilson, DNAP, CRNA and Dr. Stephanie Woodruff, DNP, CRNA, CHSE
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
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27:06
Acid-Base Balance and Blood Gas Analysis with Dr. Carly Mitchell, Program Director at Bellarmine University
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
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29:47
Nursing Malpractice: What Proactive Measures Can A NAR|CRNA Implement To Shield Themselves From Legal Liability? With Maggie Ortiz, MSN, RN (Part 2)
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
Ever wish you had a CRNA mentor plugged into the community who has helped THOUSANDS of nurses succeed? The CSPA community is committed to helping you not only gain acceptance into CRNA school but providing support all the way through graduation day! Tune in, get inspired, and get ready to discover why more than 6,000+ nurses turn to CRNA School Prep Academy for guidance regarding all things that the road to CRNA entails. From financial planning, interview styles, ICU experience, anesthesia cases, stress management, study tips, practice settings and so much more; whether you’re a nursing student who is exploring the possibility of becoming a CRNA, an ICU nurse actively pursuing this career path, or a current Nurse Anesthesia Resident looking for extra guidance while in school, each episode is designed to help you take immediate action on the most important strategies for planning, implementation, and achieving your dream of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
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