Best CCRN Podcasts (2025)

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Thanksgiving Special with New AANA Foundation CEO John Yauger 39:01

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4h ago39:01

39:01

This Thanksgiving, Beyond the Mask celebrates gratitude, giving, and the CRNAs who make a difference every day. Joining us for this special episode is John Yauger, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, the new CEO of the AANA Foundation, to discuss how the Foundation is shaping the future of nurse anesthesia through research, scholarships, and community support. It’s …

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Grade 1 View – Ep. 26 – Tackling Ageism in Anesthesia with Dr. Cynthia Farina 28:02

5d ago28:02

28:02

Ageism might not be the first ‘ism’ that comes to mind in healthcare, but it’s one that affects every provider eventually. Today’s guest, Cynthia Farina, DNP, CRNA, RN, CNE, is an educator who has devoted much of her life to advocating for wellness, inclusion, and professional longevity. She joins Kevin and Charity to break down the subtle ways age…

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Diabetic Emergencies: Mastering DKA and HHS Crisis Management 14:33

7d ago14:33

14:33

Check out ThinkLikeANurse.org COMPREHENSIVE NOTES Core Difference: DKA vs HHS DKA (Type 1 diabetic, absolute insulin deficiency) No insulin → body burns fat → ketones formed → metabolic acidosis Deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations Total body potassium depleted though serum may appear high State of starvation + dehydration HHS (Type 2 diabetic, relati…

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SIADH vs DI: Clear, Simple, & Finally Understandable 15:26

7d ago15:26

15:26

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Notes Core Concept Both conditions revolve around one hormone: ADH, the body’s water-saving signal. SIADH: Too much ADH → body holds water (soaked inside) DI: Not enough ADH or kidneys ignore ADH → body loses water (dry inside) The blood and urine move in opposite directions in each disorder. SIADH — “Soa…

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Respiratory Emergencies: ARDS, Pulmonary Edema & Tension Pneumothorax 14:31

7d ago14:31

14:31

This episode breaks down three of the most dangerous respiratory emergencies nurses face: ARDS, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and tension pneumothorax. Using clear bedside cues and rapid-action frameworks, you learn how to spot these crises early, understand the physiology driving them, and take the immediate steps that prevent collapse. From pink f…

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Electrolyte Emergencies: Lifesaving Moves Every Nurse Must Know for NCLEX 13:17

8d ago13:17

13:17

Check out thinklikeanurse.org for more #Comprehensive Notes ##I. Overview Focus: 6 electrolytes + 4 acid–base disorders Goal: Know one classic sign + one lifesaving intervention for each NCLEX weight: High (8–16 questions across categories) Foundational rule: Always assess volume status first — dry vs overloaded guides almost every intervention II.…

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Shock, Sepsis & SIRS: Early Clues, Fast Actions & Bedside Nursing Pearls 13:25

8d ago13:25

13:25

Visit thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Episode Notes 1. What Shock Really Is Core definition: inadequate tissue perfusion, leading to anaerobic metabolism, rising acid, cellular hypoxia, and eventual organ failure. All shock types follow the same three-stage progression: Stage 1: Compensated – tachycardia, tachypnea, cool pale skin, anxiety, decre…

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18 Pharmacology Red Flags With 1 Simple & Clear Action for each 15:12

8d ago15:12

15:12

Check out www.thinklikeanurse.org 1. Opioids – Respiratory Depression Red Flag: Respiratory rate below 8–10 Action: Stop the infusion immediately, administer naloxone, monitor closely for re-sedation. 2. Heparin – HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia) Red Flag: Platelets below 100,000 Action: Stop heparin immediately, notify provider, avoid antipl…

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Dirty Sixty Breakdown: NCLEX Pharmacology Red-Flags & Priority Actions 13:28

9d ago13:28

13:28

Visit thinklikeanurse.org EPISODE NOTES 1. Why Pharmacology Is the Gatekeeper Largest and most feared NCLEX subsection. Students may face 20–50+ pharm questions in a row. Scoring under 58% on pharm practice drops first-time pass chance to ~30%. NCLEX repeatedly tests the same 15–20 high-danger scenarios, not broad memorization. 2. The Strategy Shif…

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150: Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy with Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD 48:04

37m ago48:04

48:04

Your pneumonia patient is hypotensive, tachycardic, and not responding to fluids… what did you miss? It could be sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy, a common under-recognized shock state you could see at the bedside. In this episode, Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim MD and host Sarah Lorenzini use a case study to highlight how nurses, intensivists and the ICU team c…

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Shock, Sodium, Potassium & pH: The High-Stakes NCLEX Breakdown 15:30

9d ago15:30

15:30

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Comprehensive Episode Notes I. The “Critical Triangle” for NCLEX Fluids, electrolytes, and acid–base interpretation form the foundation of the NCLEX physiological adaptation category. Accounts for ~11–17% of exam questions. Mastery requires recognizing patterns, sequences, and priorities. II. Fluid Volume: Absolute Los…

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Spotting the Warning Signs: How Nurses Make Life-Saving Decisions 13:25

9d ago13:25

13:25

Check out thinklikeanurse.org Notes: Proactive Risk Management: The focus is on spotting early warning signs of patient deterioration and making life-saving decisions before a crisis escalates. Nurses must be vigilant and act quickly to prevent further harm. ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation): The foundation of every clinical decision. Airway is…

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High-Risk Drugs & Critical Interactions Every Nurse Must Know: Mastering Medication Safety 15:11

10d ago15:11

15:11

Notes: Check out thinklikeanurse.org to get more out on this! The Ten Rights of Medication Administration: Includes the original five (patient, drug, dose, route, time), expanded to emphasize the critical thinking required by right documentation, right education, and patient’s right to refuse. Independent double checks for high-alert drugs (insulin…

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Profits Over Patients: Exposing the Impact of Private Equity in Healthcare 29:26

35m ago29:26

29:26

Private equity is reshaping healthcare—but at what cost? In this eye-opening episode of Beyond the Mask, Sharon and Jeremy welcome back Daniel King, DNP, MNA, CRNA, CPPS, CNE and Jennifer Banek, MSN, MHA, CRNA for a candid conversation about how private equity ownership affects anesthesia and beyond. They explain how investor-driven models prioriti…

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How To Master The Most Overlooked NCLEX Category: Basic Care That Isn't Basic 12:53

10d ago12:53

12:53

I. Assistive Devices & Mobility Canes Handle height: aligns with greater trochanter. Elbow slightly flexed (15–30 degrees). Too high → shrugging; too low → stooping → fall risk. Walkers Height at wrist crease with arms relaxed. Promotes upright posture and stability. Crutches (major safety trap) Two to three finger widths between axilla and crutch …

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Psychosocial Red Flags For NCLEX: Abuse, DT’s, Suicide & Cognitive Changes 11:11

11d ago11:11

11:11

Psychosocial Integrity for NCLEX: Abuse, Suicide Risk, and Therapeutic Communication 00:00 – Welcome to Think Like a Nurse Host intro: Brooke Wallace – ICU nurse, organ transplant coordinator, clinical instructor, published author Mission: Make complex nursing topics easier to understand, absorb, and apply Why psychosocial integrity matters: only ~…

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Airway Exchange – Ep 5 – Faculty Mentorship: Transitioning from Clinician to Educator 45:28

8h ago45:28

45:28

In this episode of Airway Exchange, the team explores the transition from clinician to educator and the role mentorship plays in the process. Becky Motykiewicz, DNAP, CRNA joins Nickie Damico, Erin Martin, and Greg Collins to discuss what drew her to teaching, how mentorship shaped her journey, and the emotional realities that come with stepping in…

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Top Safety Traps on the NCLEX And How To Avoid Them 16:09

16d ago16:09

16:09

1. Safety Culture: From Blame to Learning Non-punitive reporting → encourages learning from near-misses. Focus on system improvement, not punishment. Incident reports: Internal risk-management tools—never document “incident report filed” in the chart. Chart only objective facts and nursing actions. 2. Fall Prevention: Mnemonic FALLS F – Floors clea…

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Nursing Prioritization NCLEX Playbook: Safety, Assessment & Critical Thinking 12:48

16d ago12:48

12:48

Episode Notes: Prioritizing Critical Nursing Care & Assessment 1. Normal Aging: What Is Expected Less subcutaneous fat Presbycusis (age-related high-frequency hearing loss) Reduced vital capacity → gets breathless more easily Slower gait, unsteady movement Slower cognitive processing Mild recent-memory decline Key nursing actions: Monitor intake an…

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Critical Nursing Assessment Red Flags: Stridor, Pneumothorax, Hemmorhage & More 16:01

16d ago16:01

16:01

Health Promotion & Maintenance (HPM) Overview Covers lifespan: preconception → newborn → pediatrics → adults → geriatrics. Nurse’s role: proactive teaching, risk reduction, assessing needs, prevention, and early recognition of red-flag assessment findings. Four Levels of Prevention Primordial Prevention Prevents risk factors from ever emerging. Exa…

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The 10–16% You Can’t Afford to Miss: Safety & Infection Control on the NCLEX 13:41

17d ago13:41

13:41

This episode, created by Brooke Wallace, dives deep into one of the most tested and essential areas for nursing students—Safety and Infection Control (10–16% of the NCLEX). Listeners learn how to apply a “safety culture” mindset, document correctly, prevent injury, respond to emergencies, and follow infection control principles that protect both pa…

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Expanding Nurse Anesthesia Education and Practice in Low-Income Countries 1:00:09

7h ago1:00:09

1:00:09

What does it take to deliver anesthesia in a hospital with no ventilator, scarce medication, and power that cuts out mid-surgery? Today we’re joined by Dr. Mark Newton, pediatric anesthesiologist and longtime medical missionary, Mary Mungai, one of Kenya’s first licensed nurse anesthetists and a leader in anesthesia education across East Africa; an…

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5 Legal Traps Nurses Fall Into - NCLEX Delegation, Documentation And DNR explained 19:45

17d ago19:45

19:45

The 5 Biggest Traps That Can Cost a Nurse Their License 1. Ignoring a DNR or Invalid Advance Directive The Trap: Starting CPR or aggressive care despite a valid DNR — or honoring an unsigned “living will.” Why It’s Dangerous: Violating patient autonomy can legally count as battery. Avoid It: Verify validity (signatures, dates, physician order). If …

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Top 10 NCLEX Traps in Legal and Ethical Nursing And How To Avoid Them 15:02

18d ago15:02

15:02

✅ The 10 NCLEX Traps Covered in the Episode Assuming the spouse is the automatic decision maker → Trap: Ignoring the legal requirement for a designated healthcare proxy. Mixing up advance directives vs. medical orders → Trap: Treating a living will or POLST as interchangeable with a DNR. Misunderstanding informed consent roles → Trap: Thinking the …

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Grade 1 View – Ep. 25 – The Backbone of Rural Anesthesia 42:25

16d ago42:25

42:25

This week we’re shining a light on the critical role that CRNAs play in rural healthcare, especially in honor of National Rural Health Month (November). Hosts Kevin and Olivia are joined by two dedicated CRNAs, Pete Hext and Hayden Hayes, who share their personal experiences and the unique challenges they face while providing anesthesia care in rur…

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ICU & Cardiac Pharmacology Masterclass: Beta Blockers, Clot Busters & NCLEX Priorities 15:20

19d ago15:20

15:20

Episode Notes Key Concepts & Takeaways Hypertensive Crisis Types Urgent: BP >180/120 without organ damage. Oral meds (Clonidine, Captopril). Gradual BP reduction over 24–48 hrs. Watch for rebound hypertension (Clonidine) and angioedema (Captopril). Emergent: BP >180/120 with organ damage. IV meds (Labetalol, Nicardipine, Nitroprusside). ICU monitor…

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EKG Interpretation For NCLEX: 7 Must-Know Rhythms & What to Do 14:53

19d ago14:53

14:53

Systematic Approach (6 Steps): Rate – Regular: 300 Rule (300 ÷ # large boxes between R waves). Irregular: 6-Second Strip Method (R waves in 6 seconds × 10). Rhythm – Regular or irregular? P Wave – Present before every QRS? PR Interval – Normal: 0.12–0.20 sec (3–5 small boxes). If the R is far from P → first-degree block. QRS Complex – Narrow (<0.12…

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Quick Cardiac Review: Angina, Heart Failure, Pharmacology and NCLEX Must-Knows 18:18

20d ago18:18

18:18

Episode Notes (High-Yield for NCLEX) Three major cardiac buckets: Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) – blocked arteries and myocardial infarction Pump failure – heart failure and cardiogenic shock Infection and inflammation – pericarditis and infective endocarditis Constant NCLEX theme: Assessment before action Time is muscle in ACS Fluid status is kin…

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Cardiac Assessment NCLEX Prep for Nursing Students: Murmurs, JVD, Heart Failure & Cardiac Pharmacology Explained 18:38

21d ago18:38

18:38

etting Up for a High-Quality Cardiac Assessment Quiet, warm, well-lit environment is non-negotiable so you don’t miss subtle sounds. Standard position: supine with head of bed at about 30–45 degrees for blood pressure and jugular vein assessment. Use left lateral decubitus to bring the apex closer to the chest wall for a faint apical pulse or mitra…

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Cracking the ABG Code: ABG Interpretation For Nurses 12:50

22d ago12:50

12:50

Why ABG interpretation feels like decoding secret language — and how to simplify it. 02:30 – Foundations of Acid-Base Balance CO₂ = acid (lungs control it) Bicarb = base (kidneys control it) The body maintains balance (homeostasis) through both systems. 06:00 – Respiratory Acidosis Cause: CO₂ retention (slow, shallow breathing) Examples: Opioid ove…

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Top 10 NCLEX Questions For Respiratory 13:48

23d ago13:48

13:48

What You’ll Learn Assessment Mastery: Spot accessory-muscle use—the tell-tale elevated shoulders signal fatigue. Surfactant Secrets: The “dish-soap” analogy that keeps alveoli open. Pleural Effusion Clue: Why absent breath sounds—not crackles—confirm compression. Asthma Red Flag: A silent chest means airway closure and impending failure. Post-Op Pr…

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149: Inside the New 2025 AHA Resuscitation Guidelines: What’s New, What’s Controversial, and Why It Matters with Dr. Ashish Panchal, MD 55:54

22d ago55:54

55:54

Every five years, resuscitation guidelines get a refresh. This year, a few have changed, many have stayed the same, and some are creating major controversy. In this episode, Dr. Ashish Panchal, Chair of the AHA Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, helps us unpack what’s new, what might surprise you, and the science behind each decision. You'll …

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ABGs Simplified With 3 Tools And Why Nurses Care 14:40

23d ago14:40

14:40

Episode Notes What You’ll Learn The 5 ABG parts you must know cold Three proven interpretation methods (4-step, ROME, Tic-Tac-Toe) How to spot respiratory vs. metabolic problems fast Compensation (uncompensated, partial, full) and what it tells you about timing Nursing priorities for each imbalance (what to do now vs. what to fix next) Key ABG Comp…

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How the Respiratory System Works Explained For Nurses 15:43

23d ago15:43

15:43

EPISODE NOTES Episode Title: Respiratory System Made Simple: What Every Nurse Must Know Created by: Brooke Wallace – ICU Nurse, Organ Transplant Coordinator, Clinical Instructor, and Author Website: ThinkLikeANurse.org 🔹 What You’ll Learn Core respiratory anatomy nurses need to know cold Why the right main bronchus is the “danger zone” The 4 key st…

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10 Priority NCLEX Questions 14:47

24d ago14:47

14:47

Episode Notes: What You’ll Learn: High Fowler’s vs. supine: Why positioning saves oxygenation in COPD The “below 60 rule” for Digoxin (and why bradycardia = danger) Normal newborn vitals that trick NCLEX students The hallmark sign of peritonitis after surgery Early compensation in hypovolemic shock: why tachycardia appears first Insulin teaching mi…

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Fighting for a Cure: A CRNA’s Mission Against Type 1 Diabetes 55:07

8h ago55:07

55:07

What happens when a CRNA’s professional expertise meets a parent’s fight for their child’s life? In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, Sharon and her daughter Danielle—who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age five—sit down with Devin Holt, CRNA, advocate, and father to a young daughter living with type 1 diabetes. Here’s some of what you’ll…

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7 Respiratory Meds For NCLEX - Nursing Priorities & NCLEX Traps 19:56

24d ago19:56

19:56

Episode Notes Memory map: AIS-BPMA A — Albuterol (SABA, rescue): Give for acute wheeze/bronchospasm. Hold if HR ≥ 120. Assess lungs, O₂ sat, and heart rate. Can increase blood glucose; caution with digoxin. I — Ipratropium (anticholinergic): COPD maintenance med. Watch for dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention. Avoid with glaucoma or enlarged …

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5 Rapid Fire NCLEX Meds: Master Heart Failure Meds Fast 14:30

25d ago14:30

14:30

📝 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) Strategy: “Check the potassium and the weight!” Key Points: Focus on potassium (low levels = priority) and weight (for fluid status). Risk: Hypokalemia, dehydration, hypotension. Action: Monitor potassium levels, assess weight, check for signs of dehydration. 2. Carvedilol (Coreg) Strategy: “Pulse before pill!”…

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Airway Exchange – Ep 4 – Building a Sustainable Nurse Anesthesia Workforce 36:31

2d ago36:31

36:31

In this episode of Airway Exchange, we explore the state of the nurse anesthesia educator workforce with a special focus on faculty stabilization. We’re spending time with Terrica Durbin, DNP, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, who is the Director of the School of Nursing at Western Carolina University and a Fellow in the AANA. A passionate advocate for rural …

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5 Heart Failure Meds You Must Know For NCLEX 13:58

26d ago13:58

13:58

🧠 EPISODE NOTES 1. Furosemide (Lasix) – “The Diuretic Dynamo” Mnemonic: “Furosemide flushes fluid fast but watch for falling potassium.” Mechanism: Loop diuretic; blocks sodium & chloride reabsorption in the Loop of Henle. Watch for: Hypokalemia (↓ potassium → arrhythmia risk) Hypotension, dehydration, ototoxicity (with rapid IV push) Nursing actio…

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Understanding Preload, Afterload, and Contractility for Nurses 20:12

27d ago20:12

20:12

Notes: Hemodynamics Overview: Hemodynamics refers to the real-time measure of blood flow to tissues and organs. It is critical for assessing how well the heart and circulatory system are functioning. The primary factors influencing hemodynamics are preload, afterload, and contractility. Cardiac Output (CO) & Cardiac Index (CI): Cardiac Output is th…

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Easy Hemodynamics For NCLEX- The Pump & Pipe Concept For Nurses 22:33

27d ago22:33

22:33

Episode Notes: What is Hemodynamics? Hemodynamics refers to how blood flows through the body, with the heart acting as a pump, blood vessels as pipes, and blood as the carrier of oxygen to the body’s organs. The nurse's role: monitor blood flow and intervene to prevent complications. The Three Big Pieces of the Heart Pump Stroke Volume (SV): Amount…

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Hemodynamics For NCLEX - Advanced Cardiovascular System & How ICU Nurses Can Help 13:18

27d ago13:18

13:18

Notes Hemodynamics is the key to understanding tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Cardiac output (CO) = Stroke volume (SV) × Heart rate (HR). Normal range: 4-8 L/min. Cardiac index (CI) normal range: 2.5-3.5 L/min/m². CI adjusts CO for body surface area (BSA). Stroke volume (SV) normal range: 60-100 mL/beat, influenced by preload, afterload, and…

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NCLEX Goldmine: High Alert Meds & The 6 Rights 12:44

28d ago12:44

12:44

Episode Notes Topic: Medication Administration and Safety for nursing students Why It Matters: The pharmacological and parenteral therapies category makes up 12–18% of the NCLEX-RN, and safety principles appear throughout the exam. Safe med administration is the foundation of every pharmacology question — mastering it means mastering NCLEX logic. C…

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NCLEX Pharmacology Pneumonics You'll Actually Remember 16:42

28d ago16:42

16:42

Episode Notes: Why pharmacology is the foundation of safe nursing practice The power of mnemonics for nursing students and new grads Breaking down ADME: absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion Using TRAMP for medication safety: time, route, amount, medication, patient Understanding HRD for antibiotic reactions Remembering SHAKE for amphoter…

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NCLEX Anticoagulants Made Simple: The Brick And Mortar Concept 13:58

28d ago13:58

13:58

Episode Notes Platelets are the bricks; fibrin (clotting factors) is the mortar — together, they form a clot. Antiplatelets like Aspirin and Plavix stop platelets from sticking together (affect the bricks). Anticoagulants like Heparin and Warfarin slow or block clotting factors (affect the mortar). Heparin: rapid IV/SQ action, monitor aPTT (45–80 s…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Lisinopril: Master the ACE Pneumonic 19:22

28d ago19:22

19:22

Episode Notes: Drug: Lisinopril Class: ACE inhibitor (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) Mechanism: Blocks conversion of angiotensin one → angiotensin two, leading to vasodilation, reduced afterload, and decreased aldosterone secretion. Therapeutic Uses: Hypertension, heart failure, post-MI, diabetic nephropathy (renal protection). Contraindi…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Aspirin: When A Little Pill Becomes A Big Problem 16:28

29d ago16:28

16:28

Key Points to Know for NCLEX Mechanism: Irreversible COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition → decreases prostaglandin and thromboxane A2 production Dose Dependence: Low dose (81 mg) = cardioprotection Moderate (325–650 mg) = pain and fever High (3–6 g/day) = anti-inflammatory Irreversible platelet inhibition: lasts 7–10 days (platelet lifespan) Absolute contra…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Pearls, Pitfalls, and Power-Ups 17:51

1M ago17:51

17:51

Episode Notes Mechanism of Action: Cardioselective beta-1 blocker that slows HR, reduces contractility, and lowers myocardial oxygen demand. Formulations: Tartrate (Lopressor) — Immediate release, given BID or IV for acute use. Succinate (Toprol XL) — Extended release, given once daily for chronic use, especially in heart failure. IV Administration…

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NCLEX Pharmacology - Metoprolol: Tartrate vs. Succinate — Know It, Don’t Blow It 13:29

1M ago13:29

13:29

Key Takeaways for Nursing Students Two Forms, Two Purposes Metoprolol tartrate (immediate-release): short-acting, used for acute control (e.g., post-MI, hypertension crisis). Metoprolol succinate (extended-release): long-acting, used for chronic control (heart failure, hypertension, stable angina). Never crush succinate — it destroys the time-relea…