Engaging the AANA & Building the Future with New CRNA Grads

Today, ​we're ​focusing ​on ​the ​next ​generation ​of ​CRNAs ​and ​the ​importance ​of ​early ​engagement ​with ​the ​American ​Association ​of ​Nurse ​Anesthesiology ​and ​the ​AANA ​Foundation. ​As ​new ​grads ​step ​into ​their ​careers, ​they ​have ​a ​unique ​opportunity ​to ​connect, ​contribute ​and ​grow ​within ​the ​profession. ​Recent grad Jake Bonnema, DNP, APRN-CRNA joins us to ​discuss ​why ​it’s so important to engage and how ​CRNAs ​can ​play ​a ​pivotal ​role ​in ​shaping ​the ​future ​of ​nurse ​anesthesia.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

🗳️ What CRNA PACs actually do—and why they matter

🤝 How mentorship sparked Jake’s path into advocacy

💬 Making the ask: peer-to-peer power in growing PAC support

🎓 Why new grads should attend Mid-Year Assembly (and leave inspired)

 

Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists! Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.

Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side! Click here for more details and to register

 

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Get the CE Certificate here (and directly submit to the NBCRNA): https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Beyond-the-Mask-CE-Cert-FILLABLE.pdf

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