E184: Pain Management Practice

In this episode of Core Anesthesia, Cole and Tanner sit down with CRNA Jennifer Clevenger to explore a side of anesthesia many providers may not know much about: chronic pain management. Jennifer shares her path from the OR into pain management and breaks down what this unique area of practice actually looks like, from patient assessment and medication management to interventional procedures and long-term care. She also talks about the training involved, work-life balance, career opportunities, and what CRNAs should know if they’re interested in pursuing this path. Plus, the conversation dives into the important role advocacy plays in expanding CRNA practice and improving patient access to pain care. Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, Cole and Tanner sit down with Mike Dolphin, founder and CEO of GuideStar, to talk all things epidurals—specifically the risk of accidental dural puncture and why preventing it matters for both providers and patients. They break down why epidural placement can be so challenging, the potential short- and long-term effects of a dural puncture, and how new technology may help make the process more precise. Mike also introduces EpiZact, a device designed to detect loss of resistance and help stop the epidural needle at the right moment. If you want to see EpiZact in action and meet Mike in person, be sure to find him at the AANA conference in Boston this coming weekend August 21-25! Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

We’ve been working on this for over a year, and we can finally share it with you! In this quick episode, we’re giving you a sneak peek at the brand-new Core Anesthesia platform, including customizable quizzes, smarter progress tracking, offline listening, better organization, and more, all designed to make learning anesthesia easier wherever you are. The new platform launches during AANA Annual Congress in Boston, and we can’t wait for you to check it out!Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

This week, we're talking about how becoming a CRNA doesn't have to be the finish line—it can be the beginning of so much more. Cole and Tanner sit down with Jon and Rhianna Schoeller to chat about using anesthesia as a launchpad to build financial freedom, create new opportunities, and design a life centered around what matters most. They share practical advice on avoiding lifestyle inflation, making smart financial decisions, and investing in ways that can give you more flexibility and time with your family. Whether you're still in school or already practicing, this conversation will leave you thinking differently about what your CRNA career can make possible. Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode we welcome LocumTenens.com to give us a current market update.Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode of Core Anesthesia, Tanner and Cole sit down with CRNA Anthony to talk about his recent anesthesia mission trip to the Philippines. Anthony shares how he got involved, what it took to plan and organize the trip, and the challenges of providing anesthesia in a resource-limited setting. The conversation explores the importance of partnering with local communities, adapting to different clinical environments, and making a lasting impact beyond the operating room. Anthony also reflects on the personal and professional growth that came from the experience and offers encouragement for anyone considering medical mission work. Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode of Core Anesthesia, Cole and Tanner continue their deep dive into one of the trickiest parts of anesthesia practice: waking patients up safely and smoothly. They swap stories from the OR, compare wildly different emergence techniques, and break down how pain control, extubation timing, and airway management all come together in those final moments of a case. The conversation stays practical and honest, with plenty of real-world examples, and lessons learned. Whether you’re a student still figuring out your style or an experienced provider looking to hear another perspective, this episode is packed with relatable insights and takeaways.Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode of Core Anesthesia, Cole and Tanner tackle emergence — basically, the art of waking a patient up from anesthesia and getting them safely to recovery. They swap stories, compare techniques, and pretty much disagree on everything from when to reverse paralytics to how to wean off the gas. The big takeaway? There's no single right way to do this, which is exactly why it takes years to get good at it. Stick around for part two, where they'll get into deep extubation, laryngospasm, and other tricks of the trade.Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In Part Two of our financial deep dive with Vinny Cagungun, we tackle four of the most-requested topics from our listeners: debt payoff strategy, the real financial differences between W2 and 1099, tax planning for high-income CRNAs, and how to find the right advisors for your team. Vinny, Cole, and Tanner share their personal journeys — including what they'd do differently in hindsight — and break down practical frameworks like the three-bucket tax system, the 1.3x rule for comparing W2 to 1099 offers, and often-overlooked strategies like QBI deductions and self-directed 401(k)s. Whether you're a new grad staring down six figures of student loans or an experienced CRNA looking to level up your financial game, this episode delivers actionable insight at every stage. As Vinny says, clarity comes from doing — so take it one step at a time and enjoy the journey. Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode we welcome LocumTenems.com to give us a current market update.Support the showTo access all of our content, download the CORE Anesthesia App available here on the App Store and here on Google Play. Want to connect? Check out our instagram or email us at [email protected]