Processed electroencephalography (pEEG) monitoring has become an important tool in nurse anesthesiology practice, with growing evidence demonstrating its role in reducing the risk of intraoperative awareness and mitigating postoperative neurocognitive disorders. Although modern pEEG monitoring systems provide both a processed “depth of anesthesia” index and access to raw EEG waveforms — as well as spectrogram displays — clinical decision-making is often driven almost exclusively by the index value. This reliance limits the clinician’s ability to fully interpret brain state, individualize anesthetic care, and respond to evolving intraoperative conditions.

The primary barrier to broader use of raw EEG and spectrogram data is not technology but training. Many clinicians have had limited formal education in EEG fundamentals, artifact recognition, the effects of underlying pathology, and interpretation across clinical case scenarios.

This Pre-Congress workshop is designed to close this gap through a structured, standardized, and clinically focused educational experience. This interactive workshop will build foundational EEG literacy and progressively develop interpretation skills. Learners are guided through real-world case scenarios that emphasize pattern recognition, troubleshooting, and clinical decision-making using raw EEG and spectrogram data, with an ultimate goal of applying these skills in their anesthesia practice.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) plays an increasingly vital role in contemporary anesthesia practice, enhancing patient safety through real-time clinical assessment and procedural guidance. This program is designed to equip anesthesia providers with foundational and applied skills in perioperative ultrasound applications that support airway management, aspiration risk assessment, pulmonary evaluation, and hemodynamic assessment.

Through a structured hybrid educational model, the AANA, in collaboration with a dedicated team of expert instructors, will deliver a comprehensive learning experience that integrates evidence-based online didactic instruction with immersive, hands-on training.

NEW THIS YEAR: Upon successful completion of both the online modules and the hands-on workshop, participants will receive the POCUS Core Micro-credential.

Participants will learn skills on the following core ultrasound applications: 

• Gastric Ultrasound to assess gastric contents and aspiration risk in elective and urgent surgical patients. 
• Endotracheal Tube Verification using ultrasound to confirm proper tracheal placement and identify esophageal intubation. 
• Cricothyroid Membrane Assessment to accurately identify and mark the membrane to enhance preparedness for emergency airway access. 
• Lung Ultrasound to evaluate pulmonary function and detect abnormalities. 
• Assessment of Hemodynamic Status using focused ultrasound techniques to guide fluid management and resuscitation decisions. 
• Introduction to Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) to provide a structured framework for basic cardiac ultrasound. 

This program emphasizes clinical integration, allowing learners to translate ultrasound findings into meaningful perioperative decision-making. By blending foundational knowledge with applied skill development, participants will enhance their knowledge and safety of ultrasound use across diverse clinical settings.

Step into a workshop designed for you, the dedicated nurse anesthesiology resident. Beyond the Books offers a supportive space to focus on your well-being, learn practical career skills, and connect with the wisdom of peers and mentors who are walking this same path.  

This year’s workshop combines wellness, career preparation, and connection to help you thrive both in training and as you prepare for your future as a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist.

Join us for: 

• Resident reflections and personal stories on resilience, growth, and belonging. 
• Wellness techniques with hands-on tools to strengthen mental health, balance, and resilience. 
• Financial wellness strategies to manage debt, budgeting, and plan for success. 
• Career preparation sessions covering CV writing, interview skills, and job applications. 
• A transition-focused panel with early-career CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists sharing what to expect in your first year of practice. 
• A closing call to action with pathways to mentorship, AANA resources, and opportunities to stay involved. 

Whether you’re looking for practical tools, a sense of community, or a chance to focus on your wellness, this workshop will help you embrace the full spectrum of resident life and prepare for the journey ahead. 

CRNAs: Sunday, Aug. 23, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. ET | 2 MAC Ed CE Credits
RRNAs: Sunday, Aug. 23, 1:15–3:45 p.m. ET | 2 MAC Ed CE Credits

The Advanced Airway Academy is an immersive, small-group learning experience designed to strengthen advanced airway management skills through interactive simulation, hands-on practice, and clinical decision-making. Using a rotating station format, participants engage in realistic airway scenarios and will apply evidence-based principles to complex airway challenges they may encounter in practice. Participants will leave with increased confidence in identifying the cricothyroid membrane using ultrasound, optimizing oxygenation with high-flow nasal therapy, performing advanced intubation techniques and executing emergency cricothyrotomy using airway models.