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.

Build a comprehensive and clinically relevant foundation to point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Through 6 hours of online learning and 4 hours of immersive, hands-on instruction onsite at Annual Congress, you’ll learn the role POCUS plays in perioperative assessment, anesthetic planning, clinical decision-making, and emergency response for CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists.

New this year:

• Virtual reality for gastric ultrasound: Explore anatomy, transducer placement and how probe movement and patient positioning affect ultrasound images before applying your knowledge during hands-on scanning of a live patient.
• Introduction to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE): Learn foundational cardiac views and how focused findings can support the assessment of hemodynamic instability.
• Earn a digital badge: Successfully complete the online modules and hands-on workshop to earn the POCUS Core Knowledge digital badge.

Participants will learn skills on the following core ultrasound applications:

• Gastric ultrasound
• Endotracheal tube verification
• Cricothyroid membrane assessment
• Lung ultrasound
• Hemodynamic assessment
• Introduction to TTE

Build a practical POCUS foundation through online education, immersive technology, and hands-on scanning – all in one comprehensive learning experience.

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. 

[SOLD OUT] CRNAs: Sunday, Aug. 23, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m. ET | 2 MAC Ed CE Credits
[SOLD OUT] 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.