On This Episode:
Could you imagine working in a rural location where access is truly a lifeline for people? Today’s guest is April Erickson, DNP, CRNA, an Alaska based nurse anesthesiologist and anesthesia medical director with more than 15 years of experience in rural independent practice.
Sharon and guest host Jackie Rowles, DNP, MBA, MA, CRNA, ANP-BC, NSPM-C, FNAP, FAANA, FAAN, sit down with April Erickson, DNP, CRNA, an anesthesia leader practicing independently in rural Alaska, to discuss frontier medicine, independent practice, leadership, and what it truly means to provide care where access is critical but not guaranteed.
April shares the incredible realities of practicing anesthesia in one of the most geographically isolated environments in the country. She also discusses serving as anesthesia medical director at a critical access hospital, her role on the Alaska Board of Nursing, and why CRNAs are essential to healthcare access across the state.
It’s an episode about resilience, autonomy, preparedness, and the responsibility that comes with practicing where there is no backup coming.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
🚁 Weather and geography can delay patient transport for days
🐻 Providers manage unique trauma cases including bear attacks and fishing injuries
⚖️ Leadership and advocacy are essential for protecting independent practice
🧠 Solo practice demands constant vigilance and multiple contingency plans
🌍 Frontier medicine requires creativity, resilience, and broad clinical expertise
Important Links:
"You have to have plan A, B, and C. When you're alone, you have to think way differently."
