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CRNAs bring technical precision and expertise to the operating room, but our most powerful impact might be how we show up for our patients during their most vulnerable moments. In this episode, Sharon and Jeremy sit down with Casi Short, a CRNA who developed a compassionate care program for women experiencing pregnancy loss. Hear how her own fertility struggles and second-trimester losses inspired her to create a supportive program at her hospital for women facing similar grief. This is a story of heart healing and the quiet strength it takes to stand beside someone in their darkest hour, and how one CRNA is helping transform loss into love through meaningful change.
Pregnancy loss is more common than many realize, affecting approximately one in four pregnancies, which is why more support for mothers is always needed. From comfort bears and handprints to dimmed lights and gentle words, Casi walks us through the thoughtful practices that can turn sterile procedures into moments of dignity and healing. Today’s show is a call to support healthcare providers, acknowledge grief in the OR, and build programs that treat loss with the respect it deserves.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
👶 The personal losses that led Casi to change the system
🏥 How to humanize pregnancy loss care inside the OR
🧸 Why a simple comfort bear can make a lasting impact
🧠 Addressing staff well-being after traumatic cases
❤️ Being courageous enough to “embrace the awkward”
🎗 Beyond the Mask Podcast is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page. 💛
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at the AANA Hackathon.
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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"The loss and that hurt never goes away. You just get better with dealing with it."
- Casi Short, CRNA
