Why CRNAs Are Leading OB Care (And No One’s Talking About It)

CRNAs provide the majority of obstetric care across much of the country, especially in rural and underserved areas, the data hasn’t always reflected that reality. That disconnect is exactly what sparked the creation of the Society of Obstetric Nurse Anesthesiology and Research (SONAR), a growing movement focused on advancing nurse-led research and elevating the role of CRNAs in obstetrics. In this episode, the team behind SONAR shares how the organization started, the challenges they’re working to solve, and why their research could reshape the future of OB anesthesia. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 👶 CRNAs provide a majority of OB anesthesia care 🔍 Data gaps are masking the true impact of CRNAs 📊 Research is critical to shaping future policy 🏥 OB care varies widely between urban and rural settings 🚀 SONAR is working to elevate and unify the specialty   Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Learn more about SONAR: https://www.sonar-ob.org/   Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Earn MAC Dev Credit: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Help us grow by leaving a review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-mask-innovation-opportunities-for-crnas/id1440309246 Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknrmkRxiwtYk7LUjSV6wmw?sub_confirmation=1