BeeJay Thao, BSN, RN-CCRN, SRNA is a registered nurse and student.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your work and how POCUS relates.

I spent five years as an ICU nurse before entering nurse anesthesia training, and I am currently completing the final year of my Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Within anesthesia, POCUS has tremendous value. Beyond gastric assessment for aspiration risk, which is a central focus of my capstone project, POCUS enhances clinical decision-making in numerous ways. It supports hemodynamic assessment, guides vascular access, facilitates regional anesthesia, evaluates cardiac function, and aids in airway assessment. As the role of anesthesia providers continues to expand, POCUS serves as a powerful tool that strengthens both patient safety and perioperative efficiency.

Q: Why did you pursue POCUS certification and how did you find the process to be?

I pursued gastric POCUS certification to build the expertise required for my doctoral nursing capstone, which focuses on teaching Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) how to assess gastric contents in patients at high risk for aspiration. For many of these individuals, traditional fasting guidelines alone may not reliably ensure an empty stomach, and gastric POCUS offers an evidence-based method to better stratify and mitigate aspiration risk.

Obtaining this certification allowed me to build the advanced competency and credibility necessary to educate practicing CRNAs. The certification process was clearly structured, thoughtfully guided, and, although rigorous, was absolutely worthwhile especially as we continue to establish high standards and meaningful expectations for POCUS proficiency within our community.

Q: Share a positive message or quote with the community.

POCUS empowers clinicians to deliver safer, more informed, and more personalized care. Continue seeking opportunities to strengthen your skills; every improvement in your POCUS practice translates directly into better outcomes for the patients who rely on us.