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Nursing and the Arts Podcast – Ep12: Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN – An Inspiring, Empathetic Nurse Anesthetist and Host of the “Don’t Eat Your Young” Podcast!

Our Guest: Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN – An Inspiring, Empathetic Nurse Anesthetist and Host of the “Don’t Eat Your Young” Podcast!

Host: Author, Actor, Photographer, Poet Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, SJF Communications

Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Nursing and the Arts Podcast Logo

Audio link above is provided to listen to Ep12: Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN And Nursing and the Arts Podcast Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN.

Nursing and the Arts is a podcast devoted to Nurses discussing their diverse artistic passions (or endeavors) such as visual arts/photography, journaling, comedy, podcasting, storytelling, writing/poetry, crafting, cooking, dance, theatre, music, film etc.

Welcome to our 2nd Season!

Join us on today’s 12th episode of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast for an informative and entertaining discussion with our guest Ep12: – Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN, An Inspiring, Empathetic Nurse Anesthetist and Host of the “Don’t Eat Your Young” Podcast – And – Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, Host of the Nursing and the Arts Podcast

Watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast (above)!

Ep12: Beth Quaas, DNP, CRNA, APRN, An Inspiring, Empathetic Nurse Anesthetist and Host of the “Don’t Eat Your Young” Podcast and Host Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN (right)

Show Notes

Meet the amazing Beth Quaas! It was delightful to virtually meet Beth when I was interviewed on her Podcast “Don’t Eat Your Young” in 2022. She is truly a compassionate and advocate for nursing in the best way!

Here are some tidbits from our wonderful conversation!

Beth has been a nurse since the 1990’s, starting with her LPN (in a nursing home), then her Associate Degree, followed by pursuing her Bachelor’s, Masters degree (1999 and CRNA) and Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2010.

Her clinical experience included ICU and the Operating Room before pursuing Nurse Anesthesia School, obtaining her Masters and CRNA and ultimately received her DNP. For the past five years, Beth has been the Associate Director of the Minneapolis School of Anesthesia. She also continues clinically as a Nurse Anesthetist in the O.R. as well.

She truly exudes joy in the nursing profession.

As a former Director of a CRNA group, realizing that the lack of training for and support in leadership was challenging and difficult, Beth experienced burnout. Now, she helps other nurses deal with and tell their own stories about bullying, burnout, workplace violence and more through her podcast “Don’t Eat Your Young”, (with success in it’s fifth season)! Her intention is to let nurses that are struggling know that they are not alone and that her podcast “Don’t Eat Your Young”, supports and provides resources for them.

Way to go Beth!

Each podcast guest on the “Don’t Eat Your Young” Podcast tells their own story.

Incidentally, here is my interview with Beth (where she called me “A Force of Nature”! Go figure)! : Beth Quaas and Susan J. Farese: https://www.donteatyouryoung.com/episodes/mapping-the-right-direction-for-your-career-and-life-talking-inspiration-with-susan-farese

Beth believes that Nurses need to discover a creative or artistic outlet and use creative ways to reduce stress, anxiety or burnout, whether at the bedside or not. We also discussed workplace safety.

Since she didn’t feel as though she was savvy with technology, Beth has the support of an incredible assistant for her podcast website, branding and social media.

For fun, (and for escape) Beth loves to read, especially Historical Fiction and SciFi. Appealing Book covers “speak to her”!

As for her views on the Art of Nursing as well as what she teaches her nurse anesthesia students-Beth described that anesthesia is like flying a plane, where there’s a take-off, then flying and finally a landing. There’s an art to making sure that patients are safe and comfortable and wake up in a timely manner with fine tuned medications and a smooth transition from the operating room.

Regarding her podcast title “Don’t Eat Your Young” , Beth emphasized that “young” is not chronological age, but “where you’re at”. Nursing students have knowledge and can teach experienced Nurses as well.

Another takeaway from our conversation is to have confidence in your role, whether it be as a Nurse Nurse Anesthetist or Nurse Practitioner – this confidence puts patients at ease.

Beth’s LINKS:

Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast : https://www.donteatyouryoung.com/

Beth’s Bio on the Don’t Eat Your Young Podcast Channel: https://www.donteatyouryoung.com/about

Beth’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-quaas-dnp-aprn-crna-a28a701ab/

Beth’s YouTube Channel Page: https://youtube.com/@donteatyouryoung?si=EcGBUxUfNbYTQ9-t

Beth’s TikTok Page: https://www.tiktok.com/@donteatyouryoung?_t=ZM-8us1IdAGePO&_r=1

Don’t Eat Your Young Facebook group page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/267977977792394

Beth’s Facebook personal page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010502052743

Thank you so much Beth, you are truly an inspiration in Nursing!

About Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

Susan J. Farese, MSN, RN, a native of New Jersey, is the owner/ president of  SJF Communications, San Diego, CA.

SJF Communications, originally established in 2002 in San Jose, CA, provides communications services including Public Relations, Publicity, Virtual Assisting, Marketing, Websites, Film Making, Acting, Social Media, Writing and Public Speaking, Photography, Mentoring, Coaching and Legal Nurse Consulting services.

Ms. Farese has diversified experience in health care/communications, including clinical nursing practice, management, education/training, research and consulting.

She has a Masters Degree in Nursing in Adult Health from Seton Hall University (NJ) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Widener University (PA).

Susan has presented numerous continuing education classes, seminars, and keynotes. Susan is the author of the book Poetic Expressions in Nursing…Sharing the Caring (1993 and 2021), currently teaches ‘Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku‘ workshops and has published poetry and articles on a variety of topics.. 

She created and is the Host of the “Nursing and the Arts Podcast” and creator/admin of the Nursing and the Arts Facebook Group. Here is the Nursing and the Arts Podcast IMDB Link

In addition to her being on the advisory board of San Diego Film Week, Susan is a member of SAG-AFTRA, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, and San Diego Writers Ink ,

Since 2017, Susan has been a Volunteer Mentor in the San Diego State University Aztec Mentor Program.

List of clients at https://sjfcommunications.com/list-of-clients/

Contact SJF Communications at:

info@sjfcommunications.com.

LinkTree link: https://linktr.ee/Sjfcommo


Thank you for joining us to listen to and/or watch the Nursing and the Arts Podcast! Please feel free to like, comment on, share our episode(s), etc.

Also nurses can join our Facebook Group “Nursing and the Arts

If you are a nurse (or know of a nurse) who would like to be considered for a “Nursing and the Arts” Podcast interview, please reach out to Susan by email: info@sjfcommunications.com.

Highlights from Haiku Workshop at the Escondido Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on February 27, 2025. Many thanks to Principal Librarian, Adult Services Azar Katouzian for hosting/coordinating the workshop and for her photos.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Debbie, Jessica, Susan, Debi, Pamela, Rudy and Oliver
Photos by Azar Katouzian; Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from Susan’s nature photography prompts….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Escondido Library 2/27/2025

Sunset Cliffs – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little waves be small

but will always strike truly

As us humans be

by Oliver (age 9)!

~

Mist above white waves

Rumbling sea below the rocks

People, perched above!

by Susan


Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Little hummingbird

Will fly faster peacefully

When the flowers bloom.

by Oliver

~

Master of the flight

Protective of its life space

Drinker of nectar

by Debi


Rocks at Torrey Pines State Beach- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Small pebbles might fall

still they keep their own balance

And strong in sunlight.

by Oliver


Sunset – Photo by Susan J. Farese

The blood-red night sky

Conjured from the depths of hell

Message from Hades

by Debi


Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Captured by the Moon

Saw the signal to slow down

Thank you, universe

by Pamela


Carlsbad Flower Field – Photo by Susan J. Farese

I can find comfort

In a crowd of wild flowers

But not with people

by Pamela

~

Beautiful flowers

Delicate, colored petals

Waving in the breeze

by Debbie


Julian Leaves – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Crispy, rustling leaves

A potpourri of colors

Waiting for a rake

by Debbie


Great White Egret at Santee Lakes- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Susan (great white egret)

Ivory plunge

Contemplating the nest step

Great white egret soars!


Jacaranda Tree- Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jacaranda trees

Bloom but once annually

Purple hues unite!

by Susan


More Haiku Inspired by the workshop

My hesitant breath

Fear, my mountain Everest

Eyes open I jump.

by Rudy

~

Ruffles, the dog

Morning you are there

Hungry you seek attention

Soft coat ruffles hand.

by Rudy

~

Colors red and blue

Visit me and leave fast

Dreams of flying now.

by Rudy


Heavy

Blanket of darkness

Feels like a heavy blanket

Covering my soul

by Debi

~

Broken

Pieces of my heart

Shattering to the cruel Earth

I lie here, broken.

by Debi

~

Soaring, easy flight

Masters of the ancient sky

Behold, my dragon

by Debi


Writing in silence

Hum of imagination

Words vibrate inside

by Pamela


It’s 80 degrees

Doesn’t feel like wintertime

in Escondido

by Debbie

~

Pickle Ball has rules

Don’t volley in the kitchen

Or you’ll lose the point

by Debbie

~

Montessori School

Wonderful community

Of special people

by Debbie


Waikoloa

Warm sun, gently breaking waves

Me, fully relaxed

by Jessica

~

Sea turtle swimming

In the warm afternoon sun

So oblivious

by Jessica

~

With snorkel and mask

Sea turtles and rainbow fish

Such a sparkling world

by Jessica


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Creativity Blossomed at Haiku Workshop at the Potrero Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop at the Escondido Library on November 2, 2024. 

Many thanks to Branch Manager Berlyne Arteaga for hosting/coordinating the November 2, 2024 workshop and for her photos of the group.

Thanks as always to all of the participants for attending, interacting and sharing their work!

Left to right:
Phyllis, Susan, Lollie, Jan and June

Photos by Berlyne Arteaga and Susan J. Farese;
Collage by SJF Communications

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker – getting to know each other.

After introductions and a review of her published work, Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared her nature photography as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We all practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. As always, it was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Enjoy these Haiku from our Workshop….

“Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” Workshop

Potrero Library 11/2/2024~

Hummingbird – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Jet roars past my nose

Wings blurring beyond man’s sight

Hummingbird visit

by Jan


Carlsbad Flower Fields – Photo by Susan J. Farese

Rainbow colors bloom

Mother Earth’s message to all

Spring is here again

by Jan


Coyote Chorus

Many voices sing off-key

Winters chill soft breath

~

Morning light fades dark

Cocooned warmth – feel hot breath

Open eyes – dog nose!

~

Innocence tumbles

Heart bleeds love lost in one blow

Domestic Abuse

by Jan


Winter

The coldest season

Animals hibernating

Snow on mountain tops

by June


People

People are funny

People run, walk, laugh, cry, talk

Also fat, skinny

by Phyllis


For more information or to book a workshop (Individual or Group) with Susan:
Information LINK: https://sjfcommunications.com/haiku-workshops/
Or, Email info@sjfcommunications.com or sjfcommunications@gmail.com.

Haiku for Two at the Julian Branch Library

Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications taught her 2 hour SJF Communications “Capturing Your Creativity with Haiku” workshop on May 24th at the Julian Branch Library. Many thanks to Josh Mitchell, Branch Manager and Friends of the Julian Library for hosting the workshop.

Mark was a solo attendee that day, and we made the best of it!

We began with an interactive fun ice breaker. After introductions and a review of her published work (with Haiku and other forms of poetry), Susan taught her Power Point presentation about writing Haiku and shared nature photography, including several photos of roses and flowers, plus other nature photos as prompts to encourage Haiku writing. We practiced writing Haiku and had the opportunity to share our work. It was a great discussion and we equally had so much to say about the creative process and the parallels with Haiku poetry and visual arts.

Here is a glimpse of us, along with the photo prompts and written Haiku for the afternoon.

Moon Rise and Yellow Traffic Light
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Rings of Gold 

electric yellow

round, in a black box says slow

in sunlit moonrise

– Mark

Moonrise/Yellow Light

Moon rose to the east

Yellow traffic light appeared

Serendipity

-Susan

Pacific Highlands Ranch Trail
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Earth and Sky

dusty clay stretches

around a corner….fading

cool clouds pressing down

-Mark

Mysterious Orange Flower
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Mysterious Orange Flower

Orange yellow hues

Veinlike markings encircle

A bursting flower

-Susan

Bench at Santee Lakes
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Bench at Santee Lakes

Bench solitude

Lonely, uninhabited

Summer pause, sit down!

-Susan

Blooming Jacarandas in May
(Photo by Susan J. Farese)

Blooming Jacarandas in May

Hues of violet

Lilac-blue and trumpet-shaped

Jacaranda tree!

A late Spring bloomer

Colorful, urban flower

Bravely blooms with awe

-Susan

For more information about attending our

Capturing Your Creativity With Haiku Workshop, click below!:

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‘Creative Ideas | Dynamic Results’!

A New Year’s Day Visit to the San Elijo Lagoon

Here are a few images from a brisk walk at the San Elijo Lagoon on New Year’s Day!

Some links:

https://www.sanelijo.org/naturecenter

https://www.sanelijo.org/nature-center-trail-head

https://www.sanelijo.org/

All Photos by Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications – 2019

An Anna’s Hummingbird building and guarding her Nest – This was exciting to see!
Thanks to the fellow bird watcher who told us about it!
A pair of American Wigeons exploring in the lagoon

The beauty of the trail at the San Elijo Lagoon

A lone pine cone in the torrey pine tree

Gadwalls at the lagoon

Sweet female Mallard
Things happen in threes, even Mallards!
More of the lovely trail at the San Elijo Lagoon

Mallard pair staring!


Visitors at the San Elijo Lagoon – including Curlew, Godwit, Willet shorebirds



A Willet contemplating at the San Elijo Lagoon

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Lake Poway: Osprey, Snakes, Coots & Haiku…Oh MY!

A quick visit to Lake Poway today yielded a few surprises! Once we arrived it only took a few minutes to see a ‘capture’ of a baby rattlesnake, reported to the ranger by a man fishing along the water’s edge.

Only a few minutes later, someone behind us shouted ‘he’s got a fish’! We looked up to notice just that! Perched high above on a utility pole, an osprey was holding a fish. He soon took off! The photos below show a bit of the dramatic feat!

Here’s a short #haiku (Day #4 of National Poetry Writing Month hashtag: #napowrimo)!

Perched high, above pole

The osprey held on to prey

Then it flew away!

Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications

Osprey Perched with Prey – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Osprey Perched with Prey – Take Off! Photo by SJF Communications

 

Osprey Perched with Prey – Holding On – Photo by SJF Communications

Wasn’t that osprey cool???

We walked along the water, taking in sights such as the beautiful blue sky and calm water of the Lake Poway. A few people were fishing, a few boating. Just a gorgeous afternoon.

More #Haiku

Crystal blue water

Perfect way to spend the day

Nature enriches

Entrance to Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Cormorants – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Coots and a Mallard – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Coot – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Picnic Area at Lake Poway – Photo by SF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Mallards – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

 

Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

OH NO!!!!! We suddenly spotted this snake- rattlesnake? (or gopher snake?…it was a few feet long) – just as we walked above (and to the left) of the trail around the lake. That was enough for me! Beware, it’s SPRING and the rattlers are awakening!

Last #Haiku

I ask you…take heed

The rattlesnakes are lurking

Avoid getting bit!

Rattlesnake – Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

Whew, that rattler was scary! At the end of the trip we noticed this woman who caught some trout. She allowed me to snap this photo!

Trout! Lake Poway – Photo by SJF Communications

All in all a wonderful time at Lake Poway!

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A Photographic Evening at Balboa Park, San Diego

Even buildings smiled for the camera!

I decided to stroll around Balboa Park last evening with my camera in hand…and what a treat it was! Take a gander at some of the cool flowers, architecture, and more!

You can click on each photo for more detail!

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Check out these gorgeous flowers! Go ahead…click away to see the full images! Spectacular colors!

…Plus…some snapshots of this cute bunny posing and feasting!

Finally, couldn’t resist taking photos of this beautiful fountain!

Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications

Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications

Fountain at Balboa Park, Photos by SJF Communications

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More Hummingbirds: Tiny Magnificent Creatures!

 I continually marvel at hummingbirds…such tiny magnificent magical creatures!

Their stunning colorful beauty, their speed, their zest for the “hummingbird life”….

It beats watching the news these days. It inspires my creative spirit and hope!

 I’ve  combined some poetry (Haiku), video footage and photographic images just for you!

 

Hummingbirds: A Haiku:

by

Susan J. Farese, SJF Communications

1.  Fluttering about

Zooming, oh, so rapidly

Marvelous colors!

2. Hummingbird magic

Unique, beautiful creatures

Don’t fly away, stay!

 

Here is a short video from today. See these lovely hummingbirds in action as they fly continuously over to the feeders and enjoy nectar, hover, and then dance away!

And now…some photographic images!

Hopefully these hummingbird images will captivate you and yours too!

Enjoy!

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hummer1
Red-headed Male Anna Hummingbird looking up at the nectar!

 

hummer3.winner
Beautiful aqua and green coat Anna Hummingbird

 

happyhummer
Anna is almost at the nectar finish line!

 

hummer.stick
Anna Hummingbird on a twig

 

hummer14.stick2
I see the flower!

 

hummer2
Male Anna hummingbird enjoying the afternoon!

 

hummer26.comingin
Circling the nectar feeder

 

hummer25
So hungry!

 

hummer24
Love this wingspan!

 

hummer23.lookinatyou
Doesn’t this male Anna hummingbird look like a halo above his head? Wings!

 

hummer22
I can taste that nectar already!

 

hummer21.two
Two hummingbirds negotiating!

 

hummer19
Just another nectar break!

 

hummer18.red
“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid”, said the male Anna hummingbird!

 

hummer17.red
Headshot! Male Anna hummingbird

 

hummer16.fly
Fluttering away!

hummer13.ruffled
Feathered friend!

 

hummer12.matte
Which way did they go?? Male Anna hummingbird

 

hummer10
Male Anna hummingbird looking up to the sky!

 

hummer9.two
I was there first! No, I was! OK, let’s eat!

hummer7
Blue skies!!

hummer6
Colors!

hummer5
Time for more nectar!

 

hummer3.branch
Male Anna hummingbird on a palm leaf!

 

 

hummer2.branch
See? A palm leaf! Told you!

 

Hope you enjoyed the poem, video and photos from SJF Communications!

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