Agatha Hodgins: Nurse Anesthetist Pioneer Essay Example

endures to this day. While she may not be widely known to the public, current nurse anesthetists hold her in high esteem as an influential figure whose contributions continue to benefit them.

During the Civil War from 1861 to 1865, nurse anesthetists received their education primarily from a few doctors who were proficient in anesthetics. However, the majority of anesthesia was administered by untrained individuals, resulting in considerable dangers for injured patients. As a result, the use of anesthesia was restricted.

While the United States had not yet joined World War I, Agatha Hodgins served in France from 1914 to 1915 and provided valuable anesthesia training to physicians and nurses from France and England.

Thanks to the training of Agatha Hodgins and her colleagues, nurse anesthetists have been the main administrators of anesthesia in combat zones, a role they have fulfilled in all U.S. wars since World War I. (Schrefer, S. 2000)

Agatha Hodgins trained nurses in administering anesthesia during combat situations and had a progressive vision for the future of the profession. However, there was a scarcity of training institutions for nurse anesthetists despite the significant demand.

Similarly, there was no formal prerequisite for acquiring this particular expertise. Many nurse anesthetists acquired their knowledge through peer learning or being trained by a select group of doctors in surgical assistance.

The physicians observed that the nurse anesthetist's presence allowed them to focus solely on the patient, resulting in a significant reduction in complications and anesthesia-related deaths. As a result, an increasing number of nurses decided to receive training for this specialized field.

In the beginning, most nurse anesthetists

were female and surgeons held all the power in surgical procedures, causing men to be reluctant to take on a lower position. However, as the field of nurse anesthetists grew and became more respected, this perception began to change.

Agatha Hodgins established the Lakeside Hospital School of Anesthesia in Cleveland in 1915, recognizing the necessity for a formal training school.

The Lakeside program in Ohio was available for graduate nurses, physicians, and dentists. The training lasted for 6 months with a tuition fee of fifty dollars. Graduates received a diploma from this school which was the first to offer a formal degree program for nurse anesthetists.

In its first year, Lakeside Hospital had 19 graduates comprising of 6 physicians, 2 dentists, and 11 nurses. Over time, the number of students increased and by 1918, the hospital established clinical partnerships with other Cleveland hospitals. The success of Lakeside School inspired the establishment of similar institutions across the United States, all influenced by both Lakeside Hospital and Agatha Hodgins.

Agatha Hodgins directed her attention towards advancing the future of nurse anesthetists as the training program achieved greater success. In 1923, the establishment of the Alumnae Association of the Lakeside School for Anesthesia demonstrated a unique commitment to nurse anesthetists.

In 1930, Agatha Hodgins suggested at the American Nurses Association convention the establishment of a national group for nurse anesthetists. This group would be responsible for promoting, organizing, and maintaining the standards of nurse anesthetists.

The National Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NANA) was founded in 1931 by Agatha Hodgins, with its inaugural meeting held on June 17th. NANA aimed to establish uniform

guidelines for the education and certification of nurse anesthetists.

The NANA changed its name to the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) in 1939 and remains known as such today.

Hodgins aimed to achieve two primary objectives for the AANA. The initial objective was to create a standardized nationwide test for nurse anesthetists, and the second goal was to implement an accredited program across all nurse anesthesia schools. The mission statement of the AANA centered on enhancing patient safety and upholding excellence in anesthesia (AANA 2006).

Agatha Hodgins' success with the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists led to a significant event on June 4, 1945, when ninety-two candidates participated in the national certification exam. This momentous occasion marked a groundbreaking moment in the field of nurse anesthesia and set a precedent for future schools.

The accreditation of nurse anesthesia programs nationwide commenced on January 19, 1952 and received official recognition from the U.S. Department of Education in 1955.

CRNAs, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, are licensed professional nurses who undergo additional extensive training in nurse anesthesia. Before specializing in anesthesia, they must first obtain an RN degree. To work as a CRNA, passing a state examination and obtaining board certification is necessary. Licensing and practice opportunities for CRNAs can be found in all fifty states.

Despite the lack of knowledge about nurse anesthetists among the general public, the medical community has recognized and valued this specialized field with the respect it deserves (Evans, T 1998).