Ep 154: Anne Penland’s Story – Nursing on the Frontlines of World War I and Early 20th Century Medicine

You won’t find Anne Penland’s name mentioned very often in the early history books about nursing, but this North Carolina nurse anesthetist served our country in some of the toughest environments. Our historical series continues with a spotlight on Penland and all of the incredible detail she provided on the war and early 20th-century anesthesia thanks to a well-written diary. We’re joined by our resident historians, Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, to learn more about this incredible person.

Click the timestamps below to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.

On This Episode:

It’s time for another historical episode of the podcast and we’re excited to tell you about Anne Penland, an incredible nurse that served on the frontlines of World War I.

We’ve learned a lot already about many of the important people that helped shape anesthesia near the beginning of the 20th century, and Penland falls right into that category. She grew up in North Carolina before volunteering to serve in Europe during the first World War, and through her meticulous diary, we’re able to better comprehend the type of person she was and what being a nurse anesthetist during those early years was truly like.

We’ve asked Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, to join the show again to tell her story, and they have so much insight to share once again.

So as you get started on the episode, keep an ear out for these topics:

  • Why she’s such an important figure in nursing
  • Her early life and childhood
  • Volunteering to serve on the front lines of World War I and the diary she wrote
  • What work was like as a nurse anesthetist during the war
  • Many of the things we learned from her diary – good and bad
  • Did she know Agatha Hodgins when they both served in the war?
  • What happened with her life and career after the war.
  • How much healthcare and nursing has improved and evolved since her time.

We also wanted to mention that we’ve gotten so much great feedback about this historical series and we thank you for that. If you ever want to connect with Sandy or Nancy to ask them a question or request a subject for the podcast, you can email them at nbmaree@gmail.com and souellette515@gmail.com.

Check it out the interview at the top of the page and use the timestamps to help you navigate through the many topics we discussed.

2:57 – Great feedback on the historical series

4:30 – Why is Penland so important?

5:45 – Early life

8:38 – Her time in Europe during WWI

13:35 – Working as a nurse anesthetist during the war

16:10 – Lessons learned from her diary

20:48 – Happy moments from the diary

22:48 – Serving with Agatha Hodgins

26:08 – Recognition for her service

29:42 – After the war

34:26 – Ceremony in 2017

41:54 – From the military to civilian healthcare

44:16 – So much happening in the world at the same time

47:51 – Building on the past

53:01 – Where to get additional information


“She’s an unsung hero.”

– Beyond the Mask

SHARE THIS EPISODE

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

SUBSCRIBE

EXPLORE MORE

CRNA History

The Legacy of Florence McQuillen, the AANA’s First Executive Director

Our historical series continues today with a detailed look back on the life and career of Florence ‘Mack’ McQuillen, the first executive director of the AANA and someone who held the position for nearly a quarter century. We’re excited to have Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to tell us about how she helped shape the association and why she was considered by some to be a ‘benevolent dictator.

LISTEN NOW »
CRNA Careers

Nurturing Knowledge with Thanks

As we celebrate another Thanksgiving, we want to show our appreciation for an organization that does so much for CRNAs. Many people don’t know about the AANA Foundation’s purpose and why it’s important to individual CRNAs working in the OR, but they play a critical role in supporting and growing the profession. Today we’ll spend time with Executive Director Nat Carmichael and Treasurer Mike Anderson, DNP, CRNA to learn more about the best kept secret in our profession.

LISTEN NOW »

SUBSCRIBE

NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK!

Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyStitcherTuneIniHeartRadio

HAVE A QUESTION OR WANT TO BE GUEST?

RECENT REVIEWS

J. Cross CRNA
Read More
This podcast is very well put together. I love the hosts Sharon & Jeremy, they do a fantastic job at presenting topics as well as getting great speakers on the show! This is my morning commute podcast everyday! Thank you for all that you do!
Bill.Nye
Read More
I enjoy listening every morning. Great content and always a pleasure to learn something new.
biggestbaseballfanever
Read More
I started listening to this podcast religiously early on in my CRNA journey, a year before applying to CRNA school. The content in this podcast was one of my most helpful resources for getting into my first choice school, Wake Forest! It has also been a huge motivator for getting involved with the AANA now and throughout my career. I highly recommend this podcast to every prospective CRNA I meet.
Trvlgrl1
Read More
I appreciate hearing the latest and greatest in the world of Nurse Anesthesiology while also getting Class B credits. Just listen on your commute for a win/win experience. I love the perspectives from Jeremy and Sharon who both ask varied and insightful questions!
doubledownmoney
Read More
If you’re a CRNA or any medical professional, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen. Hosts have a great rapport.
Previous
Next

READ MORE REVIEWS OR LEAVE YOUR OWN!