Before CRNAs ran ORs like pros there were scrappy pioneers, wild courtroom battles, and some serious “hold-my-stethoscope” moments. Sophie Winton and Gertrude Gerrard helped build the CRNA profession from the ground up. They trained the next generation of nurse anesthetists, fought for recognition in a male-dominated profession, and left a legacy that shaped modern anesthesia.
Shining A Light On Hidden CRNA Legends
Yet despite their enormous contributions, most CRNAs and students had never heard their stories. That all changed in a single unforgettable moment at a CRNA conference.
There they were, Sophie and Gertrude, perched on bar stools and quietly sipping drinks. A crowd of CRNAs walked right past, completely oblivious to the legends in their midst. Sharon Pearce and Jeremy Stanley knew this could not go unnoticed, so, they took to the mic and shared their knowledge and stories of these legends and many more like them.
Epic Tales That Built Today’s CRNAs
That one unforgettable episode sparked a whole movement. CRNA history was suddenly alive, and a new generation had a reason to take pride in their profession. That’s how the CRNA and ARPN History Podcast Series was born.
Hosts Sharon and Jeremy guide you through the drama, the triumphs, and the moments so crazy they almost didn’t make history books. If you love stories with guts, grit, and a little bit of chaos, this is your jam. Tune in, get inspired, and maybe even laugh out loud while learning how the past built the CRNA of today.
Discover The Legends Who Built CRNA History
Step into the untold stories of Sophie Winton, Gertrude Gerrard, and the pioneers who shaped modern nurse anesthesia. Drama, grit, triumphs, and a little chaos await.
CRNA History / Episodes
The McMechans & the Origins of the CRNA–Physician Conflict
Listen Now: Follow & Subscribe: On This Episode: From the very beginning of nurse anesthesia, opposition was organized, strategic, and relentless. Two central figures who devoted their…
From Diploma to Doctoral Entry: The Evolution of Nurse Anesthesia Education (Part 2)
In part two of the conversation, we’ll look back through the significant transformations over decades, evolving from diploma programs to doctoral entry.
From Diploma to Doctoral Entry: The Evolution of Nurse Anesthesia Education (Part 1)
Today we welcome back Nancy Bruton-Maree, CRNA, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA to take a detailed look at the evolution of education in the nurse anesthetist profession.
The Earliest Nurse Anesthesia Pioneers
In this episode, we’re joined by guests Stacy Yancey, MSNA, CRNA and Megan Conner, PhD, CRNA to pay homage to formidable women like Sophie Winton and Gertrude Gerrard, whose remarkable bravery and d…
Early Anesthesia: Dagmar Nelson and Nurse Anesthesia After the Trial (Part 2)
In part two, we’ll go on an exploration to uncover the untold chapters of Dagmar’s post trial years and witness how her victory reshaped the landscape of nurse anesthesia, breaking down barriers and…
Early Anesthesia: The Life and Trial of Dagmar Nelson (Part 1)
Most people know about Dagmar Nelson in terms of her being involved in the only court trial ever to test the legality of nurses administering anesthesia, but there’s much more to her than just that.…