3: Why History Matters in Nurse Anesthesia

Welcome back to the CRNA Mentor Podcast. This episode marks the launch of something I’m especially excited about—an Advocacy Mini-Series created specifically for aspiring CRNAs who want to understand, protect, and confidently advocate for our profession. Advocacy doesn’t start with arguments, sound bites, or social media debates. It starts with understanding. In this episode, Why History Matters in Nurse Anesthesia, we slow the conversation down and focus on where our profession came from, how it evolved, and why certain tensions still exist in nurse anesthesiology today. Understanding this history is essential if we want to advocate calmly, confidently, and professionally. I’m honored to be joined by Dr. Craig Atkins, a CRNA of over 35 years, program director at Rocky Vista University’s Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program, retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, and a true historian of nurse anesthesiology. Together, we explore the early roots of nurse anesthesia, the remarkable outcomes achieved by pioneers like Alice Magaw, the early professionalization of our specialty, and the historical context behind ongoing policy and professional debates—including TEFRA, opt-out, autonomy, and professional titles. We also discuss the often-overlooked military history of CRNAs, the role of outcomes reporting in shaping modern practice, and why understanding this legacy matters before you ever enter the profession. Whether you’re an ICU nurse, nursing student, or someone just beginning to explore nurse anesthesia, this episode lays a critical foundation for informed, effective advocacy. This advocacy mini-series is intentionally timed to culminate at the AANA’s Mid-Year Assembly in Washington, D.C., and is designed to help you build advocacy literacy rooted in facts, history, and professionalism—not emotion or hostility. If you’re serious about becoming a CRNA, this episode will change how you view our profession—and your role in it. Join the CRNA Mentor Community: https://facebook.com/groups/crnamentorcommunity Check out additional CRNA Mentor resources: https://stan.store/CRNAmentor Get the anesthesia facts straight with: https://www.anesthesiafacts.com/ New episodes drop every Monday. Start your week off right with CRNA Mentor!