About this episode

This episode uncovers the remarkable story of Florence Boswell, a pioneering nurse anesthetist and aviation trailblazer.

Most CRNAs have never heard the name Florence Boswell. But maybe they should have. In this fascinating historical episode of Beyond the Mask, former AANA president Debra Malina, CRNA, MBA, DNSc, and Sandy Ouellette, CRNA, uncover the remarkable story of Florence Boswell, a nurse anesthetist, aviation pioneer, charter member of the National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, and one of the earliest women pilots in America. Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode: 🏛️ She signed the original NANA charter in 1931 🧠 Boswell trained under anesthesia pioneer Agatha Hodgins 🌍 She became one of the earliest instrument-rated female pilots in the world 🚁 Florence founded her own aviation company in Ohio 👩‍⚕️ Early nurse anesthetists often faced major professional and societal barriers Join Sharon at the Nurse Anesthesia Update in the Bahamas: https://www.nurseanesthetist.com/events/nurse+anesthesia+update+2026/ Visit us online: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/ The 1099 CRNA Institute: https://aana.com/1099 Want to get CE Credit for listening? Go here: https://beyondthemaskpodcast.com/special-announcement-ce-credt/ Now you can watch the show on YouTube! Check it out here…

People in this episode

Hosts: Debra Malina, Sandy Ouellette

Topics covered

• CRNA history
• aviation pioneers
• women in medicine
• nurse anesthetists
• professional barriers
• Florence Boswell

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Association of Nurse Anesthetists, AANA

Places: Ohio

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