The history of nurse anesthesia education: highlights and influences.

The history of nurse anesthesia is traced from its beginnings at the turn of the century to the present. The crucial role of the military in the profession's growth is explored. The sequence of events leading up to AANA's founding in 1939 are recounted. With the profession's often-contentious relationship with the anesthesiologists as a recurrent theme, AANA's strides in enhancing the rights and stature of its members are examined.