BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Miller’s wiping away stereotypes about what Black women can do

As an African American female, Black History Month holds a special significance for Lexus Miller, RN, BSN, CCRN, who currently is enrolled in the Bloomsburg University DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program. The month gives her --- and others --- the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Black people throughout history.

Black History Month provides a space for reflection and conversation about the ongoing challenges Black people still face today, and how these issues impact their lives and experiences.

As SRNAs, Black women have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the health-care field by providing quality anesthesia care to diverse patient populations and increasing diversity in the field of anesthesia.

Being a first-generation college student, and as an African American SRNA, Miller hopes to inspire young Black women to pursue careers in anesthesia and help to break down barriers and wipe away stereotypes about what Black women can and cannot achieve.

She’s already doing her part and promises to be a force for future success.

VIEW MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH STORIES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Family ignited the fire, now Adames pays it forward with service, inspiration

Darlene Adames’ passion to pursue anesthesia grew intensely after working in a high-acuity pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. Her love for critical care, learning in depth about her patients, their physiology, and the medications they were on gave her the opportunity to learn about anesthesia.

The combined practice and science of anesthesia and patient care is what drove her to this path. Though this journey is rough --- and the hours are long and exhausting --- she is grateful to be doing what she absolutely loves.

Adames, BSN, RN, CCRN, SRNA is in her second year at the University of Pennsylvania.

Watching her mother, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic at age 9 and who worked hard and struggled to provide Adames and her sister with a better living, is what ignited a fire in her to continue dreaming big. She has worked extremely hard to be where she is today, and her goal now is to provide her mother and grandmother with the life they truly deserve.

As a Latina SRNA, Adames wants to be a representation of her cultural heritage and her community. Black History Month is not really mentioned or taught in many Hispanic households.

“I think it’s important for us to learn that the only difference is where our African ancestors landed during slavery,” Adames said. “To me, Black History Month is a celebration of how far we have come, all our successes and our future contribution to this world.”

After CRNA school, Adames plans to move back home and serve her underrepresented community. She would like to contribute her time with mission work in South America, the Caribbeans, and Africa. She wants to inspire and influence others that dreams do come true.

VIEW MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH STORIES

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Brangman was a pioneer among her peers, leader in the field

Black History Month reminds us there is a lot of history within the nurse anesthesia profession. This month, we pause to celebrate the achievements of amazing, inspirational woman like Goldie Brangman, CRNA, MEd, MBA.

Brangman was an accomplished CRNA and an exceptional mentor for CRNAs all over the world. She served as the first and only African American President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA), and she was the founder and director of the Harlem Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia.

Mentoring numerous CRNAs and specifically CRNAs of color, she was instrumental in the treatment of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after a near-fatal assassination attempt in 1958. A letter opener had been jammed deep into his chest. He was rushed to Harlem Hospital where Brangman was a member of his surgery team.

Brangman was president of the New York Association of Nurse Anesthetists from 1960-1961, and won numerous awards and honors, including:

· Ann Magnussen Award (1996)

· Agatha Hodgins Award (1995)

· Helen Lamb Outstanding Educator Award (1983)

Brangman was an active participant at AANA meetings throughout the years, as well as Mid-Year Assembly.

She retired in 1985, living in Hawaii since 1987 and continuing to volunteer eight hours a day with the Red Cross long into her retirement. Brangman died in February 2020 at the age of 102.

Black History is everyone’s history --- and Goldie Brangman was a force to be reckoned with. We appreciate her expertise and trailblazing for young Black CRNAs. This month and every month, we celebrate you, Goldie!

VIEW MORE BLACK HISTORY MONTH STORIES