What was the primary reason nurses rather than doctors became first anesthetists?

Nurses became the first anesthetists primarily because of the prevailing societal norms and gender roles during that time in the 19th century.

Here are a few reasons why nurses were more involved in anesthesia than doctors:

1. Gender roles: In the 19th century, medicine and surgery were predominantly male-dominated fields. Anesthesia was initially viewed as an extension of nursing, which was considered "women's work" due to its association with caregiving and nurturance.

2. Practical considerations: Doctors were often too busy with surgical procedures to administer anesthesia effectively. The use of anesthesia required constant attention and monitoring of the patient's condition. Nurses, who were already providing bedside care, were well-suited for this role as they were skilled in monitoring and patient observation.

3. Training: Nurses received training in anesthesia as part of their nursing education, while medical education at the time did not include anesthesia training. As anesthesia techniques developed, specialized training programs emerged, and nurses were instrumental in shaping and advancing the field.

4. Advocacy and innovation: Many early female nurse anesthetists played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition of anesthesia as a legitimate medical specialty and promoting the use of safer anesthesia techniques. Their contributions and expertise eventually led to the establishment of professional organizations and the formalization of anesthesia as a medical specialty.

Over time, as the medical field evolved and anesthesia became more complex, the roles of doctors and nurses in anesthesia practice shifted, leading to the current collaborative model where both doctors and nurses are involved in the safe administration of anesthesia.