On the recordFebruary 27, 2020
In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Colonel Paulette Schank. Colonel Paulette Schank began her outstanding career as a licensed practical nurse out of high school, eventually achieving her master's degree in nursing in pursuit of a career in patient care. After gaining clinical experience, and speaking to several registered nurses in the anesthesia field, she decided her desire for further autonomy and utilization of critical thinking skills was perfectly matched to a career in the anesthesia profession. Upon successful completion of a post-master's certificate in nurse anesthesia, she worked for 6 years at Frankford Hospital and later at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Florida. However, as the daughter of a retired naval chief petty officer, family legacy and patriotism drove Colonel Schank's wish to assist patients in a much different setting. She enlisted in the Air Force and learned to transport patients in critical conditions. These skills served her well in support of Operation Desert Storm, where she evacuated troops, with a 100 percent survival rate of those transported. During her 24 years in the service, Colonel Schank provided medical assistance in times of war and in humanitarian efforts--from Iraq to Turkey, Mozambique to Honduras and beyond. As both a civilian nurse anesthetist and Air Force Reserve officer, she has dedicated her life to caring for others, be it in Florida or around the world.…





