The Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment was established in 1975 to recognize individuals whose foremost dedication to excellence has furthered the art and science of nurse anesthesia.
The award was established to honor Agatha Hodgins (1877-1945), founder and first president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. A notable pioneer in the field of anesthesiology, Miss Hodgins was one of the first to perfect the nitrous oxide-oxygen technique of anesthesia. In 1915 she founded the influential Lakeside School of Anesthesia in Cleveland and was the visionary force in the establishment of the profession of nurse anesthetists.
The Award is presented during the AANA Annual Meeting.
The nominee may be a CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist or a non-CRNA who has worked toward furthering the profession of nurse anesthesia. The nominee may be living or deceased.
Please ensure your nomination clearly addresses how the candidate meets each of the outlined criteria.
Nomination Deadline: March 15
Submit a Nomination: Apply now
For more information, contact Kelly McCohen at governance@aana.com.
“I am honored to receive the Agatha Hodgins Award for Outstanding Accomplishment,” Pearce said. “I am so very grateful to have had the privilege to be a champion for nurse anesthesiology and helping shape the leaders in our field for tomorrow.”
According to her nomination, “With over four decades of experience as a nurse, of which over 30 years as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), she has amassed a wealth of practical knowledge and expertise in various clinical settings. By sharing her experiences with aspiring CRNAs she contributes to the growth and development of the profession, ensuring a legacy of skilled practitioners who uphold high standards of patient care and safety.”
Pearce has served in various national leadership roles, including AANA president (2013-2014), Vice President (2012-2013), Region 2 Director (2010-2012), and a member of the Board of Trustees for the AANA Foundation. At the state level, Pearce was president of North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists (NCANA) in 2001-2002 and served on numerous NCANA committees and task forces. Her advocacy efforts lobbying in North Carolina resulted in legislation to improve care for children with diabetes.
In 2018, she co-founded “Beyond The Mask,” as a co-host for the podcast with over 400 episodes promoting the history of nurse anesthesia profession, opportunities, advocacy, and innovations for CRNAs. ‘Beyond The Mask’ has subscribers in over 125 countries and ranks among the top 50 medical podcasts available in the United States.
Pearce is an active member of AANA, the American Nurses Association, and the North Carolina Association of Nurse Anesthetists. She is a fellow of the AANA and the American Academy of Nursing. She also maintains membership in professional societies, including Sigma Theta Tau.
Pearce earned both a Master of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, N.C. She earned a certificate in anesthesia from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Yale University in New Haven, Conn.
Read Sharon’s acceptance speech.
Watch Sharon’s acceptance video.