Editor’s Note: National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week 2022 is Sunday, January 23, through Saturday, January 29. To celebrate, the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology is featuring stories from our outstanding CRNA team.
From an early age, Meagan Freml knew she wanted to be a CRNA. A self-described accident-prone kid, she spent a lot of time in the care of CRNAs who demonstrated the true meaning of exceptional care and inspired a career of giving back to others.
“While participating in athletics, I sustained a number of relatively substantial orthopedic injuries that resulted in surgery,” Freml said. “The CRNAs who cared for me loved their jobs and did excellent work. I knew I wanted to be a nurse since preschool because of them.”
After earning bachelor’s degrees in psychology and biology at the University of Iowa, Freml followed her passion in nursing to the College of Saint Mary in Omaha where she earned two more degrees: a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing education. Her career at Nebraska Medicine started in 2012, which, for Freml, seemed like a natural choice.
“I started as an ICU nurse and loved it,” Freml said. “I did the bulk of my training at Nebraska Medicine, so transitioning to a staff position was very appealing to me. I believe in the work this hospital does,” she said.
After her time as a staff nurse in the Adult Intensive Care Unit and the Nebraska Biocontainment Unit (NBU), Freml worked on an as-needed basis in the NBU while pursuing a master’s degree in nurse anesthesia. Throughout her path of education and service, one thing has remained constant for her—a passion for patient care. Whether a case is tomorrow, in one week, or in one year, Freml’s goal is always successful care, inspired by her early days in the hands of compassionate nurses.
“My firsthand experiences with orthopedic procedures are likely why I love working on those surgeries so much,” Freml said. “I genuinely love what I do. I love taking care of people. You have about five minutes to walk into a patient’s room, establish rapport, and earn their trust—that you’ll safely put them to sleep and wake them up. That’s a pretty cool thing.”
On the CRNA team, colleagues said Freml’s sense of humor and bright personality also uplift those around her. “Meagan is a key piece in making our department of CRNAs a work family and not just simply colleagues,” said Tiffany Olson, associate director of nurse anesthesia. “She takes the time to organize celebrations and gifts to recognize milestones and to aid during personal struggles. She really takes the time to get to know her colleagues on a personal level and helps create an environment of personal support and connectedness.”
“Meagan is dedicated not only to her career as a CRNA at Nebraska Medicine, but to her profession as well,” said Tim Glidden, director of nurse anesthesia.
In addition to her duties as a CRNA, Freml is a member of the SRNA education and clinical care committees. She serves as secretary and treasurer for the Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists and chairs the association’s student committee.
“Meagan is an excellent mentor and teacher to our SRNA’s,” said Glidden.
This year, Freml looks forward to completing her doctorate in education and healthcare leadership in December 2022.
When she isn’t working, you won’t find Freml in Omaha. Prior to the pandemic, Freml was an avid traveler—Colorado and Central American beaches are normally her favorite places to visit. Some of her other pastimes include hiking, collegiate athletics, cooking, and reading. She also enjoys volunteering at vaccination clinics and providing meals to the displaced.
The youngest of three children, Freml was raised in Creston, Iowa. She is excited for the arrival of her nephew next month.