A Consistent Approach to Treatment and Reentry for CRNAs With Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) have a high risk of substance use disorder (SUD) as well as high risks of death and patient harm because of their direct access to potent drugs and their expert knowledge of pharmacology. Yet often, CRNAs with SUD are not approached as a distinct population among nurses with SUD, despite their special circumstances. This article presents the unique situation of CRNAs with SUD, the challenges they face in treatment and return to practice, and guidelines and recommendations to create a consistent approach for treatment and reentry for CRNAs.