American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology–Parkdale Partnership Improves Substance Use Disorder Support for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists and Resident Registered Nurse Anesthetists

Due to substance use disorder (SUD) being an occupational hazard to certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and resident registered nurse anesthetists (RRNAs), the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) has strived to offer SUD-related support since 1983 with the goal to help safeguard CRNAs, RRNAs, and patients in their care. AANA provides many SUD resources including a 24/7, live, confidential helpline strengthened through a partnership with Parkdale Center for Professionals, a specialized treatment center for health care professionals. The AANA Helpline is answered by Parkdale's addiction professionals to improve and streamline access to help for drug- or alcohol-related concerns. This article explores the data, trends, and impact this resource has had on CRNAs, RRNAs, their families, their colleagues, and their workplace over a 5-year period. Through the analysis of the data and trends collected, the authors make several recommendations to continue to proactively address the occupational hazard of SUD, increase education, raise awareness of available help across the nurse anesthesiology profession, and decrease the stigma that surrounds CRNAs and RRNAs who suffer from SUD. A holistic wellness program can also be adopted by other associations to meet the needs of their professional members.