AANA April 2023 Journal Course: Called to lead: A qualitative examination of the experiences and contributions of CRNAs during the COVID-19 pandemic response in the US-Article

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This qualitative study examined the experiences of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. The study identified five key themes: roles of CRNAs, collaboration, challenges, mental health implications, and pride in profession. <br /><br />CRNAs took on new roles and responsibilities during the pandemic, such as working at drive-through testing sites, developing protocols, and teaching essential skills to other healthcare professionals. Collaboration with other healthcare disciplines, including nurses and physicians, was crucial in providing care during the pandemic. CRNAs faced several challenges, including a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies, an overwhelming workload, and pushback from administration. The mental health implications for CRNAs were profound, with many experiencing anxiety, fear, and emotional exhaustion from caring for COVID-19 patients. Despite the challenges, CRNAs expressed pride in their profession and the care they provided to patients. <br /><br />The study highlights the important contributions of CRNAs during the pandemic and the need for support in addressing their mental health and well-being. It also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the unique role that CRNAs play in healthcare. The findings of this study have implications for future infectious disease outbreaks and the need to better support CRNAs in their roles. Further research is recommended to explore the prevalence of these themes in a larger population of CRNAs and to develop interventions to support their well-being.

Keywords

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists

CRNAs

COVID-19 pandemic

United States

roles of CRNAs

collaboration

challenges

mental health implications

pride in profession

supporting CRNAs