Beyond the Frontlines: Confronting Stigma, SUD and Burnout in CRNAs / Residents-Beyond the Frontlines: Confronting Stigma, SUD and Burnout in CRNAs / Residents

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The American Nurses Association (ANA) introduced its new wellness committee for the 2025 fiscal year by merging its previous health and wellness committee with a peer assistance panel. The committee held a panel discussion aimed at addressing occupational hazards related to substance use disorder among nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and residents. This included shedding light on ANA's partnership with organizations like Parkdale and highlighting available resources like the ANA 24/7 helpline.<br /><br />Rigo Garcia, CEO of Parkdale and a CRNA, discussed his journey with substance use disorder and emphasized the importance of shared experiences and support systems. He highlighted a significant increase in mental health issues post-COVID and the need for awareness and education about these issues within the healthcare community.<br /><br />Panelists, including Dr. Crystal Honeycutt, Kevin Kim, and Dr. Lee Taylor, emphasized the importance of normalizing mental health conversations, supporting each other, providing access to mental health resources, and eliminating stigma. The panel reiterated that employers and educational institutions play a crucial role by offering supportive environments and resources, including employee assistance programs.<br /><br />Overall, the discussion underscored the importance of community support, prevention, and early intervention in addressing mental health and substance use disorders within the nurse anesthesia profession.

Keywords

American Nurses Association

wellness committee

substance use disorder

nurse anesthetists

mental health

Parkdale

support systems

stigma elimination

employee assistance programs