The AANA recognizes that as the COVID-19 outbreak continues to put strain on hospitals around the country, all healthcare providers can play a critical role in managing the delivery of care. During this time, it is essential for each facility to optimize its healthcare workforce and utilize CRNAs as advanced practice nurses.
CRNAs can play an important role in providing life-saving critical care management for patients impacted by the COVID-19 virus in their APRN role. CRNAs are prepared to practice autonomously and are qualified to make independent judgments based on their education, licensure and certification.
Elective surgical cases are getting canceled around the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In their role as APRNs, CRNAs can function in various areas of the hospital, including emergency room and critical care units. CRNAs can be leveraged for their expertise in rapid systems assessment, airway management, ventilatory support, vascular volume resuscitation, triage, emergency preparedness, and resource management to support their facilities.
The AANA encourages CRNAs to work directly with their facilities to determine how their skills as APRNs can be utilized to help address the COVID-19 crisis. The AANA believes that CRNAs are best positioned to contribute to the COVID-19 outbreak in their role as APRNs. However, during this unprecedented time there may be instances where CRNAs assume other roles. If the CRNA chooses to assume new responsibilities, clear communication with key stakeholders is essential to eliminate role confusion.
(Information provided by AANA)
