A gap exists in the literature examining peer perception of professional impairment among certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) with and without substance use disorder (SUD) education. In addition to SUD education, personal and professional factors influencing peer perceptions were also explored. An electronic survey was sent to American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology members, and 192 participants responded to a 55-item questionnaire. An independent t-test revealed that perceptions were more positive in CRNAs who received SUD education (M, 62.44; SD, 7.124) than those who did not (M, 64.17; SD, 6.919). Similarly, a multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict perceptions of nurse impairment from personal and professional factors. The model explained 5.4% of the variance in the perception of nurse impairment, although none of the five variables added statistical significance (F6, 165 = 1.511; P = .178; adj. R, .01). Recommendations for future studies include a qualitative study examining the lived experiences of CRNAs who suffer from SUD and sought treatment. This survey may offer the profession a unique perspective on the challenges impaired CRNAs face and the obstacles they must overcome to obtain treatment for their illness.
Katrina Vice O'Con (Fri,) studied this question.