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This study was designed to determine the current level of stress and its physical manifestations in Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists. It also looked at coping mechanisms individuals commonly employ to combat the effects of stress. The study used data collected between February and May 2008 using a Stress and Burnout Survey on an online survey tool (SurveyMonkey). The fiscal year 2008 president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Wanda Wilson, CRNA, PhD, distributed a link to this survey in 2 electronic requests to approximately 28,000 nurse anesthesia providers. The response rate was 26.9% (N = 7,537). Based on responses and comments, recommendations can be made for future wellness interventions for the Association and for individuals.
Keywords: Burnout, stress, stressors, symptoms.
The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) established its Wellness Program in 2004 with the objective of developing and implementing functional strategies of health promotion and the elements of wellness, balance, and self-care into the lives of nurse anesthetists. Prior to the push by the AANA for wellness, the professions for the last 25 years had been served by a group of dedicated peer advisors who attempted to enlighten members about the dangers of stress and substance abuse. Unfortunately, many nurse anesthetists still envision the concept of wellness in our profession as peer assistance activities such as being able to avoid or deal with the consequences of substance abuse. Wellness goes much further than peer assistance; it involves a balance within us, including our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. It means caring for ourselves as much as we care for our patients.
All anesthesia providers know the effects of the surgical stress response on patients. This response protects the patient and leads to increased heart rate, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and metabolism, while suppressing vital functions such as immune responses. These are normal biological and psychological functions mediated by hormones released by activation of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis to help cope with challenging physical events.1
According to Sandra Tunajek, CRNA, DNP, and former executive director of the Council for Public Interest in Anesthesia, "Nurse Anesthetists spend endless hours dedicated to the workplace, where they are constantly exposed to a variety of stressors. Studies...