Erlande Baret, RN, DNP, CRNA

DNP Nurse Anesthesia

The Effects of Mistreatment on Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Transition into Practice

Project Category:  Original Research 

Project Team: Erlande Baret, DNP, CRNA, Fungai Kwanai, DNP, CRNA, Jennifer Greenwood, PhD, CRNA, FAANA, (Advisor)

Abstract

Background: Evidence indicates that mistreatment during training is an experience reported across all healthcare specialties; however, limited research is available on the mistreatment of nurse anesthesia residents (NARs) specifically. This study investigated the incidence of mistreatment, the impact it may have had on NARs transition into practice, and what reporting systems exist among CRNA programs.

Methods: An anonymous electronic survey was emailed to 2,680 CRNAs randomly selected from the AANA database who had been certified to practice within the last three years. Trends in the incidence and frequency of mistreatment and comparisons based on gender, race, and religion were conducted. Quantitative responses to the WHO-5 Wellbeing questionnaire were correlated with qualitative responses related to factors that affected the transition to practice.

Results: 127 participants completed the surveys, with a response rate of 4.7%. Verbal abuse was the most common form of mistreatment reported (19.3%), with CRNAs being primarily responsible (39.7%). Most (27.3%) participants felt their transition to practice was completed within 6 to 9 months, and 7.7% indicated that their transition had not yet been completed after two years of practice. Major barriers in the transition from NAR to CRNA included lack of confidence, lack of support, imposter syndrome, toxic work culture, and high practice expectations. Different programs across the nation are using wellness programs, anonymous reporting, and faculty to address mistreatment.

Conclusion: Similar to other healthcare trainees, mistreatment is a common occurrence for NARs. Mistreatment led to new CRNAs to experience a prolonged transition from NAR to CRNA.