The Opioid Crisis and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist: How Can We Help?

This guest editorial reviews the facts surrounding the current opioid overdose crisis in the United States, including the history of opioid use and abuse leading up to the current crisis, and the impact of the crisis on the healthcare system. The editorial concludes with concrete recommendations and actions that Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) can take to combat this deadly and tragic epidemic. As leaders in the healthcare system and experts in opioid use and pain management, CRNAs have a moral and professional obligation to help patients and families affected by opioid misuse in any way possible.