Professional self-care is influenced by the ability of practitioners to manage their lifestyles and happiness through personal choices and behaviors. CRNAs and students have the responsibility, accountability, and competence to make positive choices and improve their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The AANA Health and Wellness Program website offers information and resources to reduce risk factors and improve health and fitness.
The AANA recognizes that anesthesia providers, because of their exposure and the nature of their work, face a high occupational risk for substance misuse. Information and assistance for CRNAs and student nurse anesthetists for chemical dependency and substance misuse and for getting help can be found on the
AANA Peer Assistance portion of this site.
In 1983 the AANA Ad Hoc Committee on Chemical Dependency was appointed, which grew and expanded to today's Peer Assistance Advisors Committee. In 2004 the AANA Wellness Program began with the objectives of developing and implementing functional strategies encompassing health promotion and the elements of wellness, balance, and self-care. Working together on key issues of education for the prevention of occupational risk of substance misuse and addressing the importance of personal health lifestyles for anesthesia professionals, the two groups collaborate as AANA Health and Wellness.