CRNA Engagement During the COVID-19 Crisis: Optimization of Resource Management, Organizational Climate, and Contributions to Care

COVID-19 has a strong hold on New York City, and it has similar effects on other areas of the country. As COVID-19 strains healthcare systems and the certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) who work within them, optimization of CRNA organizational climate promotes transformation of care delivery and may positively impact provider and patient outcomes. This article describes one healthcare system's newly refined processes for managing the surge of COVID-19 patients. It also describes the novel contributions of CRNAs to all aspects of care provision from supply and resource management to management of patients in critical care environments, to refinement of intubation and airway management for this patient population. Lessons learned during this pandemic from two facilities within this healthcare system are described. When a healthcare system's culture respects and encourages collaboration and innovation, dynamic changes can be implemented effectively during times of crises. Also, critically helpful is when CRNA organizational climate promotes equal partnerships with physicians, and administration values the CRNA contributions to care. In this case, collaboration of all stakeholders promoted best practices and improved care provision. Lessons learned may be applied to facilities where the COVID-19 surge is occurring.