Nurses – General Information

This section contains resources that highlight the unique role of nurses in impacting the opioid crisis.

This section is geared towards those who do not prescribe opioids.
Prescribers may choose to view the Background section of the toolkit for additional information.

The Opioid Epidemic and the Nurse’s Role

The Opioid Epidemic: The Evolving Role of Nursing

This brief from the American Nurses Association (ANA) provides an overview of the role of RNs and APRNs with regard to pain management and the opioid epidemic, summarizes ANA initiatives, and outlines the federal government’s response related to the opioid epidemic.

CA Bridge: Innovations in Nursing Video Series

This set of 5 videos covers the following topics: #1: Culture of Care: Saving Lives Through SUD Treatment #2: Best-Practices in Nursing Management of OUD and Acute Withdrawal #3: Case Based Learning #4: A Perfect Match: Harm Reduction and ED Nursing #5: Lessons Learned: Ensuring High Quality Care

CDC: A Nurse’s Call to Action for Safer Opioid Prescribing

The goal of this training is to identify and consider the ways in which nurses, medical assistants, and other members of an integrated healthcare team can support implementation of the recommendations found in the CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. CNE credits available.

MI Nurses Association: The Opioid Epidemic: history, patients, recommendations/management, and empowering all nurses to effect change

This slide deck, presented by Vicki L. Washington, MSN, RN, APRN, ACNS-BC, reviews recommendations for action when OUD is identified, and works to empower nurses to make meaningful change when it comes to the opioid epidemic. Free continuing education for MNA members.

Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. Assessment and Management of Pain (3rd ed.)

A comprehensive resource of best practices in pain management by nurses and for nurses.

Articles

Perspectives of Inpatient Nurses on Treating People Who Present With a Comorbid Opioid Use Disorder

The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes, perceptions, and training needs of nurses in the inpatient setting when caring for patients who have Opioid Use Disorder.