As part of academic nursing’s ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug and opioid abuse across the United States, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) is proud to announce that it has committed to educating its advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain.

The commitment was featured in a White House fact sheet last week as part of the White House Champions of Change event on Advancing Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. Last month, the Administration asked the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s (AACN) member schools with APRN programs to partner on this initiative. FNU recognizes that opioid abuse is a pressing public health crisis, and it is critical that APRN students receive education on current standards.

“Frontier Nursing University is proud to be a part of this effort,” said FNU Dean of Nursing, Julie Marfell. “Our students are educated to use evidence-based guidelines and state regulations to provide pain management for their patients. This includes all methods of pain management not just medications. Students are taught how to assess for possible abuse of pain medications and assist with recovery treatment plans when necessary.”
 

AACN’s President and CEO Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, FAAN, offered remarks at the White House last week to recognize the 191 AACN member-nursing schools that have taken this pledge.

“AACN is proud of the rapid response by our membership when the Administration called to help ensure future generations of providers who prescribe opioids for chronic pain are prepared for the critical work ahead,” said Dr. Trautman. “We commend academic nursing’s dedication to ensuring our nation’s future providers are prepared to address opioid abuse and overdose using best practices.”

For a complete list of AACN member schools that have pledged, visit: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/opioids.