USI College of Nursing and Health Professions takes pledge on opioid education as announced at the White House

As part of academic nursing's ongoing efforts to combat prescription drug and opioid abuse across the United States, the University of Southern Indiana College of Nursing and Health Professions 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 recent White House fact sheet as part of the White House Champions of Change event on Advancing Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery. Earlier this month, the Administration asked the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's (AACN) member schools with APRN programs to partner on this initiative. The USI College of Nursing and Health Professions recognizes that opioid abuse is a pressing public health crisis, and it is critical that APRN students receive education on current standards.

"The University of Southern Indiana's Advanced Practice Nursing programs are in support of the CDC's initiatives on opiate prescribing," said Dr. Ann White, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. "A priority of all of our nursing programs is safe and appropriate medication practices."

Dr. Deborah Trautman, president and CEO of AACN, said, "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 the 191 AACN member nursing schools who have pledged to prevent opioid abuse, visit: http://www.aacn.nche.edu/opioids.