Cannabis Nursing Now Recognized as a Specialty Practice by ANA
As the horizons of medical practices expand, healthcare professionals are adapting to the changing needs and specialties. In a groundbreaking announcement, the American Nurses Association (ANA) – which represents the more than 4 million registered nurses in the U.S.- officially recognized Cannabis Nursing as a Specialty Nursing Practice.
But what does it mean to be a cannabis nurse, and why is this recognition pivotal in current healthcare scenarios?
Nurses can have a number of different specialties, such as cardiac care, oncology, pediatrics, and now, cannabis.
The ANA’s official recognition of Cannabis Nursing not only elevates the status of nurses working with medical cannabis patients but also paves the way for establishing standardized practices and guidelines within the specialty. It acknowledges the nuanced skills and specific knowledge required to guide patients safely and effectively in the use of medicinal cannabis.
What does a Cannabis Nurse do?
Patient Care and Guidance
Cannabis nurses serve a critical role in managing patient care, particularly in pain management and offering therapeutic assistance through cannabis. Navigating through dosages, understanding different strains, and having an acute knowledge of symptom management are crucial aspects of their job. A cannabis nurse could work with a dispensary or hospital to help assist patients, provide education on cannabis products and their therapeutic properties, and offer extra support. If working in a dispensary or hospital doesn’t interest you, you could always start your own consulting business, create a blog or social presence,
Education and Advocacy
Cannabis nurses not only administer care but also serve as educators and advocates for patients, ensuring they comprehend the appropriate use of cannabis for their specific needs and conditions. They demystify the stigmas surrounding cannabis use and help in de-stigmatizing its medicinal applications.
Legal and Ethical Aspects
Ensuring adherence to legalities and ethical guidelines related to cannabis administration in healthcare, cannabis nurses also act as a conduit between legislative entities and patient care, ensuring adherence to ever-changing laws and guidelines.
How to Become a Cannabis Nurse
Educational Requirements
In order to be a cannabis nurse you’ll need to hold an active license from your state to practice as a registered nurse. Embarking on a career as a cannabis nurse requires one to be entrenched in both general nursing practices and specialized knowledge in medicinal cannabis usage. Understanding physiology, pharmacology, and the intricacies of various strains and formulations is imperative.
Certification and Training
While there is no nationally recognized certification for cannabis nursing, our Dispensary Agent Certification course offers a profound base of knowledge from the various routes of administration, to the dosing guidelines, and therapeutic properties of different products. Earning a certificate in cannabis shows your dedication to professionalism, continued education, and industry standards.
Ongoing Education
Continuous learning is indispensable in this evolving field. A cannabis nurse must remain abreast with the latest research, changes in laws, and advancements in medicinal cannabis to provide optimum patient care. There are currently two major nursing associations—the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) and the Cannabis Nurse Network (CNN) that offer additional education, resources, and support for this emerging specialty.
The inception of Cannabis Nursing as a recognized specialty underlines the progress and adaptability of healthcare professions to the emerging needs of patient care, especially those requiring medicinal cannabis. This not only safeguards patients with standardized practices but also propels the healthcare system towards a more inclusive and comprehensive future.