Substance abuse integration in nursing education: an innovative collaborative model

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Substance Abuse Treatment

Background:

• Substance abuse is a major public health issue.
• Nursing is a critical health workforce for addressing substance abuse.
• Existing nursing education in substance abuse and addictions requires strengthening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the outcomes of a 3-year faculty development project, the Nursing School Education Collaborative (NSEC).
• To strengthen baccalaureate nursing programs through faculty development and curriculum integration in substance abuse and addictions education.
• To provide a model for replication in other nursing schools.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Nursing School Education Collaborative (NSEC) project across four baccalaureate schools of nursing.
• Conducting a comprehensive needs assessment.
• Detailing faculty development activities and curriculum integration strategies.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in substance abuse curricula at participating schools.
• Development of continuing education activities and acquisition of additional teaching resources.
• Creation of an integration model and increased curriculum and clinical contact hours.

Conclusions:

• Faculty development effectively enhanced substance abuse and addictions education in nursing programs.
• The NSEC project provides a successful model for improving nursing education in this critical area.
• Replication of this model can strengthen the health workforce's capacity to address public health challenges related to substance abuse.