Integrating Substance Use Content in an "Overcrowded" Nursing Curriculum

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Substance Use Disorder Education
• Curriculum Development

Background:

• Nursing curricula often lack comprehensive substance use disorder (SUD) content.
• Integrating new content faces resistance due to already crowded academic schedules.
• There is a critical need to equip nurses with SUD-related knowledge and skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a systematic 4-phase process for integrating SUD content into nursing education.
• To provide a replicable model for nurse educators facing curriculum integration challenges.
• To share lessons learned and recommendations for successful curriculum enhancement.

Main Methods:

• A 4-phase integration process was developed and implemented.
• Content was incorporated into both prelicensure and master's level advanced practice nursing curricula.
• The process focused on overcoming resistance and fitting within existing curriculum structures.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of substance use disorder content was achieved across different nursing program levels.
• The 4-phase model provided a structured approach to curriculum enhancement.
• Key challenges and successful strategies were identified through practical application.

Conclusions:

• A phased approach facilitates the integration of essential substance use disorder education into nursing curricula.
• Overcoming resistance and curriculum limitations is possible with a strategic plan.
• Recommendations are provided to support nurse educators in similar integration efforts.