Nurses' Experiences and Perspectives Caring for People With Substance Use Disorder and Their Families: A Qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Substance use disorder presents a significant public health challenge.
• Nurses play a crucial role in patient care across various settings.
• Understanding nurses' experiences is vital for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nurses' lived experiences and perspectives on caring for individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) and their families.
• To identify key themes influencing nurses' professional practice in SUD care.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive qualitative study design was employed.
• Purposive sampling recruited 16 registered nurses from diverse settings.
• Constant comparison analysis guided data collection and theme generation until saturation.

Main Results:

• Three overarching themes emerged: Personal Experiences Affect Professional Practice, Professional Experiences Affect Professional Practice, and Stigma Affects Substance Use Disorder Care.
• Subthemes included the impact of personal history, the dual nature of professional experiences (stressful yet rewarding), and the influence of education on confidence.
• Stigma was identified as a significant barrier to effective care.

Conclusions:

• Nurses' personal and professional backgrounds significantly shape their approach to SUD care.
• Enhanced education and self-reflection are crucial for nurses.
• Addressing stigma through targeted interventions and integrated education is essential for improving care quality and patient outcomes.