Nurses With Substance Use Disorder: A Narrative Inquiry

Background: The prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in United States nurses has been estimated to be 10%-20%. Fear, shame, and rejection from coworkers are just a few of the reasons nurses cited for not disclosing their SUD and seeking help or treatment. There is a gap in the literature related to understanding the experiences of nurses with SUDs. Until these reasons are explored and addressed in a meaningful way, nurses will continue to keep their SUDs hidden and put their patients and themselves at risk for harm. Purpose and Aims: The purpose of this dissertation was to understand the experiences of nurses with SUDs throughout all stages of the recovery process. Methods: The chosen approach for the study was narrative inquiry. Recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted virtually with eight registered nurses who reported being in recovery, reside in the United States, and reported histories of SUDs while working as registered nurses. Stories were written and analyzed using life course theory. Five key themes emerged through the narrative analysis process. Results: Nurses reported feeling a great deal of shame related to their SUD and did not initially disclose because they were afraid of losing their job and/or license. All experienced chaotic households in childhood and discussed how workplace stress contributed to their SUD. All emphasized the need for more education about SUDs in nursing schools and the importance of social support in helping them seek treatment and maintain recovery. All but one of the nurses expressed that they did not feel supported by the nursing profession once it was discovered they had a SUD. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study can be used to advance person-centered prevention, screening, and treatment programs that support nurses who are at risk for or who already have an active SUD, and design targeted interventions that are specific to nurses. The long-term goal is to promote and initiate evidence-based programs that are designed to meet nurses where they are in the behavior change process.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Magnuson, Keri

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Peltzer, Jill

• Nursing
• Addiction
• Alcohol Abuse
• Nurses
• Registered Nurses
• Substance Abuse
• Substance Use Disorder

Statement dc:rights

• This item is protected by copyright and unless otherwise specified the copyright of this thesis/dissertation is held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

https://www.proquest.com/LegacyDocView/DISSNUM/32239559

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/37833