A Phenomenological Study on Substance Use and Misuse Among Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND

There is a critical need to identify and understand the current trends in substance use as well as effective approaches to manage and deter nursing students from misusing drugs. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of prelicen-sure nursing students about substance use and misuse and the management of substance use disorders among nursing students during nursing school.

METHOD

Using a phenomenological research design, 14 semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted.

RESULTS

Findings from the data analysis revealed the following six themes: mental health-related issues, stressors, fears and reservations, stigma, seeking help, and awareness.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this study corroborate and build on prior research illustrating nursing students encounter complex challenges that can contribute to drug-seeking behaviors during their prelicensure nursing program. Nurse educators must address these factors and their students' potential decisions to misuse drugs. .