Nursing students’ attitudes toward and empathy for patients with substance use disorder following mentorship

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have shown that nurses have negative attitudes toward caring for patients with substance use disorder (SUD); these negative attitudes also have been noted with nursing students. This study examined nursing students’ attitudes toward and empathy for patients with SUD to determine whether there were differences across practice settings. Method: Fifty-three students were surveyed before and after a 120-hour mentorship practicum; 25 students participated in focus groups. Results: Students’ empathy scores improved significantly across all practice settings, and students’attitudes improved significantly in all settings except maternal child health. Qualitative analysis revealed themes related to perceived lack of educational preparation, observing generational differences in nursing care, transitioning from fear to empathy, familial exposure, and feelings of helplessness and blame. Conclusion: Findings support the need for educational interventions in both academic and professional practice settings.