The experiences of registered nurses caring for people with substance use disorders in emergency department settings

Substance use is a phenomenon affecting over 250 million people worldwide, with approximately 27 million people identified as living with a substance use disorder (SUD). This research study addressed the question “what are registered nurses’ experiences caring for people with SUD in Emergency Department settings?” A qualitative descriptive methodology was used in the investigation which consisted of semi-structured interviews with 13 Registered Nurses recruited from three Emergency Departments within northern British Columba. Data was analyzed thematically and three major themes emerged: People with SUD in the Emergency Department; Organizational Barriers to Care and; Beliefs and Attitudes. This research provides insights into the challenges that nurses face caring for people with SUD in the emergency Department setting, the need for education and resources aimed at improving outcomes for people with SUD, and the varying attitudes and beliefs that nurses hold regarding SUDs and people with SUDs, and how these impact care provision.