Changing Nurse Practitioner Students’ Perceptions Regarding Substance Use Disorder

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are in a key position to provide services to persons with substance use disorder and decrease marginalization and stigmatization. There is a paucity of evidence on interventions to affect NPs’ attitudes/beliefs, confidence/preparedness, concerns/barriers, and ability to treat substance use disorder. The presented research demonstrated significant positive changes (P < .05) in 33 of 44 items on the Substance Use Disorder, Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs Survey, after NP students were provided a targeted educational program on the treatment of opioid use disorder. The research supports educational programs positively impacting NPs’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding persons with substance use disorder.