BACKGROUND: Critical to this issue of quality patient care is the rising incidence of comorbid drug and alcohol abuse among hospitalized patients. Little research exists on the perceptions of nurses providing care to substance abuse/dependent medica- surgical hospitalized patients. There exists the need to further of explore nurses' perceptions regarding caring for this challenging population
METHODS: Using pa qualitative inductive approach, a convenience sample of 24 nurses completed research questions regarding their perceptions of caring for hospitalized patients with substance abuse/dependence
RESULTS: Data analysis revealed ethical duty to care negative perceptions toward patients with substance abuse/dependence, need for further education, sympathy, and issues with pain management. Providing quality nursing care for the hospitalized medical surgical patient with concomitant alcohol and/or drug dependence is challenging tor nursing. Nurses need add tional education and professional support in caring for these individuals.
Critical to this issue ot patient care quality and safety is the rising incidence ot comorbid drug and alcohol mong hospitalized patients.