Opioid use disorder education for undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students

Background and objective: A dramatic increase in the misuse of opioids has elevated Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) to a national health crisis. Healthcare providers must be confident and knowledgeable to provide care for patients with OUD. The current study measured the effectiveness of OUD education for Baccalaureate (BSN) nursing students. Methods: Seventy-six (76) students participated. Instruments measured demographic characteristics, knowledge of OUD, and confidence and attitudes when providing care for OUD clients.  Results: There was a significant increase in OUD knowledge and improvement in confidence and attitudes toward OUD clients from baseline to two weeks. Conclusion: Results support that a hands-on OUD educational session can increase OUD knowledge, improve attitudes toward treating OUD clients, and increase confidence in nursing students when caring for OUD clients.