Navigating the Unseen: Exploring Countertransference in Nursing Students with Family Histories of Substance Use Disorder
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Full list of poster authors
Conference where poster was previously displayed
APNA 39th Annual Conference Oct 2025
Poster abstract
Background/purpose
Substance use disorder (SUD) remains one of the most stigmatized and emotionally complex conditions in healthcare. Although addiction is recognized as a chronic, relapsing disease, nursing students often experience implicit bias and emotional activation when caring for individuals with SUD, leading to stigma and reduced therapeutic engagement. This study examined how hearing the lived experience of a registered nurse in recovery influenced nursing students’ perceptions, empathy, and self-awareness.
Methods
Using a qualitative descriptive design, 115 junior and senior nursing students in a mental health nursing course completed an anonymous reflective survey after hearing a guest lecture by a nurse in recovery from fentanyl diversion. Thematic analysis identified cognitive and emotional shifts related to stigma, empathy, and self-awareness.
Results/conclusions
Six themes emerged: stigma reduction, empathy, recognition of addiction as disease, universality, unresolved pain, and emotional awakening. Narrative exposure fostered empathy, reflection, and compassionate, person-centered care.