Date of Award

Fall 1991

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nursing

Abstract

Caring is the essence of nursing in the intrapartum period (Leininger, 1984). Intrapartum nurses are accustomed to being successful in their work. Complications of drug abuse, the nature of drugs, and the costs to society may threaten nurses' ability to care for these patients. According to nursing theory (Benner and Wrubel, 1981; Leininger, 1984; Watson, 1985, 1988), caring implies an interaction between the nurse and another, affecting a positive health outcome. Caring is seen as hope for mankind. A review of the literature suggests nurses I generally have negative attitudes towards substance abusers. Many nurses, even though they have a negative attitude, can be caring or feel their work is therapeutic. However, some feel ineffective. Possible interventions influencing caring include education, research, and support. In order for caring and ultimately nursing to survive, nurses, patients, and society need to feel a sense of hope.

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