ResearchPublications

Editorial.

“Words, language, and discourse create our reality and as nurses we can choose to use them differently to create a more caring and therapeutic reality. A new ontological self is needed for all individuals in nursing that reflects thoughtful, equitable, and person-centered conduct; such conduct will dismantle pillars that too often support the stigmatization of colleagues and patients. The reality is that at times nurses, like most people, use language to describe others that sometimes cause harm, and this is particularly true with highly stigmatized groups such as people with AUD and SUD. In nursing, these patterns of behavior are harmful not only to our patients, but also to our fellow nurses who may themselves struggle with alcohol and substance use. To shift away from obligation and toward greater respect and dignity, nurses must disentangle their identity as a nurse from patient nonnormative behaviors and conditions. All people who struggle with alcohol and substance use deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, an informed mind and mindful discourse, and provided with resources to support healing and recovery. Our nursing colleagues deserve this too, including accountability without judgment, employment without suspicion, transparency without shame. This must be our charge. This should be our reality.”