"I Didn't Know I Carried That": Confronting Bias From Emotional Imprints in Substance Use Disorder Nursing Education.

BACKGROUND: Substance use disorder (SUD) remains one of the most stigmatized and emotionally complex conditions in health care. 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 an RN in recovery influenced nursing students' perceptions, empathy, and self-awareness. METHOD: 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: Six themes emerged: stigma reduction, empathy, recognition of addiction as disease, universality, unresolved pain, and emotional awakening. CONCLUSION: Narrative exposure fostered empathy, reflection, and compassionate, person-centered care.