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NR: 103
Caring for Pregnant Women with History of Substance Abuse
Chamberlain University College of Nursing
NR: 103
Caring for Pregnant Women with History of Substance Abuse
As a nurse working with pregnant patients, you see all walks of life. You care for patients
with and without significant medical history that may or may not make them high risk, including
patients who have history of substance abuse. As a nurse you are taught to treat all patients the
same, without judgement, with compassion, and to give the best care to each patient you treat, no
matter their history. Pregnant woman with substance abuse come in feeling ashamed, fearful, and
nervous of what others may think of them. It is a nurse’s job to make sure their patient does not
feel any of those while in their care. Miles (2012) reports that it is not easy for nurses when it
comes to taking care of pregnant women with substance abuse history, however, they still give
their patients exceptional care despite their medical history or the difficult challenges they may
face when caring for them.
When a pregnant patient has a certain history that makes them different than the rest, it
takes a special nurse to care for them. Pregnant patients with substance abuse is one situation that
would make a patient high risk. Caring for these patients is a challenge in itself and an entirely
different nursing experience. “Midwives who work with illicit drug users find the work
rewarding and satisfying, and at times challenging and highly emotional.” (Miles, 2012). These
NR: 103
Caring for Pregnant Women with History of Substance Abuse
Chamberlain University College of Nursing
NR: 103
Caring for Pregnant Women with History of Substance Abuse
As a nurse working with pregnant patients, you see all walks of life. You care for patients
with and without significant medical history that may or may not make them high risk, including
patients who have history of substance abuse. As a nurse you are taught to treat all patients the
same, without judgement, with compassion, and to give the best care to each patient you treat, no
matter their history. Pregnant woman with substance abuse come in feeling ashamed, fearful, and
nervous of what others may think of them. It is a nurse’s job to make sure their patient does not
feel any of those while in their care. Miles (2012) reports that it is not easy for nurses when it
comes to taking care of pregnant women with substance abuse history, however, they still give
their patients exceptional care despite their medical history or the difficult challenges they may
face when caring for them.
When a pregnant patient has a certain history that makes them different than the rest, it
takes a special nurse to care for them. Pregnant patients with substance abuse is one situation that
would make a patient high risk. Caring for these patients is a challenge in itself and an entirely
different nursing experience. “Midwives who work with illicit drug users find the work
rewarding and satisfying, and at times challenging and highly emotional.” (Miles, 2012). These
