Keywords

healthcare team, nurse, opioid crisis, peer support specialist, stigma, substance use disorder

Authors

1. Slater, Tammy M. DNP, MSN, RN, ACNP-BC, CRNP
2. Rodney, Tamar PhD, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CNE
3. Finnell, Deborah S. PhD, RN, CARN-AP

Abstract

Abstract: The 21st Century Cures Act to address the opioid crisis spurred the expansion of the peer support specialist (PSS) workforce. Nurses are in key positions to promote the successful integration of the PSS into the healthcare team. This article describes the role of the PSS, including key functions that overlap with those of nurses and ways they can help mitigate stigma, which remains a significant barrier to patients' access to treatment.