1001 - Trauma Informed Care in Nursing Education

Traumatic experiences can significantly impact an individual’s overall well-being. Traumatic events in childhood are referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and include the experience of/or exposure to abuse, violence, neglect, mental illness or substance abuse. Sixty-one percent of adults across the U.S. have experienced at least one ACE, and 16% have experienced 4 or more types of ACEs.

Research overwhelmingly supports how traumatic experiences across the lifespan can impact an individual’s physical, social and emotional health, and cognitive development. The exposure or experience of trauma correlates with a higher risk for chronic disease and health risk behaviors and a decrease in overall well-being.

Many of the public health crises originate from the experience of trauma, including the current opioid and mental health crises and COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has identified ACEs as a public health concern and has requested action in prevention and support.
Nursing educators are in an ideal position to integrate trauma informed practices into their pedagogy and into nursing curriculum. Trauma-informed teaching supports achievement of student outcomes. Its integration into curriculum will prepare new nurses in a trauma-informed approach to patient care.

Becoming trauma-informed is a comprehensive process, involving an understanding of the impact of trauma, the specific approaches needed to build trust and respect, and the utilization of the skills necessary to provide a supportive environment.

The process of becoming trauma-informed has two equally important components in nursing education. There is a need for nursing educators themselves to be trauma-informed in their own educational practice. Educators with the foundational knowledge of trauma and trauma-informed strategies can positively impact the teaching/learning paradigm.

Equally important is the need for the integration of trauma-informed care into nursing curriculum. New nurses need the foundational knowledge of trauma-informed practices and approaches to patient care. A unified approach to trauma-informed care and practices from the largest health profession is essential to creating healthy populations for the future.