Nursing and Trauma-Informed Care: Approaches And Principles

An exploration of the connection between nursing and trauma-informed care (TIC)

As stated by Lisa Bonsall, MSN, RN, CRNP (www.nursingcenter.com):  “Trauma-informed care is a term that has been used in recent years in a variety of areas, including social services, education, mental health, and corrections to address the needs of people who have experienced traumatic life events. ”

Lisa related a compelling story about how she has learned first hand about the severe consequences that may arise from this kind of trauma as she deals with a patient.

“Traumatic events, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and combat trauma, can have serious long-term detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of an individual. These life events may lead to depression, distrust, smoking, substance abuse, shame, and low self-esteem. ”

“The four essential approaches of nursing and trauma-informed care can be found in a program, organization, or system that¹:

1. Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery.
2. Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others.
3. Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices.
4. Seeks to actively resist retraumatization.”

“The six key principles of nursing and trauma-informed care include¹:

1. Safety – make sure your patient and family members feel safe, both physically and psychologically.
2. Trustworthiness and transparency – trust between patients, staff, and management is vital in building strong relationships.
3. Peer support – identify individuals with similar experiences of trauma helps to create safety, builds trust, enhances collaboration, and promotes recovery and healing.
4. Collaboration and mutuality – emphasize that all members of the team, including patients, are equal.
5. Empowerment, voice, and choice – identify individual strengths and differences and utilize them as the foundation for recovery and healing. Provide the patient with choices and an opportunity to share in the decision-making process, which results in a sense of control.
6. Recognition of cultural, historical, and gender issues – set aside cultural stereotypes and biases.”

Nursing and Trauma-Informed Care Require Sensitivity and Compassion

“Unfortunately, traumatic events occur more often in our society than we think. Caring for patients with a history of traumatic life events requires a high level of sensitivity and compassion. Healthcare organizations can assist their staff in navigating delicate and difficult situations by providing educational training, tools, and resources on the trauma-informed care approach.”

Read the full article here: Trauma-informed care.

References:

1. Koetting, C. (2016). Trauma-Informed Care: Helping Patients with a Painful Past. Journal of Christian Nursing, 33 (4), 206-213.