Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare and play a critical role in
implementing trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC). Let’s explore
how nurses can incorporate TVIC into practice.
1.Creating a safe and supportive environment
Ensuring Physical Safety:Creating a safe and supportive environment involves
respecting privacy, using calming elements like soft lighting, and reducing noise
to make patients feel at ease. For example, closing the door during an exam and
explaining procedures helps minimize anxiety and fosters a sense of security.
Empathy and Respect: Nurses create a supportive environment through active
listening, validating experiences, and offering understanding to help patients feel
heard and supported. Nurse can say : "I understand this might be difficult,
and I'm here to support you at your pace."
1. Building trust through communication
Clear communication: Nurses can build trust by clearly explaining
procedures in a non-threatening way and seeking patient consent to
ensure they feel informed and in control. A nurse can do this by "Would
you like me to explain how this procedure will go before we start?"
Encouraging Dialogue: Nurses can foster trust by asking open-ended
questions, encouraging patients to share their needs and concerns, and
demonstrating genuine care. “Is there anything you would like me to know to
make your care more comfortable”.
2. Empowerment through Control:
Involving patients in decisions : Nurses can empower patients by
offering choices, such as positioning options, to help restore their
sense of control and autonomy.
Respecting boundaries: Nurses should ask for permission before
touching a patient or performing procedures, especially if the patient
has a trauma history, to respect their boundaries and promote
comfort. “ Can i take your vital signs” .
4.Recognizing and Acknowledging Trauma Responses
Identifying trauma symptoms: Nurses can recognize trauma
symptoms such as dissociation or emotional distress and respond
with reassurance or grounding techniques, offering support like, "I
see you're feeling overwhelmed; would you like a moment to collect
yourself?"
Non-judgemental attitude: Nurses should maintain a non-judgmental
attitude, recognizing challenging behaviors as potential trauma
responses. Instead of reacting with frustration, they can offer support
by asking, "It seems like you might be feeling upset, would you like to
talk about it?"
5. Trauma informed care
Educating about trauma: Nurses can educate patients about the
impact of trauma on health and the importance of self-care in a
supportive manner, saying, "Trauma can affect many parts of your
health, and it’s okay to ask for help or take things at your own pace."
Resource referral: Nurses can refer patients to support resources,
such as therapy, support groups, or social services, when they
identify ongoing trauma or abuse.
6. Collaboration and Support:
Working with multidisciplinary teams: Nurses can collaborate with
social workers, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to
create a comprehensive, trauma-informed care plan for patients, such
as consulting with a counselor or referring a patient with PTSD to a
mental health specialist.
Supporting families: Nurses can support families of trauma survivors
by educating them on how trauma impacts behavior and emotions,
helping to create a more understanding and supportive home
environment.
By implementing these practices, nurses can make a significant difference
in the care and healing of patients who have experienced trauma or
violence.
