An approach to trauma-informed education in prelicensure nursing curricula introduction

Background: Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an evolving concept that acknowledges the prevalence and impacts of trauma on health; however, knowledge related to implementation for nursing students remains limited. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to understand the learning perspectives of nursing students and develop an innovative conceptual model to guide educators in implementing teaching and learning strategies related to TIC, consistent with the trauma and resiliency competencies for nurses. Methods: Qualitative analysis of student responses after an online module to educate students on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and their impact on health through the lifespan. Results: Three persistent themes emerged from the data: Growing in Self-Awareness, Filling Learning Needs, and Envisioning Future Roles. From these themes, we developed a framework for TIC content for nursing and other healthcare curricula. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate a model to embed ACE education, TIC competencies, secondary traumatic stress awareness, and methods of self-care, including resiliency skills, into undergraduate nursing education.