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Show APRN PREPARATION TO TREAT PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA What Do Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses Know About Trauma Treatment? A National Survey of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses Abstract BACKGROUND: According to the National Comorbidity Survey, trauma exposure is common in the U.S. This exposure can result in posttraumatic stress disorder or significant sub-threshold trauma-related symptoms. Physical and mental illnesses, functional disability, and high health care utilization results from untreated psychological trauma. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this study is to explore psychiatric advanced practice nurses' (APRNs) educational preparation to treat psychological trauma. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 118 APRNs answered a questionnaire. Responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and content analysis. The majority of respondents stated their graduate program did not adequately prepare them to provide psychotherapy for patients suffering from psychological trauma. Additionally, just over 40% of respondents stated instruction on principles of trauma informed care, medical diagnoses associated with trauma, stabilization skills, and education in evidenced-based models for trauma treatment was not provided in their graduate curriculum. Those who did receive education on trauma treatment in their graduate program and through post-graduate training found their education to be helpful in treating patients. CONCLUSION: APRNs have identified the need for psychotherapy training to treat psychological trauma. APRN graduate programs should evaluate their curriculum and increase content on the treatment of psychological trauma using evidenced-based psychotherapy models. Keywords: advanced practice psychiatric nurse, education, psychotherapy, trauma 2 |
