Domestic violence and the nursing curriculum: tuning in and tuning up

Domestic violence is a major health, social, and criminal justice problem in the United States. Although not confined to women, it is a growing concern of women and those who care for women. Nurses are often the first health care provider with whom the battered woman and her family interact. Reports of several studies indicate educational preparation of nurses is inadequate to assure sensitive, quality, and effective nursing care to those who have survived domestic violence. One purpose of this qualitative study was to identify and describe the essential knowledge and skills needed by nurses to provide competent, sensitive care. Interviews were conducted with 13 informants who were considered experts in violence-related care. Their responses were analyzed for categories of response and themes related to their feelings about domestic violence and the essential knowledge and skills nurses need to provide appropriate care. Findings provide data that can form the empirical bases for review of current curriculum content and strategies, indicate needed revisions, and serve as a framework for future curriculum development.