Readiness of newly licensed associated degree registered nurses to screen for domestic violence

Lack of education and training have been identified as common barriers nurses experience in implementing domestic violence screening. The reasons for the barriers are poorly understood. Participants were interviewed to determine if and how they screen for domestic violence, which patients are screened, and how pre-licensure education and current workplace training has influenced this practice. An exploratory qualitative design guided by Constructivist Grounded Theory was used. Eligible participants were contacted via a social media and sixteen agreed to participate in the study. Individual interviews were conducted utilizing an open-ended interview guide. Data collection and analysis were done concurrently exploring factors influencing screening behaviors. Six themes emerged from the interview data: Preparedness, Discomfort, Taboo, Disenchantment, Presumptuous, and Evolving Realizations. These findings suggest nurses are not being taught about screening for domestic violence., Findings also suggested work environment and peers influenced if and how diligently nurses screened. The findings point to an interpersonal or intimate nature to screening for domestic violence that is unique and may require highly interactive training throughout pre-licensure education and work orientation.