Trauma-informed care for the pediatric nurse.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Public Health

Background:

• Trauma encompasses chronic stressors, toxic stress, adverse childhood events, abuse, and pandemics like COVID-19.
• Trauma-informed care and resiliency principles are essential for pediatric nursing across all life stages.
• These principles apply to both healthy and ill children in various healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence-based practices for pediatric nurses regarding trauma.
• To elucidate trauma-informed principles and their integration into pediatric nursing care.
• To operationalize trauma-informed care for pediatric nurses through an integrative literature review.

Main Methods:

• Integrative literature review (IRL) using Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) methodology.
• Systematic identification of the problem, literature search, data evaluation, and analysis.
• Presentation of empirical literature to guide practice.

Main Results:

• Results are framed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) model of trauma-awareness.
• Pediatric nurses are uniquely positioned to identify and manage diverse trauma types.
• Integration of trauma-informed principles enhances care for children experiencing stressors.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric nurses face complex challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Trauma awareness, assessment, and promotion of health and resilience are critical post-pandemic.
• Trauma-informed care offers a guiding framework for pediatric nurses.