Violence-related content in the nursing curriculum: a national study

Educational preparation of nurses is key to their effective participation in prevention, assessment, treatment and care of victims and survivors of violence. This exploratory study examined the extent, placement, and faculty responsible for curricular content on abuse and violence against women, children, and elders. The national study, grounded within an ecological framework, used a 35-item mailed questionnaire that included demographic, course content and curriculum development items. Completed questionnaires were returned from 298 (48%) of programs surveyed. Findings showed that most programs included content related to women, child and elder abuse; each content area was presented in two hours or less; and clinical practice opportunities were primarily coincidental. Fifty-three percent of respondents believed content was adequately addressed; 68% recommended curriculum development workshops to address curricular issues related to violence. The significance of the study is related to the relevancy of current nursing education to social problems of increasing violence and abuse.