Grounded in research on posttraumatic stress etiology, "trauma-informed pediatric care" integrates understanding of posttraumatic stress, and specific practices to reduce posttraumatic stress, into clinical care of ill or injured children. Across five level I or II pediatric trauma centers, 232 nurses completed a survey of knowledge, opinions, self-rated competence, and current practice with regard to trauma-informed nursing care. Participants were knowledgeable and generally held favorable opinions about trauma-informed care. The majority considered themselves moderately competent in a range of relevant skills; their recent practice showed most variability with regard to teaching patients and parents how to cope with upsetting experiences.
Keywords: Nursing practice; Psycho-social aspects of care; Trauma care.
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