Abstract

The National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health (NPWH) asserts that a trauma-informed approach to delivery of healthcare is essential. Current or past experiences of trauma can have a powerful influence on all aspects of an individual's health and wellbeing. Knowledgeable and skilled women's health nurse practitioners (WHNPs) and other advanced practice registered nurses that provide women's and gender-related healthcare are key to creating physically and emotionally safe environments for patients and staff, recognizing signs and symptoms of trauma, and providing opportunities for trauma survivors to build a sense of control and empowerment through recognizing resilience and avoiding stigmatization. NPWH supports the inclusion of trauma-informed care (TIC) content in nurse practitioner education program curricula, training of all healthcare providers and staff for a trauma-informed workforce, and clinical and organizational policies that reflect a commitment at all levels of the healthcare system to operationalize a TIC approach.

Addressing trauma takes a public health approach that includes public education and awareness, prevention and early intervention, and effective trauma-specific assessment and treatment. NPWH advocates for federal, state, and local policies and funding that enhance trauma prevention and increase the availability of resources needed by trauma survivors. Further, NPWH recognizes the need for ongoing research to improve strategies for trauma prevention, promote best practices for trauma-informed care for all settings and populations, and establish effective therapies for healing and recovery.

Author Details

As a national professional membership organization, NPWH is the nation's leading voice for courageous conversations about women's health. In our clinics and in our culture, women's health nurse practitioners champion state-of-the-science health care that holistically addresses the unique needs of women across their lifetimes. We elevate the health issues others overlook and compel attention on women's health from providers, policymakers, and researchers.

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Lead Author Affiliation

National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health, Washington, DC, USA

Type

Position Statement

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Expert Opinion (nationally/internationally recognized)

Research Approach

N/A

Keywords:

Trauma Care, Trauma Survivors, Nurse Practitioners

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 License.

Publisher

The National Association of Nurse Practioners in Women's Health

Version

Publisher's Version

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Review Type

None: Reputation-based Submission

Acquisition

Self-submission

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