Date of Conferral
9-24-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Maria Revell
Abstract
Summary This staff education project evaluates whether a staff education program on trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches would improve the knowledge, confidence, and skills of nurses working at a local mental health clinic in managing symptoms of sexual trauma-affected patients. With notable increased incidence of sexual trauma and inadequate protocols to address it there is need for TIC. Sexual trauma, if inadequately addressed, leads to profound and long-lasting psychological effects. The goal of this project was to enhance nurses’ understanding and capabilities related to TIC, using a pretest and posttest interventional design utilizing questionnaire that consisted of three sections: knowledge, perceived confidence, and skill. Participants included 22 nurses working at a mental health clinic who attended a TIC educational presentation focused on managing sexual trauma. Analysis of data revealed substantial improvement in knowledge (62% gain), confidence (68.49% gain) and skill (78% gain) regarding utilization of TIC for patients of sexual abuse. By focusing on key principles of TIC, the program successfully achieved its objectives and educated nurses in strategies for trauma-sensitive communication, patient empowerment, and collaborative decision-making. Although it was single centered and had small sample size, it had the potential to improve organizational patient outcomes, provide a patient safe environment, and promote victim healing for all victims. It can promote crisis interventions that are patient-centered care and improve healthcare equity.
Recommended Citation
Jobi, Fatiatu, "The Impact of a Trauma-Informed Care Education Program on Nurses’ Knowledge and Confidence in Managing Sexual Trauma in a Psychiatric Clinic" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 18455.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/18455
