REPLY POSTS:Reply separately to two of your classmates posts (See attached classmates posts, post#1 and post#2). Instructions: - In your reply posts, utilize at least two scholarly references per peer
POST # 2 LINDA
Almost all individuals go through hardships in life; some people endure more traumatic situations while others face minor ones. The centers for disease control and prevention estimate that in 2018, 1 in 4 children suffered maltreatment, either physically, sexually, or emotionally (Tello, 2018). As a provider caring for patients who have gone through trauma, knowing what to say or how to provide treatment can be difficult, because one does not want to evoke past feelings. Hence, the purpose of this discussion is to analyze how stress and health relate to trauma informed care, and to explain how advanced nurses can provide the best care for this population.
The purpose of trauma-informed care is to gather as many details as possible (past and present events) about an individual and their trauma in order to provide optimal care. Clinicians should assess for signs and symptoms of trauma, understand the length of time it takes for a person to recover for a trauma, and how to adjust policies, procedures and practices to allow a traumatized individual to heal at their own pace. Concepts that can be used when providing care include safety, trust, transparency, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, humility, and responsiveness (“What is trauma informed care,” 2019). The ultimate goal of trauma-informed care is to enhance a patient’s comfort in receiving both physical and psychological help while avoiding past feelings and emotions. Clinicians want these patients to trust them and feel safe opening up about feelings.
Stress and health are both interrelated, and impact trauma informed care. When a person is stressed, the brain initiates a response. Every person experience stress at some point in life, the emotion is inevitable and unavoidable. Stress can be negative or positive, and results from events such as changes in work or life (Pender et al., 2015). Depending on how a person copes will determine if a positive or negative effect occurs. For individuals who face traumatic events such as violence or poverty, stress may develop into negative health outcomes as that individual may feel helpless, at fault for what has happened, or may feel lost. The negative health impacts of stress include physical and psychological impairments. Physical conditions include low back pain, poor immunologic functioning, and cardiovascular disease. Psychological impairments include decreased life satisfaction, depression, and other mental disorders (Pender et al., 2015). In all, stress, health, and traumatic informed care are interconnected.
An advanced nurse should utilize strategies to assist patients who have gone through trauma and are considered a part of a vulnerable population. Encouraging both mental and physical changes in a person’s life will potentially assist in overcoming trauma. Nurses should practice active listening and supportive decision making. Psychologically, a patient can be taught how to change their environment when stressed, and how to manage their time. Sometimes, altering a person’s beliefs and values will help change a person’s mindset (useful for moving past a hard event and reducing stress). Other strategies include working on assertiveness, setting goals, and brainstorming relaxation techniques. In addition, an advanced nurse can encourage a patient to practice exercise and meditation to reduce stress (Pender et al., 2015). When thinking about strategies, it is important for an advanced nurse to consider a person's environment so adjustments can be made. This is especially true for vulnerable populations who are considered homeless and do not have easy access to resources.
Helping individuals cope with and move past traumatic events is vital in preventing negative health consequences in the future. If nurse practitioners utilize evidence-based strategies, treating individuals of all ages will be effective. It is important to note that treatment is not always physical, but also psychological. With the help of providers, patients will hopefully be able to move past their trauma and live happy lives.
References
Pender, N., Murdaugh, C., & Parsons, M.A. (2015). Health Promotion in Nursing Practice (7th ed.). Pearson Education Inc.
Tello, M. (2018, October 16). Trauma-informed care: what it is, and why it’s important. Harvard health publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/trauma-informed-care-what-it-is-and-why-its-important-2018101613562
What is trauma informed care? (2019). Center for Health Care Strategies Inc. Retrieved June 17, from, https://www.traumainformedcare.chcs.org/what-is-trauma-informed-care/
