By Patricia A. Rowell, PhD, RN, CNS
Expiration Date: December 31, 2011

Abstract

Of two major types of trauma – interpersonal and non-interpersonal – the most common, for most employees, is interpersonal trauma. This trauma can come from being the recipient of actual violence from one person upon another, e.g., rape or beating, observing violent acts of one person upon another, e.g., fights or stabbings, or being demeaned and berated by someone of influence in one’s life. All of these actions can be a threat or perceived threat to one’s safety and well being. The target person’s physiology, behaviors, and thoughts can change so that the person may suffer from a variety of symptoms – some short- term, some chronic, or none at all. Why some persons suffer sequelae and others do not remains an unanswered question even though some hints are being identified.

Nursing can help make a difference in the outcomes of such events; however, the impact of such events on the nurse and other care providers is not insignificant. It is these helpers of the sick, angry, or traumatized who are often primarily or secondarily traumatized without their trauma being recognized by others. Without recognition of the impact of the trauma, the treatment they need and deserve is often not received. So often the nurses who are traumatized see violence as an everyday part of their jobs, therefore, it is not reported or the impact is not consciously recognized.

Due to the seriousness of the problems associated with primary and secondary trauma to nurses, this module will discuss the impact, prevention, and treatment relative to interpersonal violence.

Objectives:

On successful completion of this independent study module, the learner will be able to:

1. Describe secondary traumatization to care providers.
2. Describe the signs of stress and anxiety disorders associated with secondary traumatization.
3. Discuss interventions which assist the victim to deal with the sequelae of secondary traumatization.
4. Discuss prevention strategies.

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Author

Patricia A. Rowell, PhD, RN, CNS
patricia.rowell2@va.gov

Patricia Rowell, PhD, RN, CNP is a scientific program manager in the Department of Veterans Affairs/Office of Research and Development/Health Services Research. In her position, she works with researchers in the areas of implementation of new knowledge and management sciences. Her educational background includes BS (science), BSN, MSN (pediatric nursing) with Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) certification, a post-Masters certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing and a PhD (health services administration and research). Her doctoral study and research were in the areas of quality measurement and improvement. Dr. Rowell’s varied clinical background includes work in the emergency room, in-patient psychiatry, public and home (maternal-child) health, and ambulatory (PNP) and inpatient pediatrics. She has also worked as a health services researcher, and has numerous publications and presentations on health care and nursing.

The planners and author of this continuing nursing education activity have disclosed no relevant financial relationships with any commercial companies pertaining to this activity.

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