Research In Action
Research In Action
During National Nurses Week (May 6-12, 2021), we celebrate a very important member of the health care team: nurses. After this last year, as we all dealt with the effects of COVID-19, there is no doubt that the sacrifices nurses make day after day is admirable and should be celebrated all year long. This week is dedicated to delivering well-deserved recognition for a career centered around the advancement of the healthcare needs for all, as well as sharing resources that support nurses on their journey to advance the well-being of patients, families, and fellow healthcare workers.
In conjunction with National Nurses Week, the Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress (CPTS), co-located at both Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, has expanded its HealthCareToolBox website as part of its mission to reduce pediatric medical traumatic stress through promoting trauma-informed healthcare, disseminating evidence-based practices and screening tools to pediatric healthcare providers, and training healthcare providers to recognize and address traumatic stress in children.
As a nurse myself, I have found this new website to be an incredibly useful resource. Illness or injury can cause both physical, as well as psychological stress, to patients, families and the healthcare professionals that work with them. Being equipped with knowledge and resources related to medical traumatic stress translates into improved clinical practice and delivery of quality care to our patients.
Resources to Share
Healthcare Toolbox offers resources and information on:
- pediatric medical traumatic stress
- trauma-informed care delivery
- secondary traumatic stress
- COVID-19
Interactive online courses are also available, offering free continuing education credits to nurses. The website also provides specific information and resources for physicians; nurse practitioners; physician assistants; pre-hospital providers; mental health professionals; medical interpreters; mental health workers; and social workers. In addition to tools and resources for healthcare professionals, there are resources for patients and families.
Practicing trauma-informed care can help minimize trauma that may come from necessary medical care, increase awareness and recognition of current or prior traumas, support patients and families in obtaining additional resources, and promote recognition of stress or trauma that healthcare professionals may be experiencing themselves.
