Experiences of trauma can have lasting effects on both individuals and communities. As nurses, we have the privilege of entering spaces of vulnerability with patients who have experienced different types of trauma. Trauma Informed Care (sometimes called Trauma Informed Practice) is integral to nursing practice. The underlying principles of TIP are rooted in the understanding that, as health professionals, any individual that we come into contact with has potentially encountered trauma which requires us to use an approach guided by the question “what happened to you?” instead of “what is wrong with you?” TIC requires nurses to create spaces designed to build physical, psychological and emotional safety to support patients from a place of strength. But, it can sometimes be challenging to carry out TIP within the constraints of the healthcare system that may be under-resourced, especially during times of collective crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic. In this episode Claire and Michelle welcome their first guest, Jessica Key, to talk about her experiences and perspectives on Trauma Informed Care. Listen to their discussion as they welcome you to think about how you can include and reflect on TIC in your personal nursing practice, and within the healthcare systems that you work within.
About Our Guest
Jessica Key is a registered nurse working as an Indigenous Patient Care Clinician supporting safer health care experiences for Indigenous people in hospital. She has a clinical background working with youth with concurrent mental health and substance use challenges. She is also a graduate student in the Master of Science in Nursing program at UBC where her research area is genuine pursuit of Indigenous cultural safety in youth mental health and wellness. Jessica’s nursing practice is rooted in cultural safety, antiracism work, and social justice.
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