Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Clinical Insights for Nurses

Course overview

This course offers an in-depth exploration of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) designed for practicing nurses who seek to expand their clinical expertise in trauma-informed care. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and diverse symptom presentations of PTSD, including the dissociative subtype and complex PTSD. Special attention is given to pediatric, military, and comorbid populations, including patients with substance use and mood disorders. By the end of this course, the participant will be able to: Analyze the neurobiological underpinnings and clinical presentation of PTSD, including dissociative subtypes. Evaluate the epidemiology and risk factors for PTSD in adult and pediatric populations. Differentiate treatment strategies for PTSD, including trauma-focused psychotherapies and pharmacologic options. Integrate approaches for managing comorbid conditions such as substance use disorders and depression in patients with PTSD. Apply trauma-informed care principles when assessing and intervening with patients across diverse clinical settings.