Nurse Educators' Perception of Their Role in Gun Violence Prevention.

BACKGROUND

Gun violence is a US public health concern leading to 132 deaths daily. However, little is known about nurse educators' perceived prevention responsibilities or curricular integration.

PURPOSE: This study explored nurse educators' perceptions of their responsibilities related to gun violence prevention, including advocacy, research, clinical intervention, and education.

METHODS

This descriptive, cross-sectional study used an anonymous online survey and snowball sampling. Nurse educators currently practicing in academic or clinical educational roles completed the 18-item Nursing Perceptions Related to Their Role in Addressing Gun Violence Tool.

RESULTS

Seventy educators participated in the survey. Participants strongly agreed with professional responsibility across advocacy, research, intervention, and education domains (median = 4-5). Fewer than one-third reported integrating content into lectures (29.0%), clinical experiences (23.2%), or simulation (20.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest a gap between perceived responsibilities for gun violence prevention and curricular implementation, indicating a need for faculty development, standardized competencies, and curricular guidance.