In response to: Firearm safety: Nurses’ knowledge and comfort

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the recent article by Sheppard et al. (2024) on Firearm Safety: Nurses’ Knowledge and Comfort (October 2024 issue). I appreciate the authors’ skillful and neutral approach to this critical yet often politicized topic, highlighting the essential role nurses play in firearm safety discussions. With over 48,000 firearm-related deaths reported in 2022, this is a pressing public health issue, and it is crucial that nurses feel equipped to address firearm safety with patients.

The article reveals significant gaps in knowledge and comfort levels among nurses, many of whom lack the necessary tools to engage in firearm safety conversations. Key barriers include limited knowledge, inadequate educational resources, and uncertainty in handling patient responses. The authors’ recommended interventions, including structured educational programs, standardized conversation scripts, and robust organizational policies to support firearm injury prevention, present practical steps forward.

Positioning firearm safety as a public health priority aligns with other preventive measures nurses routinely address, such as fall prevention and medication adherence. By integrating firearm safety into our existing public health frameworks, healthcare organizations can empower nurses to view this as a standard part of patient care. Equipping nurses with both the knowledge and resources to comfortably discuss firearm safety with patients will help advance public health and ultimately benefit our communities.

Thank you for bringing this essential issue to light. I hope the article sparks ongoing dialogue and action within the nursing profession to support comprehensive firearm safety education.

-Bonnie MacAdams, BSN, RN, NCSN
Palm Coast, FL