In response to: Firearm safety: Nurses’ knowledge and comfort
Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding an article by Kimberly Sheppard and colleagues published in the American Nurse Journal. “Firearm safety: Nurses’ knowledge and comfort” addresses gun violence and safety and how these elements affect and can be affected by nurses. I appreciate this topic and the downfalls brought to light by the authors. I never had to be educated regarding firearm safety until five years into my career, leaving me unfamiliar with firearm safety. During my time working in pediatrics, addressing firearm safety within the homes of children was discussed at all well-child visits, beginning with newborns.
Many new nurses to the practice were uncomfortable asking these questions, fearing the parents would feel judged. If nurses are unfamiliar with a topic, they may have the tendency to skim over it, missing vital aspects. It is important as a nurse to ask these questions calmly without judgment in hopes the parents will feel comfortable answering honestly and be open to any safety education.
There is no formal education on gun safety for nursing students or new grad nurses (Drake et al., 2023), but rather something that is learned on the go when necessary to perform your duties. With a lack of education on this topic, nurses will not feel comfortable educating their patients. This is a major issue when 40% of American households contain a gun (Schaeffer, 2024).
Nurses are taught how to educate their patients on how to remain safe in many other aspects regarding health, but not for firearm safety. Firearm and firearm safety should be incorporated into nursing school programs. This will allow future nurses to be familiar with firearm safety and be comfortable discussing and educating on this topic.
Maria Shoop, BSN, RN
Greenville, SC
References
Drake, S. A., McDaniel, M., & Pepper, C. (2023). A scoping review of nursing education for firearm safety. Nurse Education Today, 121, 105713.
Schaeffer, K. (2024). Key facts about Americans and guns. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/07/24/key-facts-about-americans-and-guns/#:~:text=About%20four%2Din%2Dten%20U.S.,survey%20conducted%20in%20June%202023.
