Lessons in Sexual Assault and Violence: A Scoping Review of Undergraduate Nursing Education

Abstract

Background More than half of women and one third of men have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. Nurses must be able to screen and treat patients who have experienced sexual assault, yet they may lack the knowledge and identification skills based on their exposure to content in their undergraduate nursing programs. This study examined the current state of the science regarding sexual assault and violence education in undergraduate nursing curricula. Method This scoping review was guided by Levac's five-step framework. Databases were searched using the key terms “nursing education” and “sexual assault education.” Results A total of 501 articles were identified; eight articles were included in the review. Themes of knowledge, confidence, and educational preparedness emerged. Conclusion Despite the importance and prevalence of sexual assault, limited educational content is provided in undergraduate nursing schools. Results urge implementing educational didactic, simulation, and clinical placement opportunities to improve nursing students' knowledge. [ J Nurs Educ . 2024;63(10):665–670.]