Widespread evidence shows that most people will be faced with at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. In addition, research indicates that nurses experience workplace trauma and re-traumatization resulting in psychological distress, burnout, and poor staff retention. Current educational trends recognize the need to integrate trauma-informed principles in teaching and learning to better support students. This is particularly relevant in the Post Licensed Practical Nurse to Bachelor of Nursing degree program at Athabasca University, as our adult learners are diverse in age, culture, background, and nursing experience. The first objective of this paper is to describe open pedagogy and trauma-informed education principles in online learning. The second objective is to show how these principles are used in the online mental health nursing course (part of the Post LPN BN Program) to provide a more safe and inclusive learning environment. Can open pedagogy and trauma-informed principles transform the lives of nurses?

The online mental health nursing course is structured to include interactive asynchronous and synchronous learning activities that invite students to explore their beliefs, biases, and to apply knowledge related to mental health nursing. In addition to the course study guide and online forums, three video conference seminars facilitate student discussion and exploration of mental health content such as stigma, trauma, and ethical issues. Synchronous video role play simulations are used to support students in learning therapeutic interview skills related to assessing mental status, suicidal ideation, and intimate partner violence. Given the sensitive nature of course topics and the prevalence of trauma among both nurses and the general population, the risk of re-traumatization of students is high. To mitigate this risk, approaches that reflect open pedagogy and trauma-informed education are implemented. Key principles include choice, collaboration, transparency, trustworthiness, and a nonjudgmental student-centered approach. Literature indicates that use of these foundational principles facilitate safe, inclusive, and transformative learning experiences.

Research examining the effectiveness of trauma-informed educational practices in nursing education is limited, therefore further studies specific to student experience and perspectives are recommended.

Keywords: Online learning, nursing education, trauma-informed education, open pedagogy.