Voices from the Nursing Frontline
with Carla Kirkland
April 22, 2026
In this episode of Voices from the Nursing Frontline, Dr. Lisa Beasley is joined by experienced emergency nurse practitioner and nurse leader Carla Kirkland to explore the critical role nurses play in identifying and supporting victims of domestic and intimate partner violence (DV/IPV). Drawing from nearly two decades in emergency care and her work with the Memphis Area Women’s Council and local task forces, Kirkland shares how her experiences revealed gaps in provider training, resources, and coordination of care for abuse victims. The conversation reframes domestic and intimate partner violence as patterns of power and control rather than solely physical harm, emphasizing that abuse can be emotional, psychological, financial, or social—and often goes unseen. Kirkland highlights overlooked populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, teens, and pregnant women, while also addressing the dangers of stalking and escalating violence. Listeners gain practical insight into recognizing subtle warning signs, such as chronic health complaints, delayed care, or controlling partner behavior, and learn how to implement trauma-informed, nonjudgmental screening practices. The episode also explores common barriers nurses face—like lack of training, fear of offending patients, and time constraints—and offers strategies to overcome them through education, community partnerships, and routine screening. A key focus is patient safety, including why leaving an abusive relationship can be the most dangerous time and how nurses can help patients create realistic safety plans. Kirkland also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy, highlighting community resources and policy efforts, including Tennessee’s new domestic violence offender registry. The episode concludes with a call to action for nurses to use their trusted voices to advocate for patients, engage in community efforts, and increase awareness of the widespread impact of domestic violence. Through education, empathy, and early intervention, nurses can play a pivotal role in breaking cycles of abuse and improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals.
Abuse is about power and control—not just physical violence—and often goes unseen. 
 Nurses are in a unique position to identify abuse across all care settings. 
 Routine, nonjudgmental screening helps patients feel safe to disclose. 
 Subtle signs (chronic symptoms, delayed care, controlling partners) can signal abuse. 
 Leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time—safety planning is essential. 
 Trauma-informed, empathetic communication builds trust and supports disclosure. 
 Collaboration with community resources improves outcomes for survivors. 
 Education and awareness are key to breaking cycles of violence and protecting patients.