My pre-existing understanding of what non-fatal strangulation is prior to this presentation was very limited. I had an idea around what strangulation was and the impact around deaths but not to the extent of the issue and what non-fatal strangulation meant in full comparison. In our nursing academic classes, we have been introduced to various nurses that work within the areas of domestic abuse and have seen fatal and non-fatal strangulation and the overall impact that it causes. After hearing this discussion, I feel as though my thought of what non-fatal strangulation completely changed because of the assessment around petechiae and where we can find it, anywhere and everywhere. The overall assessment of someone who has been non-fatally strangulated is very in-depth and takes a very specific nurse to want to go into the profession. I feel as though as a future nurse I need to be more aware of the signs and symptoms around domestic violence and the proper way to approach patients in a professional manner. It is important to identify these areas of concern while also understanding that a large percent of individuals who have had these experiences do not come forward until need be. 

My future as a nurse needs to include training and education around the areas of fatal and no-fatal strangulation and overall signs of domestic violence and/or abuse, so that we can provide the basics of care for our patients. It is also important to understand protocol and what resources your hospital has available for the best communication and identification for our patients. As well as communicating with the patient what you are doing and why, making sure they are comfortable with each step. My goal in any area of nursing care is to make sure that my patient feels heard and understood. We are the patients advocate and need to make them feel safe and comfortable throughout our care.