Experiences of Singapore nurses as second victims: A qualitative study

Nurses, like other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and therapists, are susceptible to unanticipated patient harm, in which they suffer as second victims due to the immense personal and professional impact from the adverse event. The aim of the present study was to explore the psychological responses, coping strategies, and support needs of Singapore nurses as second victims of adverse events. A descriptive qualitative study was adopted. Eight participants (6 women and 2 men) who had been involved in an adverse event were interviewed and audio-recorded. Thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data. Seven themes emerged from the thematic analysis: responding psychologically after the event, feeling others' prejudice, having intrusive thoughts, drawing valuable lessons from the event, coping to recover after the event, taking responsibility for the mistakes made, and finding self-identity. The harmful effects of adverse events on nurses are long lasting. Second-victim nurses adopted various coping strategies to recover. The findings from the present study will guide the development of effective second-victim support programs.