Secondary Traumatic Stress in Pediatric Nurses

Secondary traumatic stress affects many in the helping professions, and has been identified in many nursing specialty areas. The purpose of this study was to expand the knowledge of secondary traumatic stress in pediatric nursing by examining the statistical relationships between secondary traumatic stress, age of the nurse, and years of nursing experience, and coping responses.

A convenience sample of Certified Pediatric Nurses (n = 338) were surveyed using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale, the Brief COPE, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability-Short Form, and a demographics form. Hierarchical multiple linear regression and descriptive statistics were utilized to examine secondary traumatic stress and the other variables of interest.

Secondary traumatic stress affected more than half of pediatric nurses surveyed. Age and years of experience did not predict secondary traumatic stress. Looking at coping responses pediatric nurses with higher emotional support and instrumental support scores also demonstrated higher secondary traumatic stress scores. Denial and behavioral disengagement were also associated with an increase in secondary traumatic stress scores.

Secondary traumatic stress impacts many pediatric nurses. Further research is needed to determine which factors predispose pediatric nurses to secondary traumatic stress and which coping responses help pediatric nurses best manage this stress.

Acknowledging secondary traumatic stress in this population by promoting awareness, and providing educational programs will help to protect nurses' psychological health, and may prevent nurses from leaving the profession due to work-related stress.