Stress Mitigation Strategies for Trauma Nurses: A Case Study

Trauma nurses encounter multiple intense stressors on a regular basis. These nurses not only treat the injured patient following a traumatic event but then interact with family members who are also impacted by the event. Repeated experiences with significant trauma can have cumulative effects and negatively impact these nurses and the entire trauma team. Professional nursing associations make recommendations promoting wellness, and health care organizations implement wellness programs that foster and support mind, body, and spirit health. Individuals cope with and respond to stress in different ways, dependent on their unique backgrounds, beliefs, and support systems. Because of these differences, it is important for organizations to offer various ways for nurses and team members to process their reactions and use effective strategies to effectively manage stress. The organization highlighted in this case study offers several stress mitigation programs and techniques designed to support the overall health of trauma nurses and restore their emotional well-being, so that they are best able to care for their injured patients.