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Traumatic stress in emergency nurses: Does your work environment feel like a war zone?
Lisa A Wolf1, Altair M Delao1, Cydne Perhats1
1Institute for Emergency Nursing Research, Emergency Nurses Association, Schaumburg, IL, United States.
Emergency nurses experience high levels of secondary traumatic stress (STS), impacting their practice and personal lives. This study highlights the pervasive effects of cumulative trauma and organizational violence on nurses
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Emergency nurses face significant primary and secondary trauma.
- Traumatic stress can have lasting effects on both professional and personal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in emergency nurses.
- To explore the impact of traumatic stress on nursing practice and the workplace environment.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach was employed.
- Data collected via the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) (N=125) and focus groups (N=53).
Main Results:
- Nurses exhibited high average STSS scores (51.83), exceeding the clinical cutoff (39).
- Qualitative data revealed themes of cumulative trauma, mental health issues, workplace violence, and coping strategies.
- Participants frequently conflated STS and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Conclusions:
- Emergency nurses experience substantial STS, affecting patient care and social connections.
- High rates of suicidality and the impact of relational/organizational violence are significant concerns.
- The pervasive nature of traumatic stress profoundly affects nurses' lives.
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