Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Labor and Delivery Nurses

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Occupational Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a significant concern for healthcare professionals.
• Labor and delivery nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic events, increasing their risk for STS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and severity of STS among labor and delivery nurses.
• To explore the consequences of STS on nurses within an academic health system.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study was conducted.
• 144 labor and delivery nurses completed the 17-item Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) and additional questions.
• The study assessed intrusion, avoidance, and arousal symptoms related to indirect trauma exposure.

Main Results:

• 35% of nurses reported symptom severity scores indicative of STS.
• Higher STSS scores correlated with nurses considering job changes after witnessing traumatic births (p < 0.001).
• 84.7% of nurses witnessed traumatic births and utilized social support systems.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals the frequency and severity of STS in labor and delivery nurses.
• Findings underscore potential workforce implications and the need for targeted interventions.
• This research provides a basis for developing strategies to prevent or mitigate STS in nursing.