Labor and Delivery Nurse Psychological Trauma: An Integrative Review.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Psychological Trauma Research
• Healthcare Worker Well-being

Background:

• Limited quantitative evidence exists on the psychological trauma experienced by labor and delivery (L&D) nurses.
• This review synthesizes existing research on the types, prevalence, and impact of trauma in L&D nurses.
• Utilizes Whittemore and Knafl's framework for a comprehensive critique of the literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize quantitative evidence on psychological trauma in L&D nurses.
• To identify the types of trauma, their prevalence, and their impact on this nursing population.
• To address the gap in knowledge regarding L&D nurses' psychological trauma.

Main Methods:

• Integrative review of quantitative and mixed-methods studies.
• Searched CINAHL, Scopus, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science databases.
• Applied Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools for quality assessment.

Main Results:

• Nine studies were included, highlighting unique role-related trauma exposures for L&D nurses.
• Common trauma sources include perinatal/fetal death, patient trauma, medicalized birth environments, and burnout.
• Nurses reported psychosomatic symptoms, relationship issues, reduced quality of life, and increased attrition.

Conclusions:

• Significant psychological trauma impacts L&D nurses, affecting their well-being and careers.
• Post-traumatic growth is possible with adequate system support, though access to resources is often limited.
• Further research is essential to understand the full scope of trauma and develop effective support strategies.