Training Charge Nurse to Lead Second Victim Support: Fostering a Culture of Safety Through Education

In healthcare settings, staff and their leaders frequently struggle to support colleagues who are affected by adverse events, often referred to as second victims. Existing support systems have proven inadequate, leaving a gap in addressing both emotional and professional needs.

This work aims to explore the effect of educating and training charge nurses through targeted programs, while strengthening the hospital's support infrastructure.

The initiative was developed by the Patient Safety and Risk Management unit of an acute care hospital, which includes ambulatory clinics, with support from the hospital's Human Resources unit. A structured educational and training program, led by a psychologist, was designed to equip charge nurses with skills to effectively support second victims. The program included three 8-h sessions with theoretical instruction, simulations, role-playing, and reflective discussions on charge nurses' roles. The Theory of Change approach was used to define the causal pathway from training to improved peer support, clarify key assumptions, and guide evaluation. The work adheres to SQUIRE 2.0 guidelines for nonrandomized evaluations.

The intervention received positive feedback, with charge nurses reporting increased confidence in supporting second victims. Early indicators suggest improved peer support and staff awareness. Ongoing monitoring and adaptation will ensure program effectiveness.

Integrating charge nurses as second victim supporters strengthens resilience and psychological safety. Future steps include continuous assessment, content refinement, and evaluation of long-term outcomes to ensure sustained impact.