A Narrative Inquiry into Junior Nurses' Psychological Recovery After Adverse Events in China

Background: Junior nurses-who are most prone to errors and emotional distress as "second victims"-often experience underreported adverse events and psychological challenges. This study aimed to explore how junior nurses in China psychologically recover after adverse events and how they navigate their recovery experiences. Methods: Guided by Scott's Second Victim Recovery Trajectory Model, a qualitative study was conducted from September to November 2023. Purposive sampling was used to recruit junior nurses from hospitals across China who had experienced adverse events in their clinical practice. Informed by themes emerging from the initial nurse interviews, the study subsequently included nurse managers to provide additional organizational and managerial perspectives. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine junior nurses and four managers. Data were analyzed thematically within a narrative inquiry framework and reported following the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). Results: Two main themes emerged: (1) the trajectory of adverse events: A nonlinear psychological response, and (2) final outcomes of adverse events: reflection and adjustment. Psychological recovery broadly followed the Second Victim Recovery Trajectory, with only two outcomes observed-dropout and thriving. Organizational support sometimes enabled nurses to bypass certain recovery stages, but such support was limited. Conclusions: Junior nurses experience notable emotional distress following adverse events. The post-event recovery is strengthened by supportive interpersonal environments but limited by insufficient organizational attention. The study findings highlight the need to foster a just, blame-free culture to promote recovery.