Factors Influencing Secondary Traumatic Stress in Pediatric Nurses: An Integrative Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Psychology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is a significant occupational concern in pediatric nursing.
• Exposure to trauma can compromise nurses' emotional health, increase burnout, and reduce care quality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on the prevalence of STS in pediatric nurses.
• To identify key factors contributing to STS in this population.

Main Methods:

• Integrative review methodology.
• Comprehensive literature search across five major databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science).
• Analysis of 24 peer-reviewed studies meeting inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

• Reported STS prevalence rates ranged from 13% to 87%, exceeding those in other healthcare professionals.
• Key contributing factors identified include patient deaths, parental grief, heavy workload, limited organizational support, and insufficient coping strategies.
• Factors span individual, work-related, and organizational domains.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for comprehensive strategies to support pediatric nurses' mental health.
• Interventions should address both personal and workplace contributors to STS.
• Further high-quality research is needed to inform evidence-based practices for nurse well-being and quality of care.