Psychiatric Nurses and Exposure to Trauma: An Interpretive Description Study
Date
2022-11-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
0000-0002-9834-1078
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Background: Registered Psychiatric Nurses practice in settings where exposure to vicarious trauma, aggression and violence, and moral distress/injury is frequent. Mental health impacts of practicing in this environment include posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, poor work performance, staff turnover, decrease in quality of personal and professional relationships and ultimately leaving the profession.
Methods: This manuscript-based thesis includes an integrative literature review that explores current strategies to support nurses practicing in a trauma-filled environment. The second manuscript and main findings section includes a qualitative interpretive description study exploring experiences in foundational nursing education that are meaningful in supporting the nurse to manage the impact of trauma exposure.
Results: Integrative review and main findings study results were congruent in many areas. The integrative review was consistent with participant experiences of accessing support (typically from peers), lack of education on supporting self and/or peers following trauma, coping through the use of social or familial relationships, participants wanting support from employers, and suggestions for enhancing wellness through resilience and mindfulness education.
Conclusions: Further research is needed to determine the efficacy and feasibility of enhancing educational offerings on supporting psychiatric nursing students, psychiatric nurses, and employer strategies to minimize the impact of trauma experienced in the clinical setting. Registered psychiatric nurses who practice in high-risk environments require support to decrease negative outcomes of trauma at personal, educational, employer and organizational levels.
Description
Keywords
Trauma exposure, Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Trauma, Support, Education, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Coping, Vicarious Trauma, Clinical Trauma Exposure, Support, Strategies, Wellness, Prevention, Nurse, Nursing
Citation
Degree
Master of Nursing (M.N.)
Department
Nursing
Program
Nursing