Abstract
Background: Research demonstrates that Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs) are affected by Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). As many as 44% of PMHNs experience clinical levels of psychological distress and STS as compared to RNs in other specialties, including those in forensic nursing. Interventions that promote RN resilience are mentioned less frequently in this research.
Objectives: To explore frontline PMHNs’ perspective on STS and remaining safe and engaged at work on the inpatient behavioral health unit.
To solicit PMHNs’ input on helpful interventions to foster the development of "Universal Precautions" against STS.
Method: Eleven PMHNs participated in one of three focus groups, led by a seasoned PMH-APRN doctoral prepared nurse educator. RNs were asked to respond to open ended questions designed to promote reflection on their experiences working in inpatient behavioral health. Participants were also asked to discuss supportive interventions that could be implemented to protect against STS.
Results: PMHNs identified/discussed interventions that support nurse resiliency, wellness, and protect against STS. PMHNs expressed an interest in peer led support/clinical supervision groups. Survey results from the RNs who participated in peer led support/clinical supervision groups will be presented.
Notes
References: Barleycorn, D. (2019). Awareness of secondary traumatic stress in emergency nursing. Emergency Nurse, 27(5), 19–22. https://doi.org/10.7748/en.2019.e1957
Li, H., Zhang, G., Chu, L. (2023). Chinesization of secondary traumatic stress scale and its application in nursing staff of emergency department. Chinese Nursing Research.
Kobayashi, Y., Oe, M., Ishida, T., Matsuoka, M., Chiba, H., & Uchimura, N. (2020). Workplace violence and its effects on burnout and secondary traumatic stress among mental healthcare nurses in Japan. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(8), 2747. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082747
Rauvola, R.S., Vega, D.M. & Lavigne, K.N. (2019). Compassion fatigue, secondary traumatic stress, and vicarious traumatization: A qualitative review and research agenda. Occup Health Sci 3, 297–336. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41542-019-00045-1
Sigma Membership
Upsilon Rho
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Stress/coping, Coaching, Teaching, Learning Strategies
Recommended Citation
Horowitz, Stacy, "Exploring Secondary Traumatic Stress: The Frontline Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses' Perspective" (2025). Creating Healthy Work Environments (CHWE). 28.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/chwe/2025/presentations_2025/28
Conference Name
Creating Healthy Work Environments
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Self-submission
Exploring Secondary Traumatic Stress: The Frontline Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses' Perspective
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Background: Research demonstrates that Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs) are affected by Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). As many as 44% of PMHNs experience clinical levels of psychological distress and STS as compared to RNs in other specialties, including those in forensic nursing. Interventions that promote RN resilience are mentioned less frequently in this research.
Objectives: To explore frontline PMHNs’ perspective on STS and remaining safe and engaged at work on the inpatient behavioral health unit.
To solicit PMHNs’ input on helpful interventions to foster the development of "Universal Precautions" against STS.
Method: Eleven PMHNs participated in one of three focus groups, led by a seasoned PMH-APRN doctoral prepared nurse educator. RNs were asked to respond to open ended questions designed to promote reflection on their experiences working in inpatient behavioral health. Participants were also asked to discuss supportive interventions that could be implemented to protect against STS.
Results: PMHNs identified/discussed interventions that support nurse resiliency, wellness, and protect against STS. PMHNs expressed an interest in peer led support/clinical supervision groups. Survey results from the RNs who participated in peer led support/clinical supervision groups will be presented.
Description
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs) are affected by Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS). PMHNs shared their perspectives on maintaining psychological safety and resilience in IRB-approved focus groups. RNs discussed and identified interventions that could be implemented to promote resilience and protect against STS. Development of peer-led clinical supervision groups was suggested. Survey results of RNs who participated in peer-led clinical supervision groups will be presented.