Traumatized Nurses

Nurses are exposed to primary and secondary traumatic stressors during their work. Primary trauma results from violence by patients and visitors, and secondary trauma follows the vicarious experiences of caring for physically or emotionally traumatized patients. Both exposures can negatively affect nurses, employers, and patients.

Primary Traumatic Stress: Workplace Violence

Violence experienced by nurses is not a new phenomenon. However, experts believe that violence and the risks for being traumatized from violence are increasing. Several professional and regulatory organizations, including the American Nurses Association and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, are recognizing the seriousness of the problem and are calling on employers to reduce and manage workplace violence (WPV). Recently, The Joint Commission, the organization that accredits health care organizations, brought attention to the ...

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