PTSD in

Different Nursing Areas

([Nurses around a patient], n.d.)

Created By: Sue Gessner, RN

([Nurse coping on a window], 2021).

Factors Contributing to PTSD in Nurses

PTSD symptoms in nurses are influenced by various factors such as, the type of nursing role, particularly in leadership positions, workplace violence or trauma, staffing frustrations, negative perceptions of patient care, lack of organizational support, and pediatric or adolescent deaths, and high death rates in adults (Nursing CE Central, 2025).

([ICU nurses], 2023).

High-Risk Nursing Areas

Nurses working in military settings, trauma care (Emergency Department), psychiatric care, opioid addiction, and intensive care units are particularly susceptible to high levels of PTSD. These fields of nursing tend to have work environments which expose nurses to traumatic situations (Nursing CE Central, 2025).

([Nurse and soldiers], n.d.)

The Situation

Working in healthcare, whether in a hospital, outpatient center, or home health agency, can be stressful. The work is complex and the demands are high. Nurses who experience symptoms of PTSD and/or Burnout syndrome also experience a sense of difficulty in other areas of their life outside of work, interfering with chores, relationships, friendships, and outside/fun activities (Mealer et al., 2009). Covid-19 was an especially trying time for even the most seasoned nurse. Action is needed to help protect the nursing workforce so that they can better care for the community (Ayotte et al., 2022).

Case Study

Angelina is at risk for developing PTSD. She works in one of the most prevalent areas of nursing that is at risk for developing PTSD. Working in the ICU, she constantly works at a higher level of alertness, and constant attention to detail is imperative. There is the potential for violence (trauma patients, withdrawal patients, and ICU delirium being just a few). Angelina, working with a very sick population, is susceptible to witnessing death despite all efforts to preserve life. These factors eventually have the potential to add up and take their toll on an individual if not appropriately recognized. Harboring these feelings can lead to fatigue, burnout, poor mental health, and resentment towards the nursing profession, patients, and coworkers.

(CSB Colorado, 2017)

ICU Nurses Have High Rates of PTSD

Jessica is much like Angelina. Angelina is at a higher risk of PTSD due to working in the ICU, being at year six, experiencing traumatic events, and dealing with demanding families. The video is as if Angelina was being interviewed.

References

Ayotte, B. J., Schierberl Scherr, A. E., & Kellogg, M. B. (2022). PTSD symptoms and functional impairment among nurses treating COVID-19 patients. SAGE open nursing, 8. https://doi.org/10.1177/23779608221074651.

Carmassi, C., Gesi, C., Simoncini, M., Favilla, L., Massimetti, E., Olivieri, M. C., ... & Dell’Osso, L. (2020). DSM-5-PTSD in the aftermath of a natural disaster: Correlates and impact on quality of life. Journal of Psychopathology, 26 (2), 67-73.

CBS Colorado. (2017). ICU Hospital Nurses Have Very High Rates Of PTSD [video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXebHXbeonE.

[ICU nurses]. (2023). [Image]. Retrieved February 1, 2025. Intely Care. https://www.intelycare.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/icu-nurse-job-description.jpg.

Mealer, M., Burnham, E. L., Goode, C. J., Rothbaum, B., & Moss, M. (2009). The prevalence and impact of post traumatic stress disorder and burnout syndrome in nurses. Depression and anxiety, 26(12), 1118–1126. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20631.

[Nurse and soldiers]. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved February 1, 2025. PTSD Resolution. https://ptsdresolution.org/news111.php.

[Nurses around a patient]. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved February 1, 2025. Critical illness, brain dysfunction, and survivorship center. https://www.icudelirium.org/patients-and-families/ptsd.

[Nurse coping on a window]. (2021). [Image]. Retrieved February 1, 2025. Bridges To Recovery. https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/navigating-ptsd-and-burnout-for-covid-19-healthcare-workers/.

Nursing CE Central (2025). PTSD in nurses causes major concern. https://nursingcecentral.com/ptsd-in-nurses/.

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