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When Nurses Become the “Second” Victim
Author(s) -
Jones Jackie H.,
Treiber Linda A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nursing forum
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.618
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1744-6198
pISSN - 0029-6473
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6198.2012.00284.x
Subject(s) - harm , feeling , nursing , remorse , context (archaeology) , psychology , medicine , psychological intervention , phenomenon , social psychology , paleontology , biology , physics , quantum mechanics
Purpose Well‐intentioned, conscientious nurses make medication errors. The subsequent feelings of guilt, remorse, and loss of personal and professional self‐esteem these nurses experience are well documented. In this paper, we analyze the concept of “second victim” within the context of medication administration errors. We also examine factors that contribute to nurses becoming second victims after making an error. Practice implications Implications for nurses and nursing practice include nurses being given a greater degree of authority in designing the nursing work environment. Implications for nurses and nursing practice are presented.Conclusion Further study is needed to more fully understand this phenomenon and to discover appropriate support mechanisms and interventions to minimize the harm to nurses.