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An exploration of factors associated with post‐traumatic stress in ER nurses
Author(s) -
Lavoie Stéphane,
Talbot Lise R.,
Mathieu Luc,
Dallaire Clémence,
Dubois MarieFrance,
Courcy François
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of nursing management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1365-2834
pISSN - 0966-0429
DOI - 10.1111/jonm.12294
Subject(s) - neuroticism , extraversion and introversion , clinical psychology , social support , personality , big five personality traits , traumatic stress , distress , medicine , population , psychological intervention , psychology , psychiatry , psychotherapist , social psychology , environmental health
Background Emergency room ( ER ) nurses are frequently exposed to traumatic events ( TE ) at work. These events can lead to symptoms of post‐traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ). Aim The goal of the present study was to describe the factors associated with PTSD symptoms. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive correlational design was used. The sample consisted of 35 nurses from an ER in Québec (Canada). Data were collected through self‐administered questionnaires. Results TE s presenting a grief component (e.g. intentional injury to a child and patient suicide) are positively associated with peritraumatic distress ( PD ) in the days after the event. PD is positively associated with PTSD symptoms. Two personality traits (neuroticism and extraversion) should also be considered. Neuroticism is positively associated with PD whereas extraversion is negatively associated with PD and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion The results are consistent with the literature, but some of these results are new to nurses. They suggest that in this population, TE s in the ER represent ‘red flags’. Their occurrence should mobilise support structures. PD and its personality traits are also key factors to consider. Implication for Nursing Management To provide adequate support for nurses, ER managers should be on the alert for these conditions. Interventions should be adapted to these findings.