Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Labor and Delivery Nurses

• Published in: MCN, the American journal of maternal child nursing Vol. 46; no. 1; pp. 14 - 20
• Main Authors: Nicholls, Erika M., Hermann, Robin M., Giordano, Nicholas A., Trotta, Rebecca L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc 01-01-2021
• ISSN: 0361-929X; 1539-0683
• DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000674

To describe the prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among labor and delivery nurses within a Northeastern United States academic health system.
Using a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design, a convenience sample of labor and delivery nurses (288 nurses) were invited to complete Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), a 17-item Likert-type instrument, that measures intrusion, avoidance, and the arousal symptoms associated with indirect exposure to traumatic events. Five additional questions about potential consequences of STS were also asked.
N = 144 completed the survey (50% response rate). Average STSS score was 33.74 (SD, 11.8), with 35% of respondents meeting symptom severity scores associated with STS. STSS Scores ≥ 38 were significantly correlated with nurses considering leaving their jobs, calling out sick, or requesting an assignment change after witnessing a traumatic birth (p < 0.001). The majority of respondents (84.7%) reported witnessing a traumatic birth. After witnessing a traumatic birth, respondents used co-workers, family, and friends as sources of support.
This study offers insight into the frequency and severity of STS among labor and delivery nurses, as well as the potential workforce-related consequences and provides a foundation for future work aimed at developing interventions to prevent or alleviate STS.