Feature
Nicholls, Erika M. MSN, RN, C-EFM; Hermann, Robin M. MSN, RN, CCRP; Giordano, Nicholas A. PhD, RN; Trotta, Rebecca L. PhD, RN
Erika M. Nicholls is a Clinical Practice Leader, Labor and Delivery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. The author can be reached via email at [emailprotected]
Robin M. Hermann is Manager of Nursing Research, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
Dr. Nicholas A. Giordano is an Assistant Professor of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Rebecca L. Trotta is Director of Nursing Research, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing 46(1):p 14-20, January/February 2021. | DOI: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000674
- Buy
Purpose:
To describe the prevalence and severity of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among labor and delivery nurses within a Northeastern United States academic health system.
Study Design and Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Clinical Implications:
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.
Full Text Access for Subscribers:
You can read the full text of this article if you:
