6 Ways to Prevent PTSD as a Registered Nurse

Nurses play a critical role in healthcare, providing compassionate care to patients while often working long and stressful hours. Unfortunately, due to the nature of their work, many nurses are at risk of experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, and feelings of numbness or detachment. While PTSD is commonly associated with military combat, it can also develop in other high-stress occupations, including nursing.

Nurses are often exposed to traumatic events in the course of their work. They may witness patients suffering from serious illnesses, injuries, or even death. They may also be the target of verbal or physical abuse from patients or family members. In addition, nurses experience high levels of stress due to long hours, understaffing, and pressure to provide high-quality care.

One of the most common sources of trauma for nurses is workplace violence. According to the American Nurses Association, 25% of nurses have experienced physical violence on the job, and 7% have experienced sexual assault. These incidents can have a profound impact on a nurse’s mental health and well-being, leading to symptoms of PTSD.

According to Paul Smith, a former registered nurse, and author of the book, A Nurse’s Story, “If you are considering a career in nursing, my best advice is to start as a medical or surgical nurse in a large hospital where there is a lot of support. However, not everyone can choose this option. Nurses globally are desperately needed. Therefore, rely on these tips to help yourself overcome trauma during your years of practice as a registered nurse.”

Overcoming Trauma As A Nurse

1.      Write Down Your Feelings

“There’s healing in writing,” says Paul Smith. “I wrote my book “A Nurse’s Story,” at the end of my nursing career. I am disabled and living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Ultimately, I wanted to have a conversation with myself. My thoughts, feelings, and end philosophy on what it means to be, or in my case, have been a Registered Nurse. I intended to leave the stories of my trauma raw while explaining why these events were so significant to my nursing career, growth, and diagnosis of PTSD.”

While writing a book is a great option, not many have the time or confidence to share their story with the world. However, what you can do to prevent PTSD is share your feelings in a diary. Write down whatever incidents happened in the hospital and pour out your thoughts.

2.       Seek support

It is essential to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, and mental health professionals. Talk to someone you trust about the challenges you are facing at work, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

3.      Practice self-care

Taking care of yourself is critical to prevent burnout and PTSD. Make sure to get enough rest, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

4.      Utilize relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Consider incorporating these techniques into your daily routine.

5. Set boundaries

Set boundaries to prevent work-related stress from spilling over into your personal life. Set realistic goals, prioritize tasks, and learn to say no when necessary.

6. Practice self-compassion

Be kind and compassionate to yourself, and recognize that you are doing the best you can in a challenging job. Practice self-compassion by giving yourself permission to take breaks, make mistakes, and learn from them.

By taking these steps, you can prevent PTSD as a registered nurse and prioritize your mental health and well-being. Remember that seeking help and support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and taking care of yourself is essential to providing compassionate care to your patients.