Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Nurses in the United States: Prevalence and Effect on Role

Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among U.S. nurses and to examine how severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are associated with their role.

Background: The lifetime prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder is estimated at 6.8%. Loss of workdays, inability to perform at full capacity, and loss of fulfillment are a few of the issues associated with an individual diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Untreated consequences include early retirement, loss of job, disability, and suicide.

Method: Participants completed an online survey that included the 20-item posttraumatic stress disorder checklist-5.

Results: Severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among nurses estimates that 28.4% have a probable diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder with 15.4% experiencing severe symptoms. The impact of stress was negative job performance impacting mental fatigue and workplace attrition. Coping skills included mindfulness and utilizing social networks.

Conclusions: Nurses are exposed to traumatic experiences, which has an impact on their mental health and well-being and ability to successfully perform their jobs. The impact of these experiences is not differentiated by demographic correlates.

Implications For Nursing Management: This highlights multiple modifiable factors that impact the severity of stressful experiences. Addressing environmental, organizational, and intrapersonal changes are key components in alleviating the negative impact experienced by nurses.