A large review of data involving over 7,000 nurses found that the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress is high. The study calculated a pooled prevalence of 57.3 percent among nursing staff. This means more than half of the nurses surveyed showed signs of this type of stress.
The research also looked at what factors might influence these levels. It found significant links between stress and several factors, including age and years of work experience. The study also noted differences based on where the nurses worked and when the data was collected, specifically noting changes during and after the COVID-19 period.
Because this is a meta-analysis of observational studies, these results show links rather than direct causes. These findings suggest that nursing staff may need regular check-ins and better support systems to manage the emotional toll of their work. You should speak with a healthcare professional or employer for specific support.
What this means for you:
Over half of nurses experience secondary traumatic stress, which is linked to age, experience, and location.
Common questions
How common is secondary traumatic stress among nurses?
The study found a pooled prevalence of 57.3 percent for secondary traumatic stress among nurses. This means that more than half of the nurses in the study showed signs of this condition.
Do age and experience affect how much stress a nurse feels?
Yes, the data shows significant associations between secondary traumatic stress and both mean age and years of work experience. These findings suggest that these factors play a role in the levels of stress reported by nurses.
Did the COVID-19 pandemic impact these findings?
The study found significant associations with publication years during and after the COVID-19 period. This suggests that timing and environmental factors may influence the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress in nursing populations.
