Secondary Traumatic Stress and Mindfulness Training

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Dear Editor:

This year I celebrate 33 years in nursing, 29 years as an emergency nurse, and my final 9 months of graduate school for nursing administration. The recent article by Dominguez-Gomez and Rutledge¹ regarding the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and compassion fatigue (CF) among emergency nurses was one I can empathize with, and I share a sincere interest in resolving these issues as a nurse leader. Emergency nurses give of themselves to the point of having nothing left to resolve their own emotional needs. Emergency departments also are suffering from the loss of experienced nurses to less stressful areas of nursing. Methods to care for wounded nurses must be encouraged and supported by ED leadership. I am suggesting that nurse leaders support mindfulness training as a method to help relieve the stress suffered by ED nurses.

In a study by Pipe, Bortz, and Dueck,² a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course for nursing leaders reduced stress and anxiety while improving self-awareness and nurturing skills. Nursing leaders who have self-awareness and participate in self-reflection are more effective in caring for staff nurses and are supportive of stress management and reduction techniques.² An MBSR course for staff nurses is a low-cost educational program that requires one brief class. Providing a small private room with dim lighting for the nurses to use for brief periods during their shifts also would be helpful. Nurses can benefit from short periods of self-reflection and MBSR on a daily basis.²

Other studies³ indicate that nurses who feel valued by the leadership have more job satisfaction and remain committed to their role. The nurse will feel valued when nursing leadership focuses on the nurse's need for MBSR, provides training, and allows time for participation in mindfulness activities that benefit the nurse and patient care. Higher job satisfaction reduces job turnover and raises nurse retention. MBSR, when supported by ED management, can help reduce the stress experienced by nurses providing patient care, reduce the nursing shortage in our emergency departments, and improve patient outcomes.

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References 

1. Dominguez-Gomez E, Rutledge DN. Prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among emergency nurses. J Emerg Nurs. 2009;35:199–204
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2. Pipe TB, Bortz JJ, Dueck A. Nurse leader mindfulness meditation program for stress management. J Nurs Admin. 2009;39:130–137
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3. Committed to safety: Ten case studies on reducing harm to patients. The Commonwealth Fund Web site, Pub. No. 923; 2006;http://www.cmwf.orgAccessed December 8, 2009
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