Predictors and rates of post-traumatic stress disorder in direct patient-care pediatric registered nurses: a cross-sectional correlational-predictive study
Predictors and rates of post-traumatic stress disorder in direct patient-care pediatric registered nurses: a cross-sectional correlational-predictive study
Michelle Schuster, PhD candidate
Aims: Quantify post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevalence rates in pediatric nurses; identify the strength, direction, and predictive relationship between PTSD and psychological capital (PsyCap), psychological safety, coworker support, and supervisor support; and explore nurses’ perceptions and coping strategies for dealing with work-related trauma
Design: A cross-sectional, correlational-predictive online research study design utilizing the Conservation of Resources (COR) theoretical framework
Methods: Convenience sample of pediatric nurses working in direct patient care in the United States. Instruments: Post-Traumatic Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ), Psychological Safety tool, Coworker Support Scale (CSS), and Supervisor Support Scale (SSS). Qualitative questions were content analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including hierarchical regression models, were used
Results: One-hundred and seventy-one participants were included in the analysis; 56.7 % met the cut-point for PTSD symptomology. PTSD symptoms were related to psychological capital (r=-.292, p<.001) and Psychological Safety (r =-.428, p<0.001). Psychological Safety (β= -1.091, p<.001) and PsyCap (β= -.211, p<.005) were independently associated with PTSD. Overarching qualitative themes included “Why it Hurts”, “Resources/ Interventions that Help”, and “Maladaptive Coping Measures.
Conclusion: PTSD is a concern for direct-care pediatric nurses. Results from the hierarchical regression analysis lend important insight into workforce factors (Psychological Safety) and intrapersonal qualities (PsyCap) affecting PTSD symptomology in pediatric nurses. Qualitative comments lend insight into the importance of coworker, leader, and organizational support for individuals.
Implications for the Profession: This is the first study to examine PTSD prevalence rates in a nationwide sample of pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners of various subspecialties across different organizations and to examine the simultaneous influence of PsyCap, psychological safety, coworker support, and supervisor support. Findings provide insights for the design of targeted interventions for the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational levels of influence to support nurse wellbeing when considering the impact of work-related PTSD.
Committee:
- Kristen Sethares, PhD, RN, CNE, FAHA, FHFSA, Professor of Nursing, Chair
- Melissa Desroches, PhD, RN, CNE, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Committee
- Patricia Dwyer, PhD, RN, Director Nursing Research, Boston Children’s Hospital, Committee
Please email Deanna Hoffman for Zoom credentials.
Library 314
: ZOOM
Deanna Hoffman
5089106487
dhoffman@umassd.edu