For the study, researchers conducted an online survey involving a nationally representative sample of 490 critical care nurses who unsuccessfully attempted to save a patient with CPR within the previous year. The survey featured questions designed to assess coping strategies, psychological stress levels and PTSD symptoms. The survey revealed critical care nurses displayed moderate levels of stress and PTSD when asked to recall a care episode in which a patient died after the nurses attempted CPR.
Additionally, nurses who reported negative coping methods — identified as denial, self-distraction, self-blame and behavioral disengagement — were more likely to self-report PTSD symptoms.
“Finding ways to minimize distress and improve resiliency not only helps the individual nurse but may also help combat high turnover and vacancy rates for critical care nurses,” said lead author Dawn McMeekin, RN, DNP, advanced clinical education specialist at Baycare Health System in Dunedin, Fla. “These results underscore the importance of maintaining a healthy work environment and nursing workforce.”
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