Factors affecting traumatic stress symptoms of nurses working in İzmir provincial emergency departments and investigation of their coping methods

Introduction: Trauma experienced in the working environment is an important problem for nursing. The results of the trauma adversely affect both the nurses and the institutions. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the symptoms of traumatic stress experienced by nurses working in emergency departments and their ways of coping with traumatic stress symptoms. Methods: This study is descriptive. The sample of study consisted of 108 nurses who works at the emergency services of the two university and two education hospitals. Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale was used to assess the traumatic stress symptoms. Results: Of the nurses participating in the study, 38% suffered trauma. The nurses who suffered trauma regretted choosing the profession, tended to resign or change their jobs, communicated with the patients less, and were filled with anger at patients. The nurses mostly tried to cope with traumatic stress symptoms by making use of their own experiences. Conclusion: Nurses should be informed of symptoms of traumatic stress, and measures to be taken to strengthen individual and institutional ways of coping. Key Words: Traumatic stress, secondary trauma, coping, emergency department, nursing