Investigation of the second victim phenomenon among intensive care nurses: A prospective observational study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the Second Victim Phenomenon (SVP) among nurses working in intensive care units using the Turkish version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (T-SVEST); to examine the relationships between T-SVEST subscales and burnout measured by the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI); and to compare T-SVEST subscale scores with findings reported in the international literature. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using an analytical crosssectional design with a prospective data collection process and included 300 intensive care nurses who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using a Demographic Information Form, T-SVEST, and CBI. Construct validity of the scales was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, while reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability, and average variance extracted (AVE). Relationships between T-SVEST subscales and burnout were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: Nurses demonstrated low awareness of SVP. Psychological and physical distress scores on T-SVEST were moderate to high, institutional support levels were relatively high, whereas Colleague Support and self-efficacy scores were comparatively lower. Burnout levels assessed by the CBI were high. PLS-SEM analysis revealed that psychological and physical distress were positively associated with absenteeism, turnover intention, and burnout. In comparison with previous studies, distress subscale scores were higher, and Colleague Support and self-efficacy were lower among the nurses in this study. Conclusion: The findings indicate that psychological and physical burden related to SVP is substantial among intensive care nurses and is associated with increased burnout and turnover intention. Despite strong institutional support, limited Colleague Support and reduced self-efficacy suggest that SVP poses a significant risk for professional well-being and retention. These results underscore the need for awareness-raising education, structured peer-support systems, and post-event followup programs, as well as comprehensive institutional strategies designed to strengthen all dimensions of support within clinical settings. Keywords: Absenteeism; Burnout; Intensive care nurse; Second victim phenomenon; Turnover intention.