Study on Emergency Room Nurses’ Experience of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

The purpose of this study is to analyze emergency room (ER) nurses' experience of traumatic events and the extent of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study was conducted to prepare basic data for management of nurses with PTSD symptoms. Survey results show that ER nurses experience both direct and indirect traumatic events during work; 54% of survey respondents fell under high risk and moderate risk groups of PTSD; there were also meaningful differences based on their level of education, clinical experience, emergency room experience, and voluntary deployment of ER, and future desire for ER deployment. As such, for efficient management of ER nurses' PTSD symptoms, development of accessible counseling and mediation programs are crucial. Also, there needs to be enhanced interest and better working environments for ER nurses so as to increase their job satisfaction