Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

PTSD & Nurses

Hi all, A friend of mine had a very bad breakdown 18 months ago. It's a very long story but the after effects of a mismanaged case in labour ward and then a court case 18 yrs afterwards. Her and the other nurse were not supported by their union nor the hospital. The other nurse subsequently commited suicide. My friend was diagnosed with PTSD and has been unemployable since, had her registration taken away and is barely functional. She then met (by chance) another nurse who took ealier retirement also due to PTSD. I have to admit that I am very shocked about 2 nurses in one place being diagnosed with such a serious condition. Does anyone out there know of other nurses suffereing from PTSD and if so, is there a support group anywhere on line for my friend to connect with? We do not live in the USA.

Look forward to some input from you guys.

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    When I worked at a major military medical facility, nursing was routinely screened for PTSD. We cared for Soldiers who had endured significant traumas. Hearing their stories repeatedly put us at high risk for what we called "Secondhand PTSD"--we didn't experience the trauma, but we were a kind of witness to it. I don't know of any groups that are in existance for nurses who suffer from work-induced PTSD, but I do know it's much, much more common than you'd think. Perhaps your friend and the other nurse she met could start a group of some sort?

  • Quote

    It is pretty common in the US for employers to throw away nurses who suffer psychological harm in the course of their work, in my experience.

  • Quote
    • Experts
    It is pretty common in the US for employers to throw away nurses who suffer psychological harm in the course of their work, in my experience.

    Amen.

  • Quote
    When I worked at a major military medical facility, nursing was routinely screened for PTSD. We cared for Soldiers who had endured significant traumas. Hearing their stories repeatedly put us at high risk for what we called "Secondhand PTSD"--we didn't experience the trauma, but we were a kind of witness to it. I don't know of any groups that are in existance for nurses who suffer from work-induced PTSD, but I do know it's much, much more common than you'd think. Perhaps your friend and the other nurse she met could start a group of some sort?

    Aint that the truth..then again, look at how the VA handles it. I can personally testify to both accounts. You are better off having the big "C" in this country than a mental illness.

  • Quote

    I don't know of anything outside of the USA. Perhaps starting with a local mental health provider and going from there. I know of many nurses who have suffered emotional and/or physical damage from their jobs (myself included).

  • Quote
    • Guides

    I've known one nurse who was able to use Workers Compensation to take a leave for stress. Her BP was extremely elevated. The leave lasted only a few weeks until medication brough the BP under comtrol.

    Our Board of Registered Nursing has a program for RNs with a mental health or substance abuse illness. RNs who request will be evaluated. Two RNs i know self diagnosed their PTSD and were accepted into the program. They didn't have to tell their employer because no one had reported them to the board.

    After beginning treatment both decided to resign that job and look for work at another facility.

    Board of Registered Nursing - Diversion Frequently Asked Questions

    When we renew out license a portion of the fee goes to the Diversion program. There are also support groups for RNs and LVNs. They are open to any nurse who wants to attend.

    http://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/diversion/nsglist.pdf

    Perhaps other states also have programs to help nurses.

  • Quote

    We could ALL claim PTSD.. nursing is brutal.Exposure to psychological harm is what we signed up for.

    It is not a surprise that the union or hospital would not support the nurse. It's all about the MONEY.

    This is why we have malpractice insurance. To literally lay down and DIE over an 18 year old case is crazy. Lawyer up and move on.

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.