Relationships Between Post-Traumatic Stress, Self-Compassion, Sleep, Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms, and Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Intent to Leave Their Jobs

Objective: – The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and severity of post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms among intensive care unit (ICU) nurses and examine correlations with other psychological outcomes. A secondary purpose was to assess the feasibility of an evidence-based treatment for PTS in this population. Background: – PTS may contribute to psychological distress, trouble sleeping, and high turnover. Methods: – ICU nurses completed measures of PTS, self-compassion, anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and depressive symptoms. Participants with high levels of PTS were offered a trauma intervention. Results: – PTS, depression, anxiety, and insomnia were present in 28% to 41% of participants. High PTS symptoms were correlated with high anxiety (r=0.476, P=0.011) and depression (r=0.416, P=0.018). High depressive symptoms correlated with high anxiety (P=0.422, P=0.023), PTS (r=0.416, P=0.018), insomnia (r=0.562, P=0.001), and the likelihood of leaving their position or the profession of nursing (r=0.485, P=0.008). None of the 11 participants who were offered the intervention accepted it. Conclusions: – Interventions to address PTS are needed in ICU settings; however, barriers to acceptance must be addressed. ICU nurses should be involved in all phases of intervention development, implementation, and evaluation.