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.