New research shows that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect nurses, and that it's likely a combination of dealing with a multitude of issues such as workplace conditions, interpersonal relationships and coping skills.
PTSD May Plague Nurses, Especially in COVID-19 Era
TUESDAY, May 12, 2020 (HealthDay News) -- Nursing is not a profession for the fainthearted, but new research shows that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can strike nurses, and suggests the new coronavirus may make things even worse for those on the front lines of the pandemic.
Though the study was conducted a year ago, the results are particularly timely as nurses around the world are treating millions of COVID-19 cases in incredibly trying conditions, the researchers noted.
Study author Michelle Schuster, a registered nurse at Boston Children's Hospital, noted that many aspects of the novel coronavirus have the potential to increase PTSD rates among nurses. For example, frequency of coronavirus exposure and workplace frustrations may be heightened. To make matters worse, self-isolating means that nurses may no longer be able to draw on physical closeness with family and friends for social support, she added.