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Abstract
Research evidence supports the presence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among nursing professionals, yet little is known about nursing students’ experiences with STS. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to explore how baccalaureate nursing students experience STS, as well as the coping strategies they employ to navigate (successfully or unsuccessfully) their experiences. Fifteen senior-level undergraduate nursing students were interviewed one-on-one to explore what educational clinical experiences have contributed to the development of STS, how STS manifested, and how each student attempted to cope with STS during their nursing education. Eight main themes and one sub-theme emerged from the data. Regarding STS triggers, the first two themes of this study were: first encounters with traumatic events; and poor treatment of patients and peers. The sub-theme of personal ties and previous trauma also relates to the educational STS triggers participants identified. Manifestations of STS were centered around the next three themes: sympathetic nervous system activation; negative emotional responses; and long-term consequences. Coping with STS was summarized in the final three themes: ill-prepared to cope effectively; personal strengths and support; and recommended preparation for effective coping.
