Vicarious Traumatization: Relevance and Implications for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

Abstract

This research project is concerned with the risk of vicarious traumatization for psychiatric mental health nurses. Vicarious traumatization is an occupational hazard that is largely unrecognised and unaddressed in the profession. The paper explores the nature of vicarious traumatization, and its contemporary conceptualisation in the literature on helping-induced trauma. Findings from the literature search and understanding of the construct of vicarious traumatization are considered against the essence of psychiatric mental health nursing, the therapeutic relationship and use of self, and the nature of daily practice. After consideration of the potential risk of vicarious traumatization for the profession it is argued vicarious traumatization is a real risk and is likely to impact on all areas of psychiatric mental health nursing practice. Support for the position that vicarious traumatization is not well recognised and understood is offered. The paper concludes with recommendations that psychiatric mental health nurses and the profession take serious note of vicarious traumatization as a risk, and there is an ethical imperative for psychiatric mental health nurses to take measures to inform themselves of and engage in processes of risk management for nurses and clients.