Abstract:

Objective To explore the trauma recovery path of ICU nurses who experience patient safety incidents as second victims，and to provide a reference for constructing supportive intervention strategies. Methods Using gounded theory research approach，in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 ICU nurses in a hospital of Zhengzhou City who have undergone patient safety events in the recent three years. Data analysis and model construction were conducted using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory. Results The trauma recovery path of ICU nurses who experienced patient safety incidents included four stages：accident response period（trade-offs，coping behaviors），stress period（stressors，psychological experiences，physical symptoms，behavioral experiences），adjustment period（support needs，self-repair，occupational cognition，organizational safety climate），reintegration period（negative survival，positive growth，impact duration）. The recovery model revealed the process and mechanisms of second victim growth. Conclusion The trauma recovery process of ICU nurses as second victims is relatively phased. Organizational safety climate and leadership support are critical external drivers for the transition from the stress phase to the adjustment phase，while professional cognition and self-healing ability are intrinsic factors that foster reintegration and growth. Nursing managers should provide corresponding interventions based on the trauma recovery path to promote the positive growth of ICU nurses as second victims.

Key words: Intensive Care Units, Patient Safety Incident, Nurse, Second Victim, Grounded Theory