Objective To understand the ICU nurses’ trauma recovery process as the second victims of clinical alert-related adverse events. Methods Based on programmed grounded theory，semi-structured interviews，data analysis，and model construction were conducted with 21 nurses. Results The trauma recovery process of ICU nurses as the second victims of adverse events related to clinical alerts includes five stages院evaluation，storming， recovery，control，and duration. The trauma recovery time of ICU nurses varies against different severity of adverse events. Conclusion the process of trauma recovery is affected by alert recurrence and work control ability. Administrators should combine the resuscitation model and take comprehensive measures，including improving stress management system and enhancing work control ability，as well as updating manpower allocation and talent training mechanism，to improve the current situation of ICU nurses’ as second victims.