Emergency response personnel are unique in that they dedicate their time and energy to assisting persons during stressful times of their lives. However, nurses who work with survivors of disasters may be at risk for vicarious traumatization. How does this occur?
A) The nurse sustains an injury during the disaster.
B) Exhaustion and the inability to adjust to the pace at home occurs.
C) Frustration and conflict lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.
D) It can be a response to listening to survivors' stories about traumatic events.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vicarious traumatization occurs when an individual experiences the emotional toll of trauma not through personal involvement, but through listening to others talk about their traumatic experiences. Nurses who work with disaster survivors may be at risk for this type of trauma due to the intense and emotional nature of the work. This can cause the nurse to experience symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder, such as intrusive thoughts and avoidance behaviors.

Emergency Response Personnel Are Unique in That They Dedicate Their