Exploring Psychological Support Systems in Mental Health Units: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study of Nurses’ Post-traumatic Clinical Incident Lived Experiences

Abstract

Background: Nurses often face traumatic events in clinical settings, leading to significant psychological, physical and professional consequences. Understanding their lived experiences, coping strategies, and institutional support is essential for designing effective, culturally sensitive interventions that protect their well-being and promote safe patient care. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the lived experiences of nurses exposed to a traumatic clinical incident, focusing on its psychological, social, and professional impacts, the coping strategies employed, and how institutional and cultural factors influenced their recovery. Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to explore the experiences of 15 nurses (10 registered and 5 enrolled nurses). Data were gathered through semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify key themes. Results: Five major themes were identified, namely: 1) Mental and physical effects of traumatic exposure (psychological and emotional distress and physical manifestations of trauma); 2) Institutional inadequacy and stigma (lack of support and cultural stigma); 3) Development of coping strategies (peer support and maladaptive coping mechanisms); 4) Call for institutional reforms (need for culturally resonant interventions and leadership accountability and transparency); 5) The imperative for a new professional ethos (redefining professional responsibility and fostering sustainable resilience). Conclusion: This study reveals that the nurses’ lived experiences of trauma include intrusive flashbacks, pervasive guilt, insomnia, and physical symptoms such as chest tightness and appetite loss. While peer support provides some relief, insufficient institutional support and stigma can lead to long‑term issues such as depression. Establishing culturally grounded support systems and promoting accountability are vital for enhancing resilience and ensuring safe patient care.