Nursing is one of the most demanding and emotionally intense professions. Nurses often work in high-stress environments. It is common to witness trauma and provide care during life-and-death situations. For some, these experiences can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Let’s explore what PTSD can look like in nurses, why it happens, and how to recognize the signs. We will also review treatment options and 7 tips.

Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD doesn’t always show up right away. It can take weeks, months, or even years after a traumatic event for symptoms to emerge. Common signs of PTSD include:

• Intrusive Thoughts. Repeated, distressing memories or flashbacks of traumatic events.

• Emotional Numbing. Feeling disconnected, emotionally distant, or unable to enjoy things you used to.

• Hypervigilance. Always feeling on edge, easily startled, or overly alert.

• Avoidance. Steering clear of places, situations, or conversations that remind you of the trauma.

• Sleep Issues. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or frequent nightmares.

• Physical Symptoms. Headaches, stomach issues, or a constant feeling of tension.

It’s important to remember that these reactions are not a sign of weakness. They are your body’s way of trying to cope with overwhelming experiences.

Depression and PTSD

PTSD and depression often go hand-in-hand. For nurses, the weight of trauma can lead to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or even a loss of purpose. PTSD’s symptoms, like avoidance or withdrawal, can also make it harder to stay connected to loved ones or enjoy everyday activities. This can deepen the depression.

If you’re experiencing both, it’s important to address them together. Many PTSD treatments, like CBT or CPT, also help with depression. Therapy can help by challenging negative beliefs and encouraging small actions to rebuild joy and connection.

Learn more about depression.

PTSD Diagnosis in Nursing

A PTSD diagnosis isn’t just about experiencing trauma; it’s about how that trauma affects your day-to-day life. A diagnosis of PTSD requires that the symptoms persist for more than a month. They also cause significant distress or make it hard to function at work, at home, or socially.

Getting help is a crucial step. If you would like a formal diagnosis of PTSD, you have a few options:

1. You can make an appointment with your family doctor.

2. You can ask your family doctor for a referral to see a psychiatrist (covered by OHIP)

3. Check your benefits to see if you have coverage for psychological services. A psychologist can also assess you for PTSD. The fee for this option can vary. If you live in Ontario, we have psychologists at our clinic who can help. Meet our registered psychologists in Ontario. Learn more about online psychological assessments.

Is PTSD Common in Nurses?

Yes, PTSD is more common in nurses than many people think. Nurses often face intense and repeated exposure to trauma. Whether it’s witnessing severe injuries, dealing with the death of a patient, or working through high-stress events. Studies suggest that nurses experience PTSD at higher rates compared to the general population.

While not every nurse develops PTSD, the emotional toll of the profession can be significant. Many nurses deal with symptoms like burnout, anxiety, and depression, even if they don’t meet the criteria for PTSD. Nurses need to recognize the signs early and seek support. PTSD can impact their personal and professional lives if left untreated.

Which Areas of Nursing Have the Highest Rates of PTSD?

Some areas of nursing have higher rates of PTSD due to the nature of the work. These include:

• Emergency Rooms (ER). Nurses in ERs often handle critical injuries, trauma cases, and life-threatening situations daily. The unpredictability and urgency can make this environment particularly overwhelming.

• Intensive Care Units (ICU). ICU nurses care for patients in life-or-death situations. They often build close connections with those they treat, making losses especially difficult.

• Pediatric and Neonatal Units. Caring for critically ill children or newborns can take an emotional toll, especially when outcomes are tragic.

• Psychiatric Nursing. Nurses working in mental health settings may face violence or verbal abuse. They may also have exposure to patients in severe psychological distress. They may also witness or hear of clients who die by suicide.

• Nursing During Pandemics. Events like COVID-19 brought prolonged exposure to trauma, high patient loads, and personal risks. This significantly increased PTSD rates in nurses across all specialties.

These environments demand incredible strength. But they also make it essential for nurses to prioritize their mental health. Recognizing the unique challenges of these roles can help nurses seek the support they need.

Risk Factors for PTSD Amongst Nurses

Not every nurse exposed to trauma develops PTSD. Certain factors can increase the risk, including:

• Frequent Exposure to Trauma. Repeatedly witnessing serious injuries, deaths, or medical emergencies.

• Personal History. Previous trauma or mental health struggles can make PTSD more likely.

• High Workload. Long hours, short staffing, and burnout can weaken coping abilities.

• Lack of Support. Feeling unsupported by management or peers can amplify feelings of isolation.

• Pandemic Stress. Events like COVID-19 created extreme conditions for nurses, with prolonged stress and loss taking a heavy toll.

Treatment Options for PTSD in Nurses

PTSD is a treatable condition. There are several evidence-based therapies for PTSD. Each approach helps reduce symptoms in different ways. The right treatment depends on your personal needs and preferences. At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we offer these treatment options. Book a free consultation with us and our Clinical Directors can help you choose the right therapy. Learn about our trauma therapies and therapists.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy

PE helps you confront trauma-related memories and situations that you’ve been avoiding. By gradually and safely exposing yourself to these memories or triggers, you can reduce their emotional power over time. PE often involves revisiting the traumatic event in a structured way. With guidance from a therapist, your brain can process the memory.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT focuses on the thoughts and beliefs that keep you stuck in PTSD. For example, you might feel guilt or shame about what happened, even if it wasn’t your fault. In CPT, you work with a therapist to challenge and reframe these beliefs. Over time, this process helps you feel less overwhelmed by the trauma and more in control of your thoughts.

Learn more about CPT vs PE Therapy.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR uses guided eye movements to help your brain process traumatic memories in a less distressing way. During EMDR, you’ll focus on the trauma while following a therapist’s hand movements or another stimulus. This approach can reduce the emotional intensity of the memory and help you feel calmer when recalling it. Meet our EMDR therapist, Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW. Discover 5 Benefits of EMDR Therapy.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT for PTSD often combines elements of other approaches. It might combine things like challenging unhelpful thoughts and confronting fears. It’s a flexible treatment tailored to your specific symptoms. Whether you’re struggling with flashbacks, avoidance, or negative beliefs about yourself.

Learn about the CBT vs EMDR for PTSD.

Is PTSD Hard to Treat?

PTSD is treatable, but it does require time and commitment. The right therapy can make a huge difference, especially when you’re ready to engage with the process. It’s normal for treatment to feel challenging at first, particularly if it involves revisiting painful memories. But, with support from a trained therapist, many people see significant improvements in their symptoms and quality of life.

The key is to find a treatment that feels manageable for you. Recovery isn’t about erasing the trauma—it’s about learning to live with it in a way that doesn’t dominate your life.

7 Tips If You Are a Nurse with PTSD

If you’re struggling with PTSD as a nurse, here are some actionable steps to help you start feeling better:

1. Seek Professional Support. Therapies like PE or CPT are very effective for PTSD. A therapist trained in trauma work can guide you through the process in a safe, supportive way. Check your benefits to see if you have coverage for psychological services.

2. Take Gradual Steps. Avoidance feels like the easiest option, but it often keeps PTSD symptoms alive. Start small—like spending a few minutes thinking about a safe, related memory—and build from there.

3. Challenge Guilt and Shame. Many nurses feel a sense of responsibility for outcomes they couldn’t control. Work on reminding yourself of the facts: you did the best you could under difficult circumstances.

4. Set Boundaries at Work. Advocate for yourself when possible. Limit overtime, delegate tasks, or talk to a manager about shifting roles if needed. Taking care of yourself is part of being a great nurse.

5. Reconnect with Positive Activities. Behavioural activation, a CBT technique, encourages you to reintroduce activities that bring joy. Start with something small, like a walk, and work toward things you used to love.

6. Build a Support Network. Talking with others who understand—whether it’s colleagues, friends, or a support group—can reduce feelings of isolation. You don’t have to go through this alone.

7. Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques can help you manage overwhelming emotions. These tools are especially useful during flashbacks or moments of intense stress.

Remember, recovery isn’t about rushing or being perfect. It’s about showing up for yourself, even in small ways, and taking one step at a time.

Book a Free Consultation with a Trauma Therapist for Nurses

Nurses give so much of themselves to care for others, but it’s vital they also care for their mental health. Recognizing the signs of PTSD and understanding the risks can be the first step toward healing. If you’re a nurse struggling with PTSD, know that help is available, and you’re not alone in this journey.

Book a free consultation by clicking the tab below. Our Clinical Directors will meet with you and connect you with a trauma expert. We have a variety of therapists to choose from.

*You must be an Ontario resident.

Our therapy fees.