Vicarious Trauma Among a Sample of European Nurses: Using Qualitative Findings From a Mixed Methods Study to Develop an Organisational Leadership Guideline.

AIM: This paper presents the qualitative findings of a European mixed-methods study exploring vicarious trauma (VT) among nurses working in addiction services. Its primary objective is to share with readers the newly developed organisational leadership guidelines in the hope of mitigating the impact of VT.

BACKGROUND

VT is a recognised occupational hazard for nurses working with traumatised populations, particularly in addiction services, where proactive and supportive leadership is critical in fostering resilience and safeguarding staff wellbeing. However, organisations have failed to implement proactive strategies to identify, manage or prevent VT. This study addresses this gap by examining nurses' lived experiences of VT and the role of leadership in reducing the impact of VT. These insights together with results from the quantitative phase of the study, alongside a literature review, were used to develop the guidelines.

METHOD: Fifteen participants from the study's quantitative phase were interviewed using semistructured questions. Data were analysed thematically and an inductive coding approach ensured findings were grounded in participants' narratives.

RESULTS

Five core themes emerged are as follows: (1) positive growth associated with VT, (2) recognising negative consequences, (3) the role of organisational leadership, (4) support systems and (5) the evolving identity of addiction nurses. Leadership was recognised as functioning either as a risk or as a protective factor, depending on its form and application.

CONCLUSIONS

The qualitative findings of the study were used to develop the empirically informed organisational leadership guidelines to address VT in nursing. These guidelines represent a significant step forward in equipping healthcare organisations to protect their staff through proactive, structured organisational leadership interventions. Examples of these include awareness, education and support.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study underscores the critical role of organisational leadership in either exacerbating or alleviating VT. By implementing evidence-based guidelines that promote awareness, shared decision-making, emotional support and trauma-informed practices, nurse leaders can improve staff wellbeing, reduce stress and enhance service delivery in addiction service settings.