A simulation-based network analysis of intervention targets for vicarious trauma among tertiary hospital emergency nurses in China.

AIMS: To explore the interplay of vicarious trauma (VT) among emergency nurses and identify optimal intervention targets.

METHODS

Between August and October 2025, a cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 755 emergency nurses from 12 tertiary hospitals in Jiangsu Province, who completed a General Information Questionnaire and the Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire. Network analysis mapped interactions among VT symptoms, and the NodeIdentifyR algorithm simulated alleviating and aggravating interventions to determine potential intervention targets.

RESULTS

Mean VT score was 76.92 ± 21.265. Mental exhaustion when facing stress emerged as the core symptom and primary intervention target. In simulations, weakening it reduced the total VT score from 16.90 to 15.10 (-1.80), while enhancing it increased the score to 18.23 (+1.33). Several physiological symptoms, including nightmares, fatigue, nausea, and chest tightness or palpitations, were identified as secondary intervention targets.

CONCLUSION

Computer-simulated interventions offer a precise approach for exploring VT among emergency nurses. Identifying core targets, such as mental exhaustion and key physiological symptoms, may help inform the development of tailored strategies aimed at addressing VT and supporting psychological well-being and occupational resilience.