Aim This cross‐sectional correlation study aimed to explore the associations among patient safety culture, organisational support, second victim‐related distress, absenteeism and turnover intentions in the registered nurses (RNs) by using structural equation modelling. Background Medical errors could cause RNs’ second victim‐related distress, which may either positively or negatively impact patient safety culture. Method The Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) and Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) were used to investigate 267 RNs who were involved in direct patient care and medical errors within the previous year in China. Results About half (45.3%) of nurses experienced psychological distress, and 26.6% of the nurses intended to leave. The model showed that 6 dimensions of patient safety culture have contributed to decreasing absenteeism and turnover intention via increased organisational supports and decreased second victim‐related distress. Conclusion The second victim‐related distress may be relieved, and organisational support may be enhanced through improvements in patient safety culture. Implications for nursing management Strategies are needed to establish an environment where cooperation/cooperative relationships between the supervisor and the staff nurse can be ensured.