What is known on the subject?• Trauma among psychiatric nurses and other healthcare workers is related to workplace violence, but other risk factors may also contribute, including those occurring before, during or after workplace violence.
What does this paper add to existing knowledge?• Most previously identified PTSD risk factors were not tested or supported in research with psychiatric nurses, although there is promising evidence for risk factors including severe or injurious assault, cumulative exposure, burnout, and other worker characteristics.• We identify directions for research needed to improve knowledge, including collecting data before nurses experience workplace violence, defining workplace risk factors consistently and conducting and reporting qualitative analysis.
What are the implications for practice?• Provide training in risk assessment and violence prevention to psychiatric nurses.• Offer mental health support to those exposed to violence, especially with cumulative exposure.