“We Are Not Robots”: Understanding the psychosocial support needs of emergency department nurses – A qualitative study

Abstract

Introduction

Emergency department (ED) nurses face a range of emotionally challenging and critical occupational stressors. As a vital part of the healthcare workforce, providing psychosocial support and empowerment to nurses is essential. This requires identifying factors that mitigate the demanding and traumatic aspects of emergency nursing and understanding the current support systems. Therefore, this study explored emergency department nurses’ perceptions of psychosocial support, existing psychosocial support systems, and their feelings, thoughts, and experiences related to their psychosocial support needs.

Methods

This study employed a qualitative descriptive design. Participants were selected through purposeful sampling, and semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted with 16 emergency department nurses. Data were analyzed using Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis method. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist was followed to ensure rigorous reporting.

Results

Qualitative data analysis revealed three main themes and seven sub-themes. The three primary themes identified were perceived psychosocial support, psychosocial support services, and “we are not robots.”

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight emergency department nurses’ perceptions of psychosocial support, the state of existing support systems, and their unmet needs. Given the negative impact of inadequate services and insufficient support, a multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and easily accessible approach is recommended to establish and provide psychosocial support tailored to emergency nursing.