Secondary and Vicarious Traumas Experienced by School Nurses

Abstract

School nurses play a critical role in supporting students’ physical and psychological health while simultaneously managing family dynamics and educational systems. Through this work, they are frequently exposed to students’ adverse life events and trauma, placing them at risk for secondary and vicarious trauma with potential long-term consequences. Despite growing recognition of these risks among healthcare and school professionals, school nurses remain underrepresented in the literature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss secondary and vicarious trauma, present implications for school nurses, and provide resources and guidance on recognition and response to these traumas.

Keywords

school nursing secondary trauma vicarious trauma compassion fatigue

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