You Are Not Alone

Michele Fonville, October 2, 2025 

Acknowledging and Addressing PTSD in Nursing

As healthcare professionals, nurses stand on the front lines, witnessing life's most profound moments—triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between. This unique vantage point, while deeply rewarding, also exposes them to an extraordinary level of stress and trauma. For too long, the silent burden of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among nurses has gone largely unacknowledged.

Our Nursing Heroes Unseen Battle with PTSD

The reality is stark: PTSD exists in nursing, and its prevalence is far higher than many realize. While the lifetime prevalence of PTSD in the general U.S. population is estimated at 7 out of 100 people, a study on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among nurses estimates that an alarming 28 nurses out of 100 have a probable diagnosis of PTSD, with 15.4% experiencing severe symptoms. These aren't just numbers; they represent countless dedicated individuals silently struggling with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, anxiety, and a profound sense of emotional exhaustion.

We understand what nurses are going through. The relentless demands, the exposure to suffering and death, the ethical dilemmas, and the pressures of understaffing all contribute to an environment ripe for trauma. Acknowledging the trauma is not a sign of weakness; it's a courageous recognition of the immense psychological toll  that a profession dedicated to caring for others can have.

A Glimpse into Clara's Journey

To underscore this reality, let's consider a composite persona that reflects the experiences of many nurses:

Meet Clara Jensen, a 31-year-old Registered Nurse with 7 years of service. Clara has a presumptive diagnosis of PTSD. She's not taking medication for a mental illness, has no history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, or substance abuse.  Clara is also not experiencing active suicidal ideation. Yet, her daily life is profoundly impacted.

Clara's work environment likely triggers her symptoms. Her triggers are often sensory—the particular smell of antiseptic, the urgent beeping of an IV pump, or the sound of a "Code Blue" alarm. Situational triggers, like being on an understaffed shift in the ICU or having to deliver devastating news to a young family, can plunge her back into moments of intense distress.

Clara’s symptoms include intrusive memories of past critical patient incidents, particularly when she tries to relax. She finds herself avoiding news about medical emergencies and withdrawing from social conversations about work. Clara experiences persistent feelings of detachment from her colleagues and friends, and battles pervasive negative beliefs about herself, always wondering if she could have done more. At home, she struggles with insomnia, is easily startled, and often feels irritable.

Clara's story, while fictional, mirrors the experiences of thousands of nurses who, like her, continue to show up for their patients despite carrying immense invisible burdens. There are other people going through this, and their struggles are valid and real.

Finding Support and a Path Forward

Recognizing that you are not alone is the first critical step toward healing. It validates your experiences and opens the door to seeking support. It’s time we collectively acknowledge the depth of this challenge and ensure our nurses receive the resources and understanding they so profoundly deserve.

We, at 2-Dooz, Inc., acknowledge the battle of PTSD in nursing.  In response, we are offering a free opportunity to participate in a new, drug-free clinical study to mitigate your PTSD symptoms. The study assesses the effectiveness of the Distress Systems Mitigation (DSM) App and Smart Ring, a novel technology designed to help individuals manage and reduce the severity of their PTSD symptoms. This is not just another treatment; it's a tool for self-care and symptom stabilization.

By participating, you have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in PTSD care. The study offers a chance to explore a technology that could help you manage your PTSD symptoms and continue to be a Nurse hero; caring for yourself so that you can care for others.

Recruitment is officially underway for this first-of-its-kind clinical study! If you are a nurse who is looking for a new, non-drug proactive path to managing your PTSD symptoms, we invite you to learn more.