Burnout, secondary traumatic stress and compassion fatigue are widespread among nurses. The effects can be personally and professionally devastating.  The damage done can last decades.

But there is hope.

Through targeted research, institutional change and improved self-care we can maximise our resilience to those traumatic experiences that are often unavoidable for those on the front-line of health care. 

We cannot eradicate all risk. But we can eradicate toxic workplace cultures that perpetuate the myth that occupational violence is just part of the job. We can report abuse when it occurs and demand improved safety and security in our workplaces. We can identify, manage and refuse to tolerate victim blaming and bullying.  We can destigmatise work-stress and asking for help. We can build collegial environments characterised by teamwork, trust and respect.

And together we can learn to bend but not break.