School Nurse Second Victim
Healthcare providers who are emotionally traumatized by mistakes or other adverse events are named second victims (Wu, 2000). The patient is the first victim, and the caregiver who made the mistake is the second victim and also deserves care. School nursing is just beginning to recognize this issue while other health care sub-specialties have more resources and research.
Everyone makes mistakes. Mistakes are unavoidable. Nurses make mistakes. Doctors make mistakes. We all make mistakes and are not alone.
If you have any questions/comments or are interested in assisting in second victim research and/or support groups for school nurses, please email