Working In The Health Care Industry Often Puts Health Care A

Working In The Health Care Industry Often Puts Health Care Professiona

Working in the health care industry often puts health care professionals in the line of danger from ill patients, stressed families, overburdened health care facilities, and the many situations and locations in which each individual works. The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CIS) Management Tool has been designed to decrease the stress levels of those that experienced or witnessed violence or trauma. You will read the article "Workplace violence: Differences in perceptions of nursing work between those exposed and those not exposed: A cross-sector analysis" to complete your assignment. Write a 1,250-1,500-word paper describing the CIS. Be sure to specifically address: What are the physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to stress? Can you name at least three professions that are at risk and would have utilized the tool? What is the purpose of using the tool? What is the expected outcome from utilizing this stress management tool? Do you believe the tool to be useful in decreasing stress and coping with violence in the workplace? Why or why not? Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located on the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion. You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Paper For Above instruction

The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CIS) is a structured process designed to help individuals cope with traumatic events, particularly in workplaces where exposure to violence, injury, or life-threatening situations is common. Initially developed for emergency responders, CIS has become a vital tool across various professions, especially in healthcare, law enforcement, and social services, to mitigate the psychological and physiological impacts of stress and trauma.

Physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral reactions to stress vary widely among individuals, but common responses include heightened physiological arousal such as increased heart rate, muscle tension, and fatigue. Cognitively, individuals may experience difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts, or confusion. Emotionally, stress often manifests through anxiety, irritability, or feelings of helplessness and despair. Behaviorally, stress can lead to withdrawal, irritability, or risky behaviors such as substance abuse. Recognizing these reactions is essential for implementing effective strategies like CIS to address trauma proactively.

Among the professions at heightened risk for experiencing trauma and utilizing CIS are healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and firefighters. Healthcare workers, particularly those working in emergency departments or psychiatric units, frequently encounter violence or sudden patient death, which can severely impact their mental health. Law enforcement officers and firefighters also face unpredictable and dangerous situations daily. These professionals benefit from CIS as it provides a structured opportunity for reflection and processing of traumatic incidents, reducing the likelihood of long-term psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The primary purpose of CIS is to provide immediate psychological support following a critical incident, allowing individuals to process their reactions, normalize their feelings, and develop coping strategies. This debriefing aims to prevent the escalation of stress reactions into chronic mental health conditions. Additionally, CIS promotes group cohesion by encouraging shared understanding and support among team members, which enhances resilience and reduces feelings of isolation.

The expected outcome of utilizing the CIS stress management tool includes a reduction in symptoms of acute stress and anxiety, improved emotional regulation, and increased resilience against future stressors. By addressing reactions promptly, CIS helps prevent the development of chronic conditions such as burnout, depression, or PTSD. It also fosters a culture of openness about mental health concerns, encouraging ongoing support and intervention when necessary.

In my view, the CIS tool is highly useful in decreasing stress and aiding coping strategies in environments prone to violence and trauma. Its structured approach offers immediate relief and long-term benefits by normalizing reactions and promoting adaptive coping. The tool's success depends on proper implementation and the willingness of individuals to engage openly. When effectively used, CIS can significantly enhance the mental health and safety of healthcare workers and other at-risk professions, contributing to a healthier, more resilient workforce.

References

  • Everly, G. S., Jr., & Mitchell, J. T. (2000). Critical incident stress management (CISM): A new paradigm in stress response. Journal of Emergency Nursing, 26(3), 250-256.
  • Rose, S., Bisson, J. I., Wessely, S., & Geddes, J. (2005). Psychological debriefing for preventing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD000560.
  • Sprang, G., & Eslinger, D. (2013). Post-traumatic stress disorder in parents following pediatric traumatic injury: A review of the literature. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 14(2), 143-156.
  • Hofmann, S. G., & Heinrichs, N. (2015). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for stress management. In B. O. Roth & J. M. Norcross (Eds.), Handbook of Psychotherapy. Guilford Press.
  • Mitchell, J. T. (1983). Critical incident stress debriefing: An operations protocol. Glen Oaks, NY: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation.
  • Jayaratne, S., & Rugh, J. (2009). The role of peer support in fire service personnel's mental health. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 14(2), 165–177.
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  • Berger, W., et al. (2012). Psychopathology in police officers after exposure to trauma: A meta-analysis. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 25(4), 426-432.
  • Armour, C., & Shumaker, B. (2010). Critical incident stress management (CISM): A review. Health & Safety Journal, 45(4), 13-19.
  • McCammon, S., et al. (2017). Impact of workplace violence on healthcare workers: Strategies for prevention. Healthcare Management Review, 42(2), 164-172.