“The worst part wasn’t what happened. It was explaining it to people who smiled and changed the subject.”
If you’re a nurse who’s experienced trauma on the job through violence or harassment you might already know that what breaks you isn’t always the moment it happens.
Sometimes, it’s what follows when you try to speak up and no one listens.
This is called trauma invalidation. And in healthcare, it’s far too common.
Maybe a patient threatened you. Maybe a coworker crossed a line. Maybe you watched something that still wakes you up at night. But when you finally find the courage to tell someone, you’re faced with harsh instances from the way no one says anything, the way it gets brushed off, or even the way you’re left alone with it. And suddenly, it’s not just what happened that’s weighing on you, it’s the silence that followed.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 75% of workplace assaults happen in healthcare. And yet, reporting rates are low. Why? Because many nurses fear retaliation or being labeled “too sensitive.” Worse still, when trauma comes from inside the system through colleagues, leadership and even the culture itself, it becomes even harder to name, let alone be believed.
Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Freyd calls this “betrayal trauma” when harm comes from someone or something you rely on for safety. It cuts deep because it confuses your sense of trust, not just in others, but in yourself. And that confusion can linger, it can grow into PTSD, not just because of what happened… But because no one stood beside you after it did.
If you’re a nurse carrying invisible trauma, know this: You are not weak. You are not alone.
Your experiences are real, even if they were brushed aside. And healing is possible.
Being believed can be a turning point. So if you’re ever in the position to witness someone else’s pain, be the person who stays. Because in a system where everyone’s watching patients, nurses need someone watching over them, too. And sometimes, safety starts before a crisis with tools that prevent hazards from escalating.
Today’s technology is quietly changing how protection works in healthcare, from discreet wearables that silently call for help, to systems that detect risks before they escalate. These tools don’t replace trust or support but they do offer something powerful when it matters most; a way to be heard, even when you can’t speak.
Safety can take many forms. A gesture, a tool, a person who has your back. Sometimes, it starts with something simple, and the peace of mind to act.