Traumatic incidents (TI) among nurses in the emergency department (ED) are a global concern [1]. The National Institute of Mental Health [2] defines TI as shocking, scary, or dangerous experiences that can have emotional and physical effects on individuals. Nurses working in the ED are at risk of encountering TI due to the nature of their work [[3], [4], [5]]. Emergency nurses play a pivotal role in providing immediate and critical care to patients. However, the nature of their work exposes them to a spectrum of TI that can significantly impact their well-being and professional performance [4]. Adriaenssens et al. (2012) [6] found that during the preceding six-month period, 87 % of emergency nurses reported exposure to more than one TI. Furthermore, a significant proportion of emergency nurses, specifically 28.7 %, demonstrated clinical levels of exhaustion.

TI has a significant impact on emergency nurses' mental, emotional, and physical well-being, as well as their professional performance [6,7]. Exposure to trauma can result in psychological distress, including symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contributing to burnout and diminished job satisfaction [[8], [9], [10]]. The emotional toll may impair concentration and decision-making abilities, affecting the quality of patient care [11,12]. Physically, stress-related symptoms such as headaches and sleep disturbances can emerge [13,14]. The risk of burnout is heightened, leading to potential turnover within the profession [9,15]. Moreover, TI can strain personal relationships and contribute to secondary trauma [11,16]. Addressing these impacts requires a policy and intervention to support mental health, work safety, and the environment.

In terms of factors related to TI among nurses in the ED, the nature of emergency situations, characterized by high acuity cases and unpredictability, contributes to the exposure of nurses to distressing events [17]. Additionally, the ED work environment, which is characterized by heavy workloads and inadequate staffing, exacerbates the stressors that nurses experience [[18], [19], [20]]. Patient interactions, such as encounters with violence, aggression, and death, further contribute to the TI [21]. Personal coping mechanisms and past experiences, as well as organizational factors such as the availability of support systems and training, influence how nurses respond to these challenges [[22], [23], [24]]. The lack of adequate support, the potential stigma around mental health, and communication challenges within the interdisciplinary team also play significant roles in shaping the impact of TI on nurses in the ED [[25], [26], [27]]. Addressing these challenges is essential for developing effective strategies to support the well-being of emergency nurses. This concept analysis highlights the necessity of delving into the complexities surrounding TI in emergency nursing.