Patient Safety Culture, Second Victim Experience, and Post‐Traumatic Growth Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Study

AIM: This study examined the relationships between patient safety culture, second victim experience, and post-traumatic growth among nurses in Iran. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. METHODS: A total of 435 nurses from various hospitals participated. Validated instruments were utilised to measure patient safety culture, second victim experience, and post-traumatic growth. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, independent samples t-tests, Pearson's correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Mean scores were as follows: patient safety culture, 132.31 ± 16.12; second victim experience, 111.72 ± 19.47; and post-traumatic growth, 59.05 ± 21.96. Patient safety culture was negatively correlated with second victim experience (r = -0.303, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with post-traumatic growth (r = 0.330, p < 0.001). Female nurses reported higher second victim experience scores than males (B = 4.28, p = 0.026, 95% CI [0.50, 8.07]), and those working longer hours (> 30 h per week) also exhibited higher second victim experience scores (B = 14.25, p < 0.001, 95% CI [6.40, 22.11]). Regression analysis indicated that patient safety culture was associated with lower levels of second victim experience (B = -0.37, p < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.49, -0.26]); however, second victim experience did not directly predict post-traumatic growth. The final model explained 13% of the variance in second victim experience. CONCLUSION: A stronger patient safety culture was associated with lower levels of second victim experiences and positively associated with post-traumatic growth. Female nurses and those working longer hours reported higher levels of second victim experience. The lack of a direct association between second victim experience and post-traumatic growth indicates that additional factors may shape this relationship. These findings highlight the importance of culturally sensitive safety initiatives and targeted support strategies for vulnerable groups. Longitudinal research is recommended to further clarify the temporal dynamics among these variables. REPORTING METHOD: This study adhered to the STROBE reporting guidelines for cross-sectional research. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: None. This study did not involve patients or the public as it focused exclusively on nurses' self-reported professional experiences.