Relationship Between Second Victim Experience and Turnover Intention in Chinese Nurses: Assessing the Mediating Role of Posttraumatic Growth Using Structural Equation Modeling

<b>Aim:</b> This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of posttraumatic growth in the relationship between second victim experience and turnover intention, as well as the moderating effect of resilience among nurses who have experienced second victimization. <b>Background:</b> Healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, are vulnerable to becoming "second victims" following adverse events. However, the prevalence of second victim experiences among nurses has been largely overlooked, and limited attention has been given to the relationship among posttraumatic growth and turnover intention. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional survey was conducted using convenience sampling. A total of 572 nurses participated in the study, with data collected via the Questionnaire Star Platform. The study utilized a general information questionnaire, the Resilience Scale, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool, and the Turnover Intention Scale to assess relevant variables. <b>Results:</b> The average scores of second victim experience, resilience, posttraumatic growth, and turnover intention were (64.86 ± 11.32), (26.52 ± 8.13), (62.12 ± 11.32), and (16.05 ± 4.42), respectively. The second victim experience was positively correlated with turnover intention (<i>r</i> = 0.372, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and the posttraumatic growth partially mediated the relationship between second victim experience and turnover intention, with an indirect effect of -0.015 (95% CI = -0.0027∼-0.006). The relationships between second victim experience and turnover intention, as well as the mediating effect of posttraumatic growth, were moderated by resilience (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> The second victim experience among nurses following adverse event has a significant mediating effect on turnover intention. Additionally, resilience moderates both the direct and indirect pathways in the model linking second victim experience, posttraumatic growth, and turnover intention. <b>Implications for Nursing Management:</b> The second victim phenomenon presents a significant challenge and warrants greater attention. Hospital managers should recognize the impact of second victim experiences, foster a supportive and safe practice environment, and provide psychological support to protect healthcare professionals' mental health, reduce turnover intention, and enhance nursing quality and safety.