Exploring Workplace Strategies and Support Systems That Impact Resilience Among Emergency Department Nurses in Australia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Emergency department nurses work in highly demanding, time-pressured environments that test psychological resilience and influence workforce retention. While resilience is recognised as essential, there is limited evidence explaining how workplace strategies and organisational supports collectively strengthen it within Australian EDs. Aim: To explore workplace strategies and support systems that influence the resilience of emergency department nurses in Australia. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with eight registered nurses from metropolitan and regional emergency departments in Victoria. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s (2023) thematic analysis framework. Results: Three overarching themes, including nine subthemes. Leadership and Resources: Supportive, transparent, and empathetic leadership enhanced resilience through open communication, recognition, and inclusion in decision-making, while poor communication and limited resources undermined morale and confidence. Teamwork, Peer Support, and Individual Qualities: Collaborative teamwork, trust, and shared understanding promoted psychological safety. Peer support and emotional check-ins were vital for managing stress, and personal qualities such as adaptability and reflection strengthened coping. Organisational Strategies: Structured orientation, debriefing, and professional development were viewed as essential but inconsistently implemented. Formal debriefing offered emotional recovery, yet a lack of standardisation limited its benefit. Discussion: Resilience was confirmed as a dynamic, context-dependent process shaped by individual, interpersonal, and organisational factors. The study extends previous literature by examining how interconnected workplace strategies, rather than isolated factors, enhance resilience. Findings highlight inconsistent implementation of supportive practices, the absence of standardised debriefing frameworks, and the need for clear leadership and professional development structures to sustain psychological safety and workforce retention. Conclusion: Building a resilient ED nursing workforce requires visible, empathetic leadership, equitable rostering, career pathways, structured debriefing, and team-building initiatives. This study might fill a gap in Australian research by exploring how workplace strategies collectively impact resilience among emergency nurses, offering practical insights for sustainable, supportive systems.