The nursing profession has long been associated with exposure to traumatic experiences, including mental health crises, violence, emergencies and death. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic amplified the importance of recognising the effects that working with trauma can have on nurses’ physical and psychological well-being, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. This article explores the concept of trauma and its various manifestations, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and secondary traumatic stress, which are increasingly prevalent among nurses. It also considers the adaptive and maladaptive coping mechanisms that may be adopted by nurses, and discusses the effectiveness and limitations of various debriefing interventions. The author emphasises the need for holistic support mechanisms, including ongoing psychological monitoring and tailored interventions to safeguard nurses’ well-being. Recommendations for practice include enhancing nurse education on trauma management, improving debriefing practices and fostering organisational responsibility for supporting nurses’ mental well-being. These measures are essential to ensure the sustainability of the nursing workforce and the quality of care provided to patients.