Every day, those working in trauma-exposed environments encounter stories and situations that leave lasting imprints. Alongside these experiences, they also face organizational pressures and ethical challenges that can contribute to exhaustion and distress. Over time, this exposure may lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS), burnout, and moral distress—three overlapping yet distinct occupational hazards that, if left unaddressed, can erode individual well-being, professional purpose, and organizational health.

Participants will:
1) Explain the difference between secondary traumatic stress, moral distress, and burnout
2) Identify the individual, organizational, and societal roles in addressing secondary traumatic stress and explain how each level contributes to solutions
3) Specify how awareness, building skills and connections are all critical to addressing the impacts of working in trauma exposed workplaces.
4) Identify two ways that peer support and supervisory support can help mitigate secondary traumatic stress