Objective To explore the psychological recovery for nurse "second victim" after adverse patient events, and to provide reference for formulating supportive measures. Methods Using interpretative phenomenological approach, in-depth interview was conducted among 11 clinical nurses who had experienced adverse patient events. Results Psychological recovery of clinical nurses after adverse patient events included six stages: psychological disorder, accident response, intrusive thinking, positive introspection, emotional recovery and positive coping. Conclusion Nursing managers should take corresponding interventions based on different stages of psychological recovery to help nurses cope with adverse patient events and alleviate their stress.