This study aimed to develop the Traumatic Event Experience Scale in Perioperative Nurses (TEE-PON) and assess its validity and reliability. The TEE-PON underwent two distinct phases: scale development and scale evaluation. In the scale development phase, an initial set of 26 preliminary items was formulated through a comprehensive literature review and a focus group interview. Content validity was assessed by six experts, resulting in a refined total of 16 items after eliminating 10 items and modifying six others. In the scale evaluation phase, a survey was administered to 109 perioperative nurses. Following item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, the final scale emerged with four distinct factors encompassing 15 items. These factors were identified as ‘Conflict and violence in interpersonal relationships,’ ‘The death of a patient,’ ‘Witnessing the patient’s damaged body,’ and ‘Limitations of the work environment’. Correlation analysis between these sub-factors and post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and job satisfaction confirmed the concurrent validity of the scale. The Cronbach’s α for the internal consistency of the finalized scale was 0.89, with sub-scales exhibiting values ranging from 0.69 to 0.87. The TEE-PON can be used as a valuable tool for assessing traumatic events experienced by perioperative nurses. Additionally, it can contribute to the development of intervention programs aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder and compassion fatigue while concurrently enhancing job satisfaction.