Compassion fatigue in nurses

Appl Nurs Res. 2010 Nov;23(4):191-7. doi: 10.1016/j.apnr.2008.09.003.

Abstract

Compassion fatigue, trigger situations, and coping strategies were investigated in hospital and home care nurses. The Professional Quality of Life Scale measured compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout. Narrative questions elicited trigger situations and coping strategies. Compassion fatigue scores were significantly different between nurses who worked 8- or 12-hour shifts. Fifteen percent of the participants had scores indicating risk of the compassion fatigue. There were significant differences in compassion satisfaction, depending on the unit worked and time as a nurse. The most common category of trigger situations was caring for the patient. Work-related and personal coping strategies were identified.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adult
  • Burnout, Professional*
  • Education, Nursing
  • Empathy*
  • Fatigue*
  • Home Care Services / standards*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Staff / psychology*
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workload
  • Young Adult