The Emotional Cost of Caring for Others: One Pediatric Hospital's Journey to Reduce Compassion Fatigue

The Journal of Nursing Administration
Marlene WaldenValerie Wessel

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of compassion fatigue and life stress of pediatric nurses. Distressing patient situations over time may affect nurses' professional quality of life and result in compassion fatigue. If not addressed, compassion fatigue may have personal and organizational consequences. Using a descriptive, correlational design, a convenience sample of 268 nurses completed a web-based survey. High compassion satisfaction and moderate to low burnout and secondary traumatic stress were described by 49% of participants. Education was statistically associated with burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Life stress scores were significantly associated with age, experience, organizational tenure, and professional engagement. Narrative commentary yielded 5 themes: staffing, recognition, boundaries, expectations, and hopelessness. Organizational initiatives to prevent or mitigate compassion fatigue focused on awareness, balance, and connections. Nurses are negatively impacted by the emotional cost of caring. Future studies need to identify interventions to minimize compassion fatigue.

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Citations

Jul 14, 2020·Advances in Neonatal Care : Official Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses·Kim McManus, Patricia Robinson
Jun 12, 2021·Journal of Pediatric Health Care : Official Publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners·Kristen SchorchCarey Taylor

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