Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout among Nurses

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to explore the compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue and burnout levels of nurses and the correlations between these variables. Materials and Methods: The research used a correlational descriptive cross-sectional design. This research was conducted with 185 nurses in a state hospital in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey between October-November 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire form and the professional quality of life scale. Results: Nurses' compassion satisfaction was found to be low, their compassion fatigue was high, and their burnout was moderate. A negative, weak, and significant correlation was found between compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue. There was a negative, weak, and insignificant correlation between compassion satisfaction and burnout, while a positive and highly significant correlation was found between compassion fatigue and burnout. Conclusions: Some intervention programs can be developed to reduce high levels of compassion fatigue among nurses. Also, stressors in the care environment/medium can be identified, and nurses’ exposure to these stressors can be prevented. Thus, compassion fatigue and burnout reduced, compassion satisfaction can be increased.