Kati L Wijdenes1, Terry A Badger, Kate G Sheppard. 1. Author Affiliations: Doctoral Candidate (Dr Wijdenes), University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona; Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (Dr Wijdenes), Currently United States Air Force, Biloxi, Mississippi; Professor and Director Community and Systems Health Science Division (Dr Badger); Clinical Associate Professor (Dr Sheppard), College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of compassion fatigue (CF) risk among nurses employed in a large southwestern hospital system. BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue is defined as multifaceted exhaustion stemming from untreated distress that leads to physical and emotional problems. Low morale, increased medication errors, and higher turnover can result. METHODS: A descriptive design was used to identify: 1) the prevalence and severity of CF risk among a sample of registered nurses; and 2) the differences in demographic characteristics correlated with CF risk. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of nurses reported moderate to high CF risk. Compassion fatigue risk was significantly associated with years of employment, unit worked, job changes, and use of sick days. CONCLUSION: This study reports new knowledge about compassion fatigue, established risk profiles across clinical units, and clarified optimal timing for interventions for those at the highest risk for CF.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the prevalence and severity of compassion fatigue (CF) risk among nurses employed in a large southwestern hospital system. BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue is defined as multifaceted exhaustion stemming from untreated distress that leads to physical and emotional problems. Low morale, increased medication errors, and higher turnover can result. METHODS: A descriptive design was used to identify: 1) the prevalence and severity of CF risk among a sample of registered nurses; and 2) the differences in demographic characteristics correlated with CF risk. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of nurses reported moderate to high CF risk. Compassion fatigue risk was significantly associated with years of employment, unit worked, job changes, and use of sick days. CONCLUSION: This study reports new knowledge about compassion fatigue, established risk profiles across clinical units, and clarified optimal timing for interventions for those at the highest risk for CF.