Assessing Compassion Fatigue Risk Among Nurses in a Large Urban Trauma Center

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.