Implementing a Peer Support Network to Promote Compassion Without Fatigue

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to implement a Peer Support Network (PSN) pilot project including education/training, peer support, and resiliency training and to explore how interventions impact compassion satisfaction (CS) and compassion fatigue (CF) in a community hospital. BACKGROUND: CF has been reported to negatively affect nurse retention. The PSN provides a 3-tiered team approach to enhance CS and support nurses experiencing CF symptoms. METHODS: Twenty nurses participated in PSN training and completed preimplementation and 6-week postimplementation surveys: Professional Quality of Life, Compassion Practice Instrument, and self-care resource utilization. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in CS and nonstatistical improvements in CF were found. CONCLUSION: Promoting a PSN may increase CS and potentially prevent work-related physical, emotional, social, and intellectual CF sequelae.