Determination of Compassion and Compassion Fatigue in Intensive Care Nurses

Abstract

Introduction: Compassion is defined as the sadness felt by a living thing or a person due to a negative situation. Compassion fatigue describes emotional, physical, social and spiritual exhaustion or a decrease in these feelings. The concept of compassion, which is at the center of nursing, may be related to compassion fatigue in nurses. Objective: The aims of the study were to determine the level of compassion fatigue and compassion among intensive care nurses and to examine the relationship between them. Methods: This study was conducted through descriptive research and cross-sectional survey. The population of the research consisted of intensive care nurses from two hospitals in Turkey. Since the universe is accessible, the sample selection method was not used (n = 182). Demographic data form, Compassion Fatigue sub-dimension of the Professional Quality of Life Scale and Compassion Scale were used in the study. Results: The mean score of the nurses’ compassion fatigue was 15.86 ± 7.22, and compassion was 72.21 ± 7.28. There was a moderate negative relationship between compassion and compassion fatigue (r = −.405). It was determined that the nurses’ compassion was at a moderate level and their compassion fatigue was at a low level. Conclusion: It can be assumed that ICU nurses’ compassion is at a medium level and their compassion fatigue is at a low level. It was established that as the compassion level of the nurses increased, the level of compassion fatigue decreased. Developing a sense of compassion in nurses working in intensive care units can reduce compassion fatigue.