Compassion fatigue and satisfaction: Influence on turnover among oncology nurses at an urban cancer center

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Oncology nurses are exposed to stressors that may contribute to compassion fatigue (CF), leading to high rates of turnover, potential financial implications for organizations, and concerns for patient safety and employee well-being. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship among CF, compassion satisfaction (CS), and turnover intention in a sample of 93 inpatient oncology nurses at a 90-bed urban cancer center. METHODS: Data were collected using paper surveys. CS, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout were measured using the Professional Quality of Life-Version 5 scale, and turnover intention was determined using the Turnover Intention Scale-6. FINDINGS: Burnout and CS were found to be significantly predictive of turnover intention. Strategies to reduce CF individually and organizationally may improve patient and employee well-being.