Empathy, a complex and multidimensional concept, has been defined in many ways within the context of nursing. Although there is general support that nurses' empathic attitude is important for patient's adherence to treatment and care satisfaction, there are still some inconsistencies in the link between empathy and nurses' well-being. The general aim of this study is to verify the role played by empathy in promoting well-being in nursing work. Therefore, 222 nurses from different hospitals in a north region of Italy, completed a self-administered questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Our result show that empathy is composed by two factors: a cognitive dimension (perspective taking) and an affective one (compassion). Perspective taking enhances job satisfaction, work engagement and reduces turnover intention. Compassion does not. These findings confirm that perspective taking and compassion have different impact on nurses' well-being. Further studies is required to inform education or for application in clinical settings.

No abstract

No abstract

Aim: Emotional dissonance resulting from nurse/patient interactions is usually considered to lead to negative outcomes, such as job dissatisfaction (Yang & Chang, 2008). Although there does exist some general support and acceptance of the positive link between emotional dissonance and job dissatisfaction, there are some inconsistencies in these findings (Pugh, Groth, & Hennig-Thurau, 2010). The aim of our study is to verify whether the relationship between emotional dissonance and job satisfaction can be influenced by organizational commitment and task significance. Method: A questionnaire was distributed to 222 nurses, working in two multidisciplinary hospitals in the Northwest region of Italy. Results and conclusion: Results provide support for the moderating role of organizational affective commitment and task significance. Organizational affective commitment and task significance can help nurses in moderating the detrimental effects of emotional dissonance on job satisfaction.

No abstract