An exploratory descriptive study of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction: Examining potential risk and protective factors in advanced nurse practitioners

Abstract

Background: Larger patient caseloads and increased workplace responsibility for nurse practitioners (NPs) may exacerbate factors leading to compassion fatigue (CF). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the rate of burnout in practicing NPs by looking at contributing factors that play a role in CF and compassion satisfaction (CS). Methods: A NP social media platform was used to distribute a survey to a convenience sample of 208 NPs. Data included the Professional Quality of Life Scale V (ProQOL V) tool, demographic data, and protective factor questions. The data were dissected for CF and protective factors of CS. Results: The relationship of mindfulness practices and levels of CS was statistically significant. The relationship between support from family, coworkers, and administration and levels of CS was also found statistically significant. A large association was found between the correlation of burnout and support from coworkers. Implications for practice: Findings showed an average to high level of CS with a low-to-average burnout rate among the NPs surveyed. There was a direct impact between the amount of support participants received from individual support systems and their level of CS. These findings could be beneficial for new NP graduates in establishing a sense of community while reducing the risk for burnout.

Scoping review with textual narrative synthesis of the literature reporting stress and burn-out in specialist nurses: making the case for inflammatory bowel disease nurse specialists

“…Older participants had better CS scores (aged 50–60, 60.4%; aged >60, 58.3%); high levels of CS were also found in those with 5–10 years in practice (58.8%), with the highest CS scores reported by those with >20 years in practice (80%). 17 In another study, older nurses and those with more time in the role (16–20 years) had higher job satisfaction scores, decreased stress and lower levels of burn-out, while all age groups below 60 years+had lower job satisfaction scores, and nurses in mid-life (31–40 years old) had higher DP scores than older nurses (51–60 years old). 7 A third study found that while 41% of participants had never experienced burn-out, the highest rates of burn-out were reported in the 24–34 years (former burn-out 32.6%; current burn-out 30.7%), and 35–44 years (former 41.0%; current 29.8%) age groups.…”

“…Finally, an exploration of CF and CS, both known precursors to burn-out, reported low levels of CF and high levels of CS in the sample (n=208), deducing low levels of burn-out across the cohort. 17 …”

“… 7 17 18 There was a significant positive relationship between increased levels of CS and increased perceptions of report received from managers (p=0.025, Cramér V=0.231), coworkers (p≤0.001, Cramér V=0.347) and family and friends (p≤0.001, Cramér V=0.385), which was then related to lower levels of burn-out. 17 …”

“… 20 Self-care practices—including healthy eating, exercise, mindfulness practices, taking time off/holidays and seeking therapy were protective. 17 18 20 …”

“… 20 There was a statistically significant positive relationship between mindfulness practices and the level of CS with a moderate to large effect size (p=0.016, Cramér V=0.242), and between meditative practices and burn-out (p=0.42, Cramér V=0.219). 17 As described above, the presence and quality of support from coworkers, managers and administrators affects the level of burn-out among CNSs, 17 and support, workload management and reducing peer to peer conflict are recommended to reduce burn-out and increase retention among CNSs. 7 In another study, ‘self-care’, ‘career development’, ‘leadership support’ and ‘creating community’ (work-based teambuilding) are recommended areas for attention, 18 while the final study recommends resolving work–family conflict (restoring work–life balance and giving greater support (mentorship) to young professionals transitioning into the CNS role’.…”