Compassion Fatigue in Pediatric Nurses and Affecting Factors

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the development of compassion fatigue in pediatric nurses, focusing on socio-demographic factors such as age, type of clinic, duration of employment, and type of hospital. Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 108 pediatric nurses from state and university hospitals in Antalya and Burdur, Türkiye. Data were collected using an online survey that included questions on work schedule, job satisfaction, impact of patient condition on job, and work approach. Compassion fatigue was measured using the Professional Quality of Life scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: Age, type of clinic, duration of employment, and type of hospital were significantly associated with varying levels of compassion fatigue among pediatric nurses. Nurses with 1-5 years of experience had significantly different compassion fatigue levels compared to those with 6-10 years of experience. However, no significant relationship was found between compassion fatigue scores and work shift or marital status. Nearly all nurses (99.3%) experienced low to moderate levels of compassion fatigue. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering socio-demographic factors in addressing compassion fatigue among pediatric nurses. By understanding these factors, healthcare institutions can develop targeted interventions to support nurses and improve patient care quality.