Wounded healers during the COVID‐19 syndemic: Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nursing care providers in Greece

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate compassion fatigue (CF) and compassion satisfaction (CS) in nursing care providers in COVID‐19 units. Methods A mixed‐method study with 105 nurses. Results 23% of participants reported high CF risk while 77% expressed high to moderate potential for CS. Adequate preparation/education, clear and accountable leadership, and team sharing of feelings, experiences, and responsibilities during the transition in the COVID‐19 unit helped participants to deal with overwhelming anxiety which if unattended could bring about frustration and long‐lasting feelings of powerlessness. Practical Implications In the face of the present and future pandemics, there is a clear need to prepare healthcare organizations and nursing care providers to cope with the emotional content of public health emergencies while protecting themselves and avoid absorbing unmanageable emotions.

Impact of COVID-19 on Intensive Care Unit Nurse Duty of Care and Professional Roles: A Qualitative Content Analysis

“…Several nurses expressed a moral obligation and personal pride that they could care for COVID patients under such adverse conditions. This finding of professional obligation and self-esteem in being able to “answer the call” was consistent with prior studies on COVID nursing ( Bennett et al, 2020 ; Foli et al, 2021 ; Missouridou et al, 2021 ).…”

Frontline nurses' compassion fatigue and associated predictive factors during the second wave of COVID‐19 in Kampala, Uganda

“…This is evidence to show that nursing caregivers may feel a sense of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment as they overcome anxiety and fear experienced during COVID-19, a view echoing the result of a study among nursing care providers in Greece (Missouridou et al, 2021). Thus, the initial impact, engaging in empathetic relationship with COVID-19 patients may lead to opportunities for growth and appreciation of life (Missouridou et al, 2021). Nevertheless, as researchers recommend, there is need for recognition of personal loss history, unresolved issues and acceptance of personal limitations which is necessary for nursing care providers suffering from compassion fatigue (Missouridou, 2017).…”

“…However, 21.27% of the participants indicated that had low levels of compassion fatigue. This is evidence to show that nursing caregivers may feel a sense of satisfaction and sense of accomplishment as they overcome anxiety and fear experienced during COVID-19, a view echoing the result of a study among nursing care providers in Greece (Missouridou et al, 2021). Thus, the initial impact, engaging in empathetic relationship with COVID-19 patients may lead to opportunities for growth and appreciation of life (Missouridou et al, 2021).…”

“…in China (Missouridou et al, 2021;Ogińska-Bulik et al, 2021;Yu et al, 2016). This incongruence may be attributed to differences in sample sizes, departments, cultures, regions, resources, and working environments in different countries.…”

“Fighting for life and losing”: Intensive Care Unit Nursing Staff’s Experience With COVID-19 Patient Deaths During the First Two Waves: A Qualitative Study

“…This may have resulted from adequate education, clear and accountable leadership, responsibilities during the transition in the COVID-19 unit, thus, helping to cope with devastating anxiety. 18 …”