A multifaceted approach to combating compassion fatigue in new emergency department nurses

The emergency department is often plagued with trauma and suffering. This hectic environment can take a toll on new nurses both mentally and physically. For new nurses who have not been taught proper coping skills, frequent exposure to trauma can have detrimental effects such as memory problems, poor judgment, and loss of concentration and focus. Compassion fatigue is described as emotional, physical and spiritual fatigue from witnessing and taking in the suffering and problems of others (Hunsaker, Hsiu-Chin, Maughan, & Heaston, 2015; Peery, 2010; Sabo, 2011). Compassion fatigue leads to absenteeism, turnover, and increased hospital costs. When nurses are equipped with the proper coping mechanisms, this condition is both manageable and preventable. Compassion fatigue is counterbalanced by compassion satisfaction which is defined as the satisfaction a caregiver gains from their work (Kelly & Lefton, 2017). This pilot study utilized a single group pre/post-test design with a convenience sample of emergency department nurses with 2 years of experience or less. Study interventions such as education, use of a tranquility room, counseling, and meaningful recognition were implemented to prevent and combat compassion fatigue and improve compassion satisfaction. Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction were measured pre- and post-intervention utilizing the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) version 5. A paired t-test and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results of the ProQOL and a demographic questionnaire. The findings of this study failed to show any statistical significance that a multifaceted compassion fatigue research project has an effect on compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction.DNPIncludes bibliographical reference