Abstract
Introduction
With the current and ever-growing shortage of nurses in the United States, it is imperative
that nurses find ways to prevent burnout and effectively manage compassion fatigue
that can result from working with traumatized populations. The aim of this study is
to identify the triggers and coping strategies that nurses who work with children
with chronic conditions use to manage compassion fatigue and prevent burnout.
Method
In this descriptive qualitative pilot project, 20 experienced nurses who work with
children with chronic conditions were interviewed about their experiences with compassion
fatigue and burnout.
Results
Findings indicate that compassion fatigue is commonly and episodically experienced
by nurses working with children with chronic conditions and their families. Participants
reported that insight and experience helped them develop short- and long-term coping
strategies to minimize and manage compassion fatigue episodes and prevent burnout.
Discussion
Nurses need to be able to identify signs of compassion fatigue and develop a range
of coping strategies and a support system to revitalize their compassion and minimize
the risk of burnout.
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Article info
Footnotes
☆Preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by the Center for Children with Special Health Care Needs, funded by Health Resources and Services Administration/Maternal and Child Health Bureau (grant No. 6T80 MC00010-11-01).
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 The National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
