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Compassion satisfaction: A concept analysis in nursing
Tara L Sacco1,2,3, Linda Carman Copel3
1Wegmans School of Nursing, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY.
Background:
Nurses experience an intrinsic sense of fulfillment derived from their work in caring for other people. There is a need to further investigate the concept of compassion satisfaction as it is experienced in the profession of nursing.
Aim:
The aim of this analysis is to provide clarity to the concept of compassion satisfaction in nursing.
Design/Data Source:
A search of social work and nursing literature was completed. The search terms "compassion satisfaction," "nursing," "social workers," "teachers," and "educators" were entered in various combinations to the CINAHL, Journals@Ovid, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Source, ProQuest Psychology Journals, PsychINFO, ERIC, and Education Full Text databases.
Review Methods:
A comprehensive review of the literature was completed to identify features of compassion satisfaction. Utilizing the Walker and Avant method, assumptions, antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of compassion satisfaction were identified.
Results:
A conceptual model of compassion satisfaction was developed encompassing 7 antecedents, 11 characteristics, and 8 consequences. Further, a theoretical definition of compassion satisfaction in nursing was derived.
Conclusion:
There is a need to focus on the positive effects of caring. This concept analysis provides the initial step to strengthening the science related to compassion satisfaction in nursing and other helping professions.
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