Coping strategies as moderating factors to compassion fatigue among critical care nurses

This study measured levels of compassion fatigue, burnout and satisfaction among critical care and emergency nurses. It investigated coping strategies as moderating factors and as predictors to levels of compassion fatigue.

Using a cross-sectional design, this study was conducted on 228 (84.4%) out of 270 from four Jordanian hospitals. Nurses worked in different types of critical care units and emergency departments. Nurses completed a demographic questionnaire on the professional quality of life and coping strategies indicator scales.

Nurses had low to average compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary stress syndrome. Problem-solving and avoidance ranged between very low and average levels. Nurses reported having very low to average levels on seeking social support scale. Female nurses had better compassion satisfaction compared with their male colleagues, and the type of unit had a significant impact on the secondary stress syndrome, problem-solving, and seeking social support. Nurses from the surgical cardiovascular ICU scored the highest mean scores on the secondary stress syndrome. Better coping strategies were associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower levels of secondary stress syndrome. Problem-solving significantly predicted compassion satisfaction, avoidance significantly predicted secondary traumatic syndrome.

Coping strategies are moderating factors that could improve compassion satisfaction among critical care nurses. Managers could use findings to create healthier and supportive work environments. We recommend focusing on activities that promote better coping strategies, including improving the social support system. We also recommend replicating this study using a qualitative approach to identify further causes of compassion fatigue.