An exploratory descriptive study of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction: Examining potential risk and...

Larger patient caseloads and increased workplace responsibility for nurse practitioners (NPs) may exacerbate factors leading to compassion fatigue (CF).

The purpose of this study is to analyze the rate of burnout in practicing NPs by looking at contributing factors that play a role in CF and compassion satisfaction (CS).

A NP social media platform was used to distribute a survey to a convenience sample of 208 NPs. Data included the Professional Quality of Life Scale V (ProQOL V) tool, demographic data, and protective factor questions. The data were dissected for CF and protective factors of CS.

The relationship of mindfulness practices and levels of CS was statistically significant. The relationship between support from family, coworkers, and administration and levels of CS was also found statistically significant. A large association was found between the correlation of burnout and support from coworkers.

Findings showed an average to high level of CS with a low-to-average burnout rate among the NPs surveyed. There was a direct impact between the amount of support participants received from individual support systems and their level of CS. These findings could be beneficial for new NP graduates in establishing a sense of community while reducing the risk for burnout.