Experiences of perinatal nurses regarding compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction: a phenomenological study

This study aims to understand the essence of perinatal nurses' experiences, thoughts, and feelings on compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue.

The descriptive phenomenological design was used in this study. Data were collected at in-depth interviews with 16 perinatal nurses. The thematic analysis method was used in data analysis.

Five main themes and 14 subthemes were determined. The first theme 'Compassionate Caring Behaviors' has four subthemes: affectionate behaviors, responsiveness to women' needs, and authentic informing. The theme of 'Gains of Compassionate Care' has two subthemes: easier with same-sex patients and achieving moral satisfaction. The theme of 'The Other Side of Care' contained the subthemes not being understood, challenging care moments, specific nursing expectations, and a demanding work environment. The theme of "Relieving Burden of Care' has three subthemes trying to understand, taking deliberate breaks in communication, and coping with the experience. The last theme 'Cost of Caring: Compassion Fatigue' has two subthemes: avoiding women and multidimensional fatigue.

This study concluded that perinatal nurses were satisfied with compassionate care, caring for same-sex patients, and achieving moral satisfaction increased their compassion satisfaction while witnessing challenging care moments such as fetal loss, and a demanding work environment triggered compassion fatigue.