Compassion fatigue, burnout and compassion satisfaction among emergency nurses: A path analysis

Area of Science:

• Nursing Science
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Emergency nurses face unique stressors contributing to compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction.
• Understanding the interplay of these factors is crucial for supporting emergency nursing staff.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a model examining relationships between compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction in emergency nurses.
• To identify factors influencing and consequences of these psychological states.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 445 emergency nurses in Shanghai.
• Path analysis was used to evaluate the hypothesized model and direct/indirect effects.

Main Results:

• Compassion satisfaction and fatigue directly influenced burnout; satisfaction also increased fatigue.
• Perceived social support enhanced satisfaction and reduced fatigue.
• These factors had complex effects on mental and physical health and turnover intention.

Conclusions:

• Compassion satisfaction and fatigue can coexist in emergency nurses, influencing burnout.
• Perceived social support is a protective factor.
• Interventions addressing social support and psychological well-being are needed.