Feeling of Guilt, Stress, and Self-Compassion Among Nursing Staff in the Workplace

Caring for others is a core goal of nursing staff, but providing inadequate care can lead to feelings of guilt which might result in heightened levels of stress. However, self-compassion might function as a buffer, since it can help to cope with feelings of guilt. A cross-sectional survey with an exploratory approach was conducted to investigate quantitative associations between guilt and stress, as well as self-compassion as a potential moderator. Additionally, qualitative data were collected to explore triggers and coping mechanisms related to workplace guilt. A heterogeneous sample of nursing staff (N = 179) participated in the survey. Stress, guilt, and self-compassion were assessed with validated self-report questionnaires and details about workplace guilt were assessed with open-ended questions. Interpersonal guilt was linked to increased stress (r = 0.41, p < 0.01) and less self-compassion (r = -0.59, p < 0.01). Moreover, self-compassion was linked to less stress, too (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Against expectations, self-compassion did not moderate the relationship between guilt and stress. Qualitative findings showed that workplace guilt occurred, on average, 7.26 days per month and was mainly due to shortages of time (37.5%) and staff (18.5%). Coping strategies included communication (30%) and suppression of feelings (9%). Solutions were mainly targeted at system changes (33.5%) and offers for dialog (21.5%). Overall, this study illuminates the underlying dynamics of guilt-experiences in the workplace and how these experiences are linked to stress and self-compassion.