Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue in Nurses

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the concept and structure of compassion fatigue in nurses based on the relevant Japanese and English literature.

Methods: Twelve Japanese and ten English papers were reviewed using Walker and Avant’s concept analysis approach.

Results: Five attributes, seven antecedents, and five consequences were extracted. Compassion fatigue in nurses was defined as “a state in which nurses are continuously involved empathically with patients and their families in distress and pain for a long period of time, and experience feelings of helplessness and guilt associated with ethical conflicts, physical and mental illness, decreased empathy, deep fatigue, and low self-esteem when they cannot find meaning in nursing, leading to decreased quality of care, leaving the job, etc.”

Conclusion: Compassion is an essential element for nurses, but it is also a risk. The results of this study suggest that nurses need to be aware of the risk of compassion, acquire knowledge of compassion fatigue, and consider countermeasures.