Authors

  1. Neville, Kathleen PhD, RN
  2. Cole, Donna A. PhD, RN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the relationships among health promotion behaviors, compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction among nurses practicing in a community medical center.

 

BACKGROUND: Compassion fatigue and burnout are significant nursing stressors. Programs are available to offset the negative consequence of compassion fatigue and burnout and enhance compassion satisfaction, yet there remains a paucity of literature examining the relationships between health promotion behaviors, compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction.

 

METHODS: A nonexperimental design using a convenience sample of nurses completed the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, the Professional Quality of Life Scale, and a demographic data sheet.

 

FINDINGS: Statistically significant relationships among health promotional behaviors and compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and burnout were identified.

 

CONCLUSIONS: Compassion fatigue, burnout, and compassion satisfaction are outcomes associated with nursing practice. Support for engagement in health promotional behaviors may contribute to nurses' well-being in counteracting compassion fatigue and burnout and enhancing compassion satisfaction.