Wounded healers during the COVID‐19 syndemic: Compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among nursing care providers in Greece. Issue 4 (10th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Missouridou, Evdokia; Mangoulia, Polyxeni; Pavlou, Vassiliki; Kritsotakis, Emmanouel; Stefanou, Evangelia; Bibou, Polyxeni; Kelesi, Martha; Fradelos, Evangelos C.
• Is Part Of: Perspectives in psychiatric care. Volume 58:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1421
• Page End: 1432
• Publication Date: 2021-09-10
• Subjects: burnout -- compassion fatigue -- compassion satisfaction -- emotional work -- nursing -- secondary posttraumatic stress -- spirituality -- trauma; Psychiatric nursing -- Periodicals; Psychiatric nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; 616.890231
• DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12946
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-5990

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate compassion fatigue (CF) and compassion satisfaction (CS) in nursing care providers in COVID‐19 units. Methods: A mixed‐method study with 105 nurses. Results: 23% of participants reported high CF risk while 77% expressed high to moderate potential for CS. Adequate preparation/education, clear and accountable leadership, and team sharing of feelings, experiences, and responsibilities during the transition in the COVID‐19 unit helped participants to deal with overwhelming anxiety which if unattended could bring about frustration and long‐lasting feelings of powerlessness. Practical Implications: In the face of the present and future pandemics, there is a clear need to prepare healthcare organizations and nursing care providers to cope with the emotional content of public health emergencies while protecting themselves and avoid absorbing unmanageable emotions.