Compassion Fatigue Among Australian Oncology Nurses Caring for Adult Cancer Patients: Antecedents, Impact and Mediators

Abstract

AimsTo explore how Australian oncology nurses perceive and experience compassion fatigue when caring for adult cancer patients, how they mitigate compassion fatigue and identify potential interventions to address compassion fatigue.DesignA qualitative, descriptive study.MethodsTwenty Australian oncology nurses caring for adult cancer patients were interviewed between August and September 2023. Participants were recruited from a larger, quantitative study. Interviews were conducted virtually, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThree themes and nine sub‐themes were identified. Participants viewed heavy workloads, low staffing and organisational support as contributing factors to compassion fatigue. They described compassion fatigue as a feeling of having nothing left to give, impacting their ability to self‐care, deliver quality patient care and maintain relationships. The pride participants felt in their cancer care work helped mitigate compassion fatigue. Self‐care strategies, workplace mentoring and support were identified as ways to mitigate compassion fatigue.ConclusionThe work of oncology nurses can contribute to compassion fatigue, which may impact nurses and patient care. Organisations would benefit from supporting staff to engage in self‐care activities, professional development and mentoring.Implications for ProfessionalFindings support a multi‐tiered approach to addressing compassion fatigue among oncology nurses. Organisations can prioritise adequate staffing levels, mentoring opportunities, focused well‐being interventions and provide avenues for meaningful recognition.Reporting MethodThis study adheres to the COREQ reporting guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution.