The Effects of Motivational Messages Sent to Emergency Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic on Job Satisfaction,Compassion Fatigue,and Communication Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, emergency nurses have been adversely affected physically, socially, and psychologically by factors such as increased workload, longer working hours, isolation from family, and limited resources. This study aimed to investigate the effect of motivational messages sent to emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic on their job satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and communication skills.MethodsThis was a randomized controlled experimental study. The study was conducted with 60 emergency nurses in 2 training and research hospitals in Istanbul between July 31 and August 31, 2021. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group (n = 30) received daily motivational messages to their mobile phones by short message service for 21 days; those in the control group (n = 30) received no motivational messages. The Job Satisfaction Scale, Compassion Fatigue Scale, and Communication Skills Scale were administered before and after the intervention.ResultsThe mean age was 29.8 (SD = 7.5) and 28.7 years (SD = 6.9) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in the groups’ scores for job satisfaction (P = .561), compassion fatigue (P = .687), or communication skills (P = .355). After the intervention, the intervention group had significantly higher scores for job satisfaction (P < .001) and communication skills (P < .001) and significantly lower compassion fatigue scores than the control group (P < .001).DiscussionOur results suggest that motivational messages sent to emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic increase job satisfaction and improve communication skills while reducing compassion fatigue.     

Evaluation of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction among emergency nurses in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundNurses working in emergency departments are overworked and exposed to frequent stressors over time, leading to compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress.AimsThis study aimed to assess the levels of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction, and examine the relationship of these two variables with specific demographic, health-related, and work-related factors among emergency nurses in Jordan.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study. The Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 was used to collect data.ResultsA convenience sampling method was used to recruit 203 registered nurses from emergency departments in Jordan. The mean compassion fatigue and satisfaction scores were moderate. There was a significant but negligible correlation between compassion satisfaction and educational levels (r = 0.15, p < 0.05) and between secondary traumatic stress and comorbid diseases (r = −0.16, p < 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough the levels of compassion fatigue and satisfaction were moderate, both may negatively affect nurses’ care and patient outcomes. Conversely, compassion satisfaction should be improved in order to overcome the negative effects of compassion fatigue.     

Prevalence and predictors of compassion satisfaction,secondary traumatic stress,and burnout among Chinese hospice nurses: A cross-sectional study

AimTo explore the prevalence and predictors of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout among Chinese hospice nurses.BackgroundBecause of prolonged and continual contact with suffering, deaths, and grief, hospice nurses may be vulnerable to emotional burdens and have difficulty maintaining their professional quality of life.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 478 hospice nurses were selected from 24 medical institutions in Sichuan province. Demographic, work-related information and work-related trauma questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Chinese version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the Professional Quality of Life Scale for Nurses were used for collecting data.ResultsThe mean scores of compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout were 34.89 ± 6.21, 26.35 ± 5.24, and 24.49 ± 5.01, respectively. Job satisfaction, perspective-taking, empathic concern, working in tertiary hospitals, and adopting cognitive reappraisal strategy were positively associated with compassion satisfaction, while personal distress was a negative factor, all variables explaining 50.7 % of the variance. Higher burnout was found among nurse who had higher personal distress, worked in secondary or primary hospitals, worked >8 h per day and caring for >10 dying patients last month. In addition, job satisfaction, social support, perspective-taking, empathic concern, and cognitive reappraisal were identified as significant protectors, explaining 50.1 % of the variance. We also found that lower job satisfaction, higher personal distress, higher expressive suppression, lack of social support, senior nurses, and cared for >10 dying patients last month, were positively related to secondary traumatic stress. However, cognitive reappraisal had negative associations. These seven factors explained 32.0 % of the variance.ConclusionsHospice care has specific characteristics and hospice nurses may suffer from more work-related stressors compared with other nurses. Our study may provide clues to help nursing administrators identify hospice nurses who are at higher risk of compassion fatigue and design targeted interventions focused on potential risk factors and protectors to improve hospice nurses' compassion satisfaction, while reducing compassion fatigue.     

Workplace aggression as cause and effect: Emergency nurses’ experiences of working fatigued

IntroductionEmergency nursing requires acute attention to detail to provide safe and effective care to potentially unstable or critically ill patients; this requirement may be significantly impaired by physical and mental fatigue. There is a lack of evidence regarding the effects of fatigue caused by factors other than a sleep deficit (e.g., emotional exhaustion). Fatigue affects nurses’ ability to work safely in the emergency care setting and potentially impacts their health and quality of life outside of work.MethodsThis was the qualitative arm of a mixed methods study; we used a qualitative exploratory design with focus group data from a sample of 16 emergency nurses. Themes were identified using an inductive approach to content analysis.Results/discussionThe following themes were identified: “It’s a weight on your back;” “Competitive nursing;” “It’s never enough;” “You have to get away;” and “Engagement as a solution.”ConclusionsOur participants reported high levels of fatigue, which compromised patient care, had a negative effect on their personal lives, and created a toxic unit environment. They reported lateral violence as both the cause and effect of mental and emotional fatigue, suggesting that unit culture affects nurses and the patients they care for.     

Traumatic Events Among Cancer Patients That Lead to Compassion Fatigue in Nurses: A Qualitative Study

ContextCancer care nurses are frequently exposed to patients' traumatic experiences and are at high risk of compassion fatigue.ObjectivesTo describe the components and frequencies of traumatic events experienced by patients with cancer, which give rise to nurse compassion fatigue.MethodsThis study is a supplementary analysis of data from a previous qualitative study. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 Japanese nurses, with at least two years of experience in cancer care and a history of compassion fatigue. Content analysis and constant comparison was used to identify relevant subcategories and categories. The frequencies of these subcategories and categories were then evaluated.ResultsEleven subcategories and four categories were identified. The kappa coefficient of these subcategories, determined by two independent raters, was 0.89. Subcategories with the highest frequencies among participants were as follows: having symptoms of cancer progression (n = 20; 67%), suffering because of insufficient pain control (n = 11; 37%), and being informed about getting cancer (n = 10; 33%). The four categories were as follows: worsening of physical condition (n = 20; 67%), bad news from doctors (n = 19; 63%), difficulty in treatment (n = 18; 60%), and emotional conflict with family (n = 6; 20%).ConclusionThis study identified the components and frequencies of traumatic events among patients with cancer that lead to the onset of nurse compassion fatigue. Such information will aid in understanding the triggers of compassion fatigue, allowing for possible preparation to reduce the risk of this occupational hazard.     

A cross-sectional study of clinical emergency department nurses’ occupational stress,job involvement and team resilience

IntroductionThe occupational stress of clinical nurses has drawn increasing attention. It has been proven that occupational stress is related to job involvement, and job involvement affects team resilience. However, research on the relationship between emergency nurses’ occupational stress, job involvement and team resilience is lacking.AimTo explore relationships between occupational stress, job involvement, and team resilience among a sample of emergency nurses and determined significant influencing factors of occupational stress in emergency departments.MethodsIn four hospitals in Shandong, China, 187 emergency room nurses participated in a study. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Chinese version of the Stressors Scale for Emergency Nurses, and a scale for evaluating the team resilience of medical professionals were used to collect data.ResultsThe overall occupational stress score of nurses working in the emergency departments in Shandong province was 81.07 ± 25.80. The results of Single-factor analysis demonstrated that the scores indicating the occupational stress for emergency nurses differed significantly with respect to age, education level, marital status, children, professional title, work experience and work shift (P < 0.05). Additionally, there is a negative correlation between job involvement and team resilience and occupational stress. Multiple linear regression results showed that the job involvement, team resilience and work shift were statistically significant influencing factors of the level of occupational stress (change R² = 17.5 %, F = 5.386, P < 0.001).ConclusionsStronger team resilience and more active job involvement resulted in lower occupational stress levels experienced by emergency nurses.     

传染病医院护士同情心负荷的质性研究

目的了解传染病医院护士同情心负荷的影响因素以及护士应对同情心负荷过高的方法,避免同情心负荷过高造成职业倦怠。方法采用质性研究EdmundHusserl观点构成的现象学方法为指导,使用个人访谈法,深入访问在某三级甲等传染病医院工作的7位注册护士,运用现象学分析法对资料进行分析、整理并提炼主题。结果一定的同情心负荷有助于护士完成本职工作,但同情心负荷过高则会导致护士产生职业倦怠。结论为了避免护士同情心负荷过高造成职业倦怠,护理管理者需从护理入职培训、护理管理、心理疏导等方面采取有效措施,引导护士正确应对同情心负荷。     

Resilience as a mediator between compassion fatigue,nurses' work outcomes,and quality of care during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundNurses in the frontline of the battle against COVID-19 are highly vulnerable to compassion fatigue (CF), which may affect their mental health, work effectiveness, and patient safety outcomes. However, no studies have investigated nurses' CF in relation to job outcomes and care quality during the pandemic.AimsThis study aims to examine the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between CF and frontline nurses' job outcomes (job satisfaction and turnover intention) and care quality.DesignAn online, cross-sectional survey containing five self-report scales was used to collect data from 270 frontline nurses in selected hospitals in the Philippines.ResultsOverall, 38.5% of frontline nurses experienced medium to high CF during the second wave of the pandemic. Increased CF was associated with poorer nurse-reported quality of care (β = −0.145, p = 0.019), lower job satisfaction (β = −0.317, p = 0.001), and higher organizational turnover intention (β = 0.301, p = 0.001). Moreover, resilience fully mediated the relationship between CF and quality of care (β = −0.088, p = 0.169), and partially mediated the relationship between CF and job satisfaction (β = −0.259, p = 0.001), and CF fatigue and organizational turnover intention (β = 0.272, p = 0.001).ConclusionFrontline nurses are at risk of developing CF during the pandemic. Psychological resilience reduces the negative impact of CF on frontline nurses' job satisfaction, turnover intention, and the quality of care in their assigned unit. Proactive measures to reduce CF should be prioritized by nursing administrators. Resilience-promoting interventions could foster job satisfaction and retention in nurses and, hence, the quality of care delivered in their units.     

La experiencia emocional de enfermeras de la Unidad de Hospitalización a Domicilio en cuidados paliativos: un estudio cualitativo exploratorio

ObjectiveTo explore the emotions experienced by the nurses of a Home Hospitalization Unit as a result of their work role.MethodA qualitative exploratory study was carried out with a phenomenology approach to explore people's experiences and inner-life experiences. The participants were 9 nurses working in the home hospitalization unit. An analysis of qualitative content was undertaken. Units of meaning were grouped into 13 codes that, in turn, were classified into 4 categories, emotional dimension, beneficial and distressing aspects, daily working life and personal life.ResultsNursing professionals working in palliative care suffer continuous exposure to traumatic situations, although they also report feeling satisfactory emotions that compensate for moments of distress. Having resources such as training in self-care and emotional regulation, as well as social support seems to be key to providing quality care and avoiding the onset of compassion fatigue.ConclusionsMaintaining psychosocial well-being in the workplace is crucial for palliative care nurses to be able to undertake their work in the best possible way.     

Multidimensional emotion regulation strategies among hospice nurses

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between four emotion regulation strategies (intrinsic affect-improving, intrinsic affect-worsening, extrinsic affect-improving, and extrinsic affect-worsening) and compassion fatigue, job satisfaction, and life satisfaction among 90 hospice nurses who completed an online survey. Intrinsic affect-improving was associated with higher life satisfaction. Intrinsic affect-worsening was associated with higher compassion fatigue and lower life satisfaction. Extrinsic affect-worsening was associated with lower job satisfaction. Overall, these findings support a multidimensional approach to understanding emotion regulation among hospice nurses.     

Compassion fatigue: a nurse's primer

Most nurses enter the field of nursing with the intent to help others and provide empathetic care for patients with critical physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Empathic and caring nurses, however, can become victims of the continuing stress of meeting the often overwhelming needs of patients and their families, resulting in compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue affects not only the nurse in terms of job satisfaction and emotional and physical health, but also the workplace environment by decreasing productivity and increasing turnover. We begin this article with a case study of a reactive nurse who did not seek help for her continuing stress. This is followed by a review of Watson's theoretical perspective related to compassion fatigue. Next we delineate symptoms of, and describe interventions for addressing compassion fatigue. We conclude by presenting a case study of a proactive nurse who avoided developing compassion fatigue and a discussion of future research needed to better prevent and ameliorate compassion fatigue.     

Association of musculoskeletal disorders and workload with work schedule and job satisfaction among emergency nurses

BackgroundThe emergency department is a highly demanding work environment, considered by high workload and stress. The impact of work-related factors on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in emergency nurses (ENs) are not yet well understood. We investigated the association of MSDs and workload with work schedule (permanent day and night work) and job satisfaction in ENs.MethodData were collected through a questionnaire including individual and work-related factors, workload (National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index [NASA-TLX]) and MSDs (Standardized Nordic Questionnaire) from 380 ENs in five hospitals.ResultsThe findings revealed that work schedule and job satisfaction levels were significantly associated with the MSDs in different body regions. Work schedule was significantly related to physical demand, performance, frustration, and overall workload, whereas it was not to the mental and temporal demands and effort. Job satisfaction level was negatively associated with mental demand and frustration. A high prevalence of musculoskeletal problems, particularly in knees, upper back, lower back, neck and shoulders were found.ConclusionMSDs are highly prevalent among ENs involved in night work and with low job satisfaction levels. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for emergency hospital nurses. The findings can help to better understand the working conditions and emphasize the need for ergonomic interventions in order to reduce MSDs and workload. Also, the study findings highlight the importance of mental aspects of workload in this occupational group.     

Person-centred care among intensive care unit nurses: A cross-sectional study

ObjectivePractising person-centred care is crucial for nurses in the intensive care unit, as patients have high physical and psychological care needs. We aimed to identify the predictors of person-centred care among nurses working in intensive care settings.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 188 intensive care unit nurses at four tertiary hospitals in two cities of South Korea were included. They completed self-reported questionnaires on emotional intelligence, compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and person-centred care. Emotional intelligence was measured using the Korean version of the Wong and Law’s emotional intelligence scale. Compassion satisfaction, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout were measured by the Professional Quality of Life questionnaire (version 5). Person-centred care was measured using the person-centred critical care nursing scale.ResultsMultiple regression identified compassion satisfaction (β = 0.49, p <.001) as the most powerful predictor of person-centred care, followed by emotional intelligence (β = 0.21, p =.004) and intensive care unit career length (β = 0.17, p =.021). These three variables accounted for 31.0 % of the variance in person-centred care.ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of career length, emotional intelligence, and compassion satisfaction in the promotion of person-centred care among intensive care unit nurses. Nursing management should contemplate specific measures to reduce turnover among experienced intensive care unit nurses and to enhance the factors that promote person-centred care, such as compassion satisfaction and emotional intelligence.