An integrative review of strategies to prevent and treat compassion fatigue in oncology nurses.

Abstract

Compassion fatigue is understood as the combination of secondary traumatic stress and cumulative burnout caused by reduced ability to cope with one's environment. As such, compassion fatigue can be a significant workplace hazard for nurses in oncology. Findings from this integrative review reveal a lack of awareness and understanding of compassion fatigue among oncology nurses even if this group has been identified as high risk for experiencing compassion fatigue. Strategies such as self-care, mindfulness, and resiliency-based interventions to cope with compassion fatigue are reviewed herein along with related effectiveness. Some studies underscore that prevention-focused rather than treatment-focused interventions for compassion fatigue may be more effective. The responsibility for promoting and protecting oncology nurses' well-being is essential and must be spearheaded by organizations, administration, educational institutions, care teams, and individual nurses.