Nurses In Critical Care Units Research Articles

Stress and Occupational Coping among Brazilian Nurses in Critical Care Units during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

To investigate the effects of sociodemographic and working condition variables, as well as the coping strategies used by nurses, on their occupational stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 104 nurses who worked in intensive and emergency care at a public hospital in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection was performed in person and online using a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, the Nursing Stress Inventory, and the Occupational Coping Scale. The participants had a high level of stress (median = 132), especially in the 'interpersonal relations' domain (median = 63), and made little use of occupational coping strategies (median = 87). Income (p = 0.027), work shift (p = 0.028), being on leave from work (p = 0.020), number of hospitals with employment ties (p = 0.001), and relationship with management were independently associated with the levels of stress among the nurses. In the present study, the high levels of stress among nurses were influenced by financial and work-related factors as well as interpersonal relationships. No significant association was found between stress among the nurses and the use of occupational coping strategies.

Nurses quality of life, sleep disturbance, and intention to leave critical care units: A cross-sectional moderated mediation analysis

ObjectivesThis study aims to explore the complex relationships between personal and demographic factors, intermediary factors such as quality of life (depression, anxiety, stress, burnout), and the mediating impact of sleep disturbance on nurses' intention to leave critical care units. DesignCross-sectional quantitative survey. SettingData were collected from registered nurses at a major university hospital in southern Italy. Seven inpatient critical care units were sampled. Main outcome measuresIntention to leave critical care units. ResultsWe included 160 participants recruited over five weeks in May and June 2023. The data showed that most were female, married, and possessed a bachelor's degree in nursing. The mean quality of life score was moderate, while stress, anxiety, and burnout were mild. A significant percentage of nurses reported poor sleep quality. Logistic regression indicates that service length did not significantly impact the intention to leave. The structural equation model showed that stress positively correlated with emotional exhaustion, whereas job quality was negatively associated with emotional exhaustion and the intention to leave. Sleep disturbance did not explain the relationship between stress and emotional fatigue; however, the results revealed that male gender moderated sleep mediation. ConclusionsThis study investigated factors influencing intention to leave among critical care unit nurses. The results suggest that the role of sleep disturbance should always be considered when assessing the issue. In this chain of causes, sleep disturbance explains the relationship between stress and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, the strength of this mediation was influenced by gender, particularly by the male gender. Implications for Clinical PracticeStress and emotional exhaustion significantly impact nurses' working quality of life, particularly when sleep quality is taken into account. This leads to a higher intention to leave critical care units. To reduce this tendency, healthcare managers could implement specific evidence-based interventions to promote a good climate of work, which would positively affect stress, emotional exhaustion and sleep disturbance. The likelihood of intention to leave decreased with achieving personal self-fulfilment among nurses.

Using of non-pharmacological pain methods, and the perceived barriers, among nurses in critical care unit in Palestine

BackgroundPain is alleviated in one of the two common approaches, pharmacological or non-pharmacological intervention. Using non-pharmacological methods may have beneficial effect and priority on decreasing patients’ level of pain and decreasing the side effects of pharmacological methods in ICU patients. This study aimed to assess ICU Palestinian nurses use and barriers of non-pharmacological pain management.MethodsA quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect responses from a convenient sample of 215 nurses working in six hospitals in Plaestine. The timeframe for data collection was from August 2022 to December 2022. This study had three instrument packages. The first part is demographic data. The second is a tool that used 4-point Likert scale to examine ICU nursing use of non-pharmacological pain methods and it consisted of 16 items. The third is six items of perceived barriers to use non-pharmacological pain methods. All statistical procedures were analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 28.ResultsMore than two-thirds of the nurses used non-pharmacological pain methods in ICU. 60% of the nurses have high levels of use, 10.2% have very high levels. The two highest perceived barriers to use nonpharmacological method were the lack of time, workload, and patient instability with 83.7% (n = 180), and 77.2% (n = 166), respectively. Demographic variables were not significantly associated with the use of non-pharmacological pain management methods, except age.ConclusionAdopting culturally sensitive non-pharmacological pain methods to decrease ICU patients’ level of pain, may positively reflected on patients’ outcome and on healthcare system. Developing, implementing and continuous monitoring of guidelines regarding using nonpharmacological for nurses and physicians are recommended which will be reflected positively on patients’ outcomes. Great efforts to overcome the barriers of lack of time and workload is impertive to increase the clinical usage of nonpharmacological pain methods.

The association between chronotype, sleep quality and medication errors among critical care nurses

ABSTRACT Medication administration errors could result in severe complications in critical care units. This study investigated an association between chronotype, sleep quality and medication errors among essential nurses of care in Qazvin teaching hospitals in Iran. In this multicenter, cross-sectional study, all registered nurses of critical care units of Qazvin teaching hospitals were recruited. Data were collected through anonymous questionnaires, including socio-demographic data, Morning-Evening Questionnaire (MEQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and medication errors data. Data were analyzed with SPSS v.24 by using the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and logistic regression analysis. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. The mean age and work experience were 33.12 ± 6.74 and 9.11 ± 5.96, respectively. One hundred sixty-six nurses (96%) have been working in rotating shifts. Nurses with intermediate chronotypes were predominant (n = 122; 70.5%). The majority of nurses (68.2%) had poor sleep quality (n = 118). Logistic regression analysis showed eveningness chronotype was associated with 4.743 fold increased risk of medication error (P < 0.033). No association was found between medication error and sleep quality (p < 0.95). There was no significant relationship between chronotype and sleep quality (P < 0.257). Our study showed that nurses with eveningness chronotype make more medication errors; therefore, considering the individual circadian preference before deciding on their shift timing assignment will be an important issue in reducing nurses’ medication errors and improving patient safety in critical care units.

The Relationship between Nursing Job Satisfaction and Missed Nursing Care in Critical Care Units

Background: Missed nursing care is a common occurrence that has a negative impact on the standard of patient care. Missed care is indicative of nurses' affected work satisfaction in times of workflow. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of missed nursing care (MNC), and the reasons for its occurrence among Jordanian nurses. The study sought to assess the level of job satisfaction and missed nursing care among Jordanian nurses and their association with demographic variables. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional design was used in this study. A convenience sample of 181 registered nurses working in different critical care units in one teaching hospital and two government hospitals was recruited. Three tools were used to collect the data: a sociodemographic data form, a survey of missed nursing care (MISSCARE Survey) consisting of two parts (part A was designed to measure missed nursing care (MNC), and part B addressed the reasons for MNC), and the nursing-workplace satisfaction questionnaire (NWSQ). Results: The results of the study revealed Jordanian nurses in critical care units to have a moderate level of job satisfaction (45.50±9.09). In addition, the total mean score of the MNC was found to be 2.18±0.40 out of 5, which is a low level of missed nursing care. The most commonly occurring missed nursing care aspects were turning patients every 2 hours (2.53 ±1.43), mouth care (2.37 ±1.36), and teaching patients about illness, tests, and diagnostic studies (2.36 ±1.47). Moreover, among the reasons for missed nursing care with respect to teamwork, the caregiver being off the unit or unavailable was the most significant one (24.3%, n=44); with respect to the material resources, the unavailability of medications, when needed, was the most significant factor (21.5%, n=39) for missed nursing care, and regarding the labor resources, an unexpected rise in patient volume and acuity on the unit was the most significant factor influencing missed nursing care (23.8%, n=43). Finally, a statistically significant weak negative correlation was found between nurses’ job satisfaction and missed nursing care score (R=-0.177, P=0.012). Conclusion: The study concluded that nurses in critical units have a low level of missed nursing care and a moderate level of job satisfaction.

Knowledge, attitude and practice on body mechanics among staff nurses in critical care units

Knowledge, attitude and practice on body mechanics among staff nurses in critical care units

Moral sensitivity and related factors in Iranian critical care nurses: A narrative review

This Review explores moral sensitivity and related factors among critical care unit nurses in Iran. A broad systematic search was performed at the international electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Morals", "Ethics", "Moral Sensitivity", "Nurses", and "Critical Care Unit" from the earliest to June 1, 2023. The studies revealed that Iranian nurses working in intensive care units (ICUs), cardiac care units (CCUs), neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and dialysis units had average moral sensitivity. Factors related to moral sensitivity in Iranian critical care nurses were divided into demographic and moral-professional factors. Demographic factors related to moral sensitivity in Iranian critical care nurses included age, average weekly working hours, work history and clinical experience, gender, marital status, education level, type of work shift, workplace sector, and employment status. Demographic factors related to moral sensitivity in Iranian critical care nurses included respecting the patient's rights, moral intelligence, compassion fatigue, communication with the patient, the dimension of professional knowledge, moral tension, work conscience, virtual training, moral principles in a narrative style, critical care unit nurses require high benevolence, professional knowledge, and skills in delivering bad news. They must also know the history of passing moral courses, handling moral distress, and heavy mental workload. Based on these nurses' moderate moral sensitivity, medical center managers should focus on increasing their moral sensitivity by addressing related factors.

Effect of Cryotherapy on Pain Associated with Chest Tube Removal after Thoracotomy

Context: Chest tube removal (CTR) is described as one of the worst feelings for critically ill patients after thoracotomy. Unrelieved pain causes undesired consequences that have adverse effects on patient quality of care. Analgesics usually manages CTR pain, but patients respond differently to drugs and might not provide complete relaxation. Cryotherapy is commonly applied as a non-pharmacological intervention for relieving CTR pain.&#x0D; Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cryotherapy on pain associated with chest tube removal after thoracotomy.&#x0D; Methods: This study was conducted in the cardio-thoracic critical care units at Cardiovascular and Thoracic Academy, affiliated to Ain Sham University Hospital. A purposive sample of 140 patients undergoing thoracotomy was included in this study. They were divided into control and study group (70 patients in each group). Data were obtained using the Chamber-Price Modified Pain Rating Scale (CPPRS), Standardized Linear Scale for Pain Assessment, and Modified McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short Form (MPQ-SF).&#x0D; Results: The results reveal that 50%, 67.1% of the control and study group patients were in the age group 51-≥60 years. 62.9, 81.4% of the control and study group were males. Besides, there were highly statistically significant differences regarding peripheral pulse, apical pulse, and respiratory rate throughout CTR pain assessment times and a highly statistically significant difference regarding blood pressure immediately after CTR between the study and control groups. Also, statistically significant differences regarding physiological and behavioral parameters, pain intensity, and quality (sensory and affective descriptors) were found between the study and control groups immediately and 30 minutes after cryotherapy was applied after chest tube removal.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cryotherapy effectively improved hemodynamic, physiological, and behavioral parameters, relieving pain intensity and improving pain quality after chest tube removal for patients with thoracotomy. The current study recommends conducting periodic in-service educational programs for critical care nurses regarding the benefits, methods, contraindications, and side effects of cryotherapy for relieving pain associated with CTR after thoracotomy. Motivate nurses in critical care units to use cryotherapy as a non-pharmacological therapy for relieving pain associated with chest tube removal.

A Descriptive study on the existing mouth care practices for critically ill patients with a view to develop self-instructional module among staff nurses in critical care unit, Jayabharat Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

A Descriptive study on the existing mouth care practices for critically ill patients with a view to develop self-instructional module among staff nurses in critical care unit, Jayabharat Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh

Effect of an Educational Program Regarding Cardiac Arrhythmias on Nurses’ Knowledge and Practices in Critical Care Units

Context: Cardiac arrhythmia is a serious condition that can lead to fatal forms of rhythm disturbance. Critical care nurse plays a vital role in arrhythmias management, specializing in symptomatic relief, promoting comfort, and taking crisis management activity in fatal dysrhythmias.&#x0D; Aim: To evaluate the effect of an educational program regarding cardiac arrhythmias on nurses' knowledge and practice in critical care units.&#x0D; Methods: A quasi-experimental design (pre/test) was applied. This study was carried out at Critical Care Units in Governmental Port-Said general hospitals (Port Said General Hospital, Port-Fouad General Hospital, and Alzhoor Central Hospital) in Port Said Governorate in Egypt. A convenient sample of all available nurses (139) nurses in critical care units was recruited in this study and divided into 116 female and 23 male nurses. The data collection tool encompassed two: A structured interviewing questionnaire with demographic characteristics, a nurses' knowledge questionnaire, and nurses' practice observational checklists.&#x0D; Results: The results revealed a nurses' mean age of 25.6 ±5.1; 83.5% were females, and 55.4% had technical nursing institute diplomas. A high statistically significant total knowledge and practice score difference between pre and immediate post-program implementation at p&lt;0.001. Also, among pre and follow-up assessments after educational program application at p&lt;0.001. In addition, there was a statistically significant correlation between total nurses' knowledge score and their total practice score immediately after the educational program (r=0.636, p &lt;0.001). and follow up (r=0.426, p&lt;0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion The nursing educational program significantly improved nurses' knowledge and practice regarding cardiac arrhythmias management among nurses working in the critical care units. The study recommended continuous training and educational program for enhancing and apprising the nurses’ knowledge and practice regarding cardiac arrhythmias in the critical care unit.

Providence of “Anraku Care” by Proficient Nurses in Critical Care Unit

Providence of “Anraku Care” by Proficient Nurses in Critical Care Unit

Shift change handovers between nurses in Critical Care Units

AimTo know the characteristics of the handover performed by nurses working in Critical Care Units in Spain. MethodsDescriptive and cross-sectional study, whose population was nurses working in Critical Care Units in Spain. An ad hoc questionnaire was used to explore the characteristics of the process, the training received, the information forgotten and the influence of this activity on patient care. The questionnaire was online and dissemination was done through social networks. The sample was selected by convenience. A descriptive analysis was performed according to the nature of the variables and comparison of groups through ANOVA with R software version 4.0.3 (R Project for Statistical Computing). ResultsThe sample was 420 nurses. Most of them answered that (79,5%) perform this activity in an individual way, from outgoing nurse to incoming nurse. Location varied according to the size of the unit (p<0,05). Interdisciplinary handover was rare (p<0.05). In the last month, with regard to the time of data collection, 29,5% had to contact the unit due to forgetting relevant information, using WhatsApp as the first channel to transmit this information. ConclusionsThere is a lack of standardization in the handoff between shifts, in terms of the physical space where it is done, tools to structure the information, participation of other professionals and the use of unofficial communication channels to contact for omitted information during the handover. Shift change was identified as a vital process to ensure continuity of care and patient safety, so further researchs are important for patients handoffs.

Critical Care Nurses' Knowledge of Tracheostomy Care.

Tracheostomy care is a standard procedure that nurses perform in Critical Care Units (CCUs) to reduce complications from tracheostomy. The literature indicates a clear variety of care and practice in managing tracheostomy patients within the healthcare system. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge level of tracheostomy care among nurses in CCUs in Jordanian hospitals. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for this study. A convenience sample of 260 nurses working in the CCUs of four government hospitals completed a self-reported structured questionnaire. Data were collected from January 2021 to March 2021. A t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to assess the differences among socio-demographic variables in terms of knowledge score. The result revealed that the level of knowledge was suboptimal. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean level of knowledge regarding tracheostomy care (in all dimensions) by age (F = 22.595, p < 0.001), educational level (F = 355.30, p < 0.001), and work experience (F = 13.63, p < 0.001). For gender, there was a statistically significant difference in knowledge of the tracheostomy suctioning dimension (p = 0.001). The level of knowledge among nurses regarding tracheostomy care was moderate, indicating an urgent need for education.

The effects of high nurses’ turnover on patient care: Perspectives of unit managers in critical care units

ContextHospitals are faced with a major challenge of high nurses’ turnover and staff shortages, and critical care units (CCUs) are no exception. AimThe purpose of this study was to examine how the high nurse turnover affects the provision of quality care in CCUs from the perspectives of unit managers. Setting and designThe qualitative, exploratory and descriptive study was conducted at an academic hospital. Materials and methodsIndividual face-to-face interviews were conducted with unit managers. Participants were purposively selected from CCUs of an academic hospital in South Africa. Tech’s method of data analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes. ResultsThe sample consisted of nine unit managers highly experienced in critical care and had managed these units for over eight years. Two main themes emerged, the reasons for high nurses’ turnover and the effects of high nurse turnover on patient care. High nurses’ turnover in CCUs was influenced by inadequate staffing ratios, absenteeism and increased workloads. The high nurse turnover contributes to non-compliance with the standard norms of nurse-patient ratios. The study revealed that optimal nurse staffing is essential to delivering high quality, cost-effective care with better patient outcomes. ConclusionThe nurses in CCUs possess specialized skills. However, insufficient number of critical trained nurses; and the assigning of unskilled nurses to provide care in CCUs led to compromised quality patient care. High nurse turnover also affected the ability of unit managers to plan, direct, organise, and control.

The impact of teaching on nurses’ knowledge to VAP prevention bundle

Introduction: There are limited Indian studies that evaluate the nurses’ knowledge of VAP prevention bundle. Aim: Our study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on VAP bundle among staff nurses in critical care unit. Methodology: The prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted among critical care nurses. The final sample (n=57) nurses was selected by purposive sampling technique on the basis of set inclusion criteria. The nurses were first assessed for their knowledge of guidelines to prevent VAP. They were then educated using a standard teaching module and the assessment performed again. Results: There was a statistically significant increase in the knowledge level of participants by a mean (±S.D) 5.68 (±2.8) score with 95% C.I (4.94 – 6.43) and p &lt;0.001. Conclusion: The 2-hour teaching module significantly enhanced nurses’ knowledge towards evidence based guidelines for the prevention of VAP.

Effectiveness of an Educational Program Regarding Vasoactive Drugs at the Level of Knowledge and Practices among Nurses Working in Critical Care Units

Background: Critical care-unit nurses have the responsibility of medication preparation and administration. Vasoactive drugs are lifesaving drugs that are commonly used in critical-care units. However, the inappropriate administration of vasoactive drugs may lead to poor patient outcomes and complications. Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program of vasoactive-drug administration in critical care-unit nurses' knowledge and practice. Methods: A one-group pre-test-post-test design was used for this study. A convenience sample of 102 registered nurses working at different critical-care units at a university-affiliated hospital was recruited. The researchers provided the study participants with a valid educational program on knowledge and practices related to the administration of vasoactive drugs. Three tools were used to collect data; a demographics form, a vasoactive-drug knowledge questionnaire and a vasoactive-drug observational checklist. Results: There were significant differences in the nurses’ vasoactive-drug knowledge and the total vasoactive-drug observational checklist scores before and after the implementation of the educational program with p  0.001. Experiences in the current critical-care unit and course-related vasoactive drugs were significant predictors of the pre-knowledge test scores. Experience in the current critical-care unit was a significant predictor of the pre-practice test scores. Conclusion: The implemented educational program significantly improved critical care-unit nurses’ knowledge and practice related to the administration of vasoactive drugs. Implications for Nursing: The educational program increased nurses’ knowledge, competence and confidence regarding vasoactive-drug administration. Keywords: Nurses’ knowledge, Nurses’ practice, Vasoactive medication, Educational program.

Spatial patterning of occupational stress and its related factors in Iranian critical care nurses using a hierarchical Bayesian technique.

In each community, health problems' patterns and geographical changes are of prime importance to determine high and low-risk areas. This study aimed to investigate the Spatial patterning of occupational stress and its related factors in Iranian critical care nurses using a hierarchical Bayesian techniqueMETHODS:The current research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study. The data includes the number of critical care unit nurses who show a high stress level based on a questionnaire. We used variables such as age, gender, collaboration status, working time, marital status, clinical experience, education, supervisor support, stress score, and working on holiday days for this study. The survey participants had to be at least 18 years old, a registered nurse, and working in the intensive care unit (ICU). OpenBUGS version 3.2.3 was used to implement the Bayesian hierarchical Poisson model and find partial patterning of occupational stress and its related factors. The final sample size was 17414 nurses. The overall prevalence of occupational stress in ICU nurses was estimated at 70%. The lowest and highest prevalence was 65.8% in the North Khorasan province and 75.2% in Golestan province. Occupational stress had a statistically significant association with collaboration status, but with demographic variables, shift work, supportive supervisor, and working on holidays had no statistically significant association. According to the findings, it is necessary to eliminate or reduce job stress and increase efficiency in Iranian nurses, encourage teamwork and collaboration as an essential element of a healthy workplace environment.

Evaluation of short term effects of first and second dose COVID-19 vaccination among critical care nurses in rural tertiary care hospital

The Corona virus disease 2019 is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. The attitude and knowledge of health care specialists towards vaccination is very important. Hence we conducted a study among critical care nurses.This cross sectional study is conducted among 76 adult critical care unit nurses who received Covishield vaccine. The survey included 13 questions.Post first dose of vaccination Out of 76 critical care nurse, 49 (64.5%) were males and 27 (35.5%) were females. 42(55.3%) nurses were posted for covid duty while 34( 44.7%) were never posted for covid duty, among these all 31( 40.8%) were suffered with covid infection before vaccination. Post first dose of COVID 19 vaccination, 65(85.5%) nurses developed symptoms while 11 (14.5%) were asymptomatic.Post second dose of vaccination; Out of Out of 76 critical care nurses participated in the study, 50 (66%) were males and 26 (34%) were females. 42(55%) nurses were posted for covid duty while 34 (45%) were never posted for covid duty. Among all critical care nurses 31 (40.8%) were diagnosed with COVID 19 positive before vaccination while 45(59.2%) were found to be COVID negative. Post second dose of COVID 19 vaccination, 50(66%) nurses developed symptoms while 26(34%) were asymptomatic.Based on our study the side effects are present with covishield vaccine. Nurses are willing to take booster dose and to promote vaccination too.

Consequences of sleep deprivation among nurses at critical care units in Al-Najaf city

Sleep deprivation is a major public health challenge in modern societies. The current study aims to assess the level of sleep deprivation of the nurses in critical care units, reveal the consequences of sleep deprivation, and characterize the relationship between them with the demographic data of nurses. A descriptive design has been performed in the current study. It has been carried out in the critical care units of hospitals in the city of Najaf from October 20, 2021 to March 20, 2022. A Non-probability a technique of (purposive) samples of the (163) nurses in critical care units for night shifts has been selected. Measurement level of sleep deprivation through the sleep deprivation scale modified by expert committee, and the general health status was determined from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) consisting of (28) items, and it includes four aspects: physical, social, depression, and anxiety. The results of the current study have shown that the level of sleep deprivation is moderate. The results also have revealed that the assessment of most domains (physical, social, and anxiety) was moderate, except for the domain of depression, which was good.

Professional quality of life of nurses in critical care units: Influence of demographic characteristics

Background Professional quality of life, measured as compassion satisfaction, is a prerequisite for nurses working in intensive care units where patients rely on their care. Nurses who experience compassion satisfaction, or good professional quality of life, engage enthusiastically with all work activities and render quality patient care. In contrast, compassion fatigue eventually leads to disengagement from work activities and unsatisfactory patient outcomes. In this study, we described the demographic factors influencing professional quality of life of intensive care nurses working in public hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa (SA), during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives To describe the demographic factors associated with professional quality of life of critical care nurses working in Gauteng, SA Methods In this cross-sectional study, we used total population sampling and invited all nurses who had worked for at least 1 year in one of the critical care units of three selected public hospitals in Gauteng to participate. One-hundred and fifty-four nurses responded and completed the ProQol-5 tool during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results The nurses’ average age was 45 years, and 59.1% (n=91) had an additional qualification in critical care nursing. Most of the nurses had a diploma (51.3%; n=79), with a mean work experience of 12.56 years. The main demographic variables that influenced professional quality of life were years of work experience (p=0.047), nurses’ education with specific reference to a bachelor’s degree (p=0.006) and nurse-patient ratio (p<0.001). Conclusion Nurses working in critical care units in public hospitals in Gauteng experienced low to moderate compassion satisfaction, moderate to high burnout and secondary traumatic stress, suggesting compassion fatigue. The high workload, which may have been associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, influenced nurses’ professional quality of life. Contributions of the study This study reports on the important problem of compassion fatigue and burnout amongst South African ICU nurses working in the public sector. Associated factors were identified, which should be addressed to improve nurses’ wellbeing.