An exploratory descriptive study of compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction: Examining potential risk and protective factors in advanced nurse practitioners

Background: Larger patient caseloads and increased workplace responsibility for nurse practitioners (NPs) may exacerbate factors leading to compassion fatigue (CF). Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the rate of burnout in practicing NPs by looking at contributing factors that play a role in CF and compassion satisfaction (CS). Methods: A NP social media platform was used to distribute a survey to a convenience sample of 208 NPs. Data included the Professional Quality of Life Scale V (ProQOL V) tool, demographic data, and protective factor questions. The data were dissected for CF and protective factors of CS. Results: The relationship of mindfulness practices and levels of CS was statistically significant. The relationship between support from family, coworkers, and administration and levels of CS was also found statistically significant. A large association was found between the correlation of burnout and support from coworkers. Implications for practice: Findings showed an average to high level of CS with a low-to-average burnout rate among the NPs surveyed. There was a direct impact between the amount of support participants received from individual support systems and their level of CS. These findings could be beneficial for new NP graduates in establishing a sense of community while reducing the risk for burnout.