Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
2024
Faculty Advisor
Kala Christopherson
Abstract
Purpose: The quality improvement project's purpose was to use a group care program to decrease compassion fatigue (work-related stress) in nurses. The project aimed to reduce compassion fatigue in nurses by 25% and nurse turnover rates by 10% post-intervention.
Background: The project was implemented on two inpatient units in Texas. Decrease in compassion fatigue can help improve nurse well-being and nurse retention, promoting safe quality nursing care.
Methodology: The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) survey measured compassion satisfaction and burnout pre-intervention. Twelve weekly program sessions were completed using strategies: debriefing, breathing exercise, and muscle relaxation. A survey combining ProQOL, Likert Scale, and two open-ended questions was administered after each session. The nurse turnover rates were monitored by the hospital.
Results: Twenty pre-intervention surveys revealed a moderate compassion satisfaction score (40.3) and low burnout score (20.9). Sixty-two post-intervention surveys revealed moderate compassion satisfaction (40.15) and low burnout (22.1). Compassion satisfaction decreased by 0.37% and burnout increased by 5.74%. Thirty-one percent of respondents strongly agree & 52% agree the program decreased work stress. Nurse turnover rates increased by 2.25% on Unit A and 23.41% on Unit B in month one. Month two showed a 5.05% decrease and 0% change in turnover rates, and month three showed 19.5% and 6.9% decrease in nurse turnover rates, respectively.
Implications: The results show debriefing, breathing exercise, and muscle relaxation can help to reduce work stress and potentially decrease nurse turnover rates. Healthcare leaders should research and adapt impactful strategies to support the nurse healthcare workforce.
Keywords
Compassion Fatigue, Nurse, Debriefing, Burnout, Quality Improvement, Nursing, Stress, ProQOL
Recommended Citation
Nguyen, Hanh, "Decreasing Compassion Fatigue in Inpatient Nurses Using Debriefing and Group Care Program" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 18.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/18