Date of Award

2026

Degree Name

Master of Nursing (Research)

Schools and Centres

Nursing and Midwifery

First Supervisor

Dr Cathryn Josif

Second Supervisor

Professor Carline Bulsara

Abstract

Compassion fatigue (CF) is defined as the emotional depletion caused by ongoing involvement in caring for another individuals experiencing trauma or hardship, pain, distress, and critical incidents. It is characterised by a decline in emotional capacity, reduced ability to empathise, and feelings of helplessness, that could potentially lead to burnout and secondary traumatic stress. While CF affects many healthcare providers including physicians, social service professionals, mental health practitioners, but nursing staff are particularly vulnerable due to their close and continuous engagement with patients.

Compassion fatigue has been extensively examined in oncology, palliative care, and intensive care, where exposure to patient mortality and complex emotional interactions are frequent. However, emergency department nurses (EDNs) operate in an environment with distinct challenges, including unpredictable patient influx, high-acuity, workplace violence, and the emotional strain associated with supporting patients with life-threatening conditions. Compassion fatigue among EDNs often manifests as emotional exhaustion, detachment from patients, and a decline in job satisfaction, alongside physical symptoms like persistent tiredness, headaches, and disrupted sleep patterns.

The consequences of CF are costly, including increased nurse turnover, absenteeism, and overall job dissatisfaction, which place financial strain on healthcare systems and compromise patient care quality and outcomes. Despite growing recognition of CF within the nursing profession, the literature remains sparse when it comes to research focused on EDNs.

This study adopted a mixed-methods approach to provide an in-depth understanding of CF among EDNs. Quantitative data were gathered using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) scale and demographic survey with EDNs, while qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews. The findings suggest that while EDNs are not experiencing severe CF or burnout, the cumulative stressors of their environment affect their well-being and job satisfaction. Enhancing workplace support through more effective mentorship, realistic debriefing approaches, and tailored coping strategies may strengthen resilience, help prevent burnout and enhance compassion satisfaction, supporting increased staff continuity and enhanced standards of care within the ED. The outcomes of this research expand the existing knowledge base surrounding CF by offering a comprehensive understanding of how CF, burnout, and compassion satisfaction manifest specifically among EDNs in a large metropolitan hospital.

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