Compassion Fatigue Influences the Mental Health and Turnover Intention of Nurses in the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background. Compassion fatigue is a true phenomenon experienced by overworked and exhausted nurses.

Objective. This study assessed frontline nurses' compassion fatigue, stress, mental health, and turnover intention  during the second year of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods. Using a cross-sectional design, an online survey was administered in the first quarter of 2021 to 259
hospital nurses in the Central Philippines using standardized scales to gather the necessary data.

Results. Nurses were found to have moderate levels of compassion fatigue and turnover intention, high stress, and good mental health. Results revealed that compassion fatigue was associated with poor mental health (r = ?5.05, p = 0.01), higher stress levels (r = 0.54, p = <0.001), and turnover intention (r = 0.27, p = <0.001).

Conclusion. Pandemic-related compassion fatigue in nurses increases their stress, worsens their mental health, and heightens their intentions to leave their jobs. Organizations should address compassion fatigue through a supportive work climate.