title: Why exemplary oncology nurses seem to avoid compassion fatigue.
abstract: The goal of this phenomenological study was to explore what within the lived experiences of exemplary oncology nurses facilitates the avoidance of compassion fatigue. A purposive sample of seven oncology nurses (RNs) who were identified by their colleagues as exemplary caregivers was recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured conversations that were subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed for recurring themes using three points of reference: recurrence of ideas, repetition of ideas, and forcefulness with which ideas were expressed (Owen, 1984). Findings focus on three themes: moments of connection, making moments matter, and energizing moments. Discussion highlights practical implications for clinical nurses, nurse educators, and health care administrators.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, Athabasca University Edmonton, AB. bethp@athabascau.ca
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Perry
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D015984:Causality; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012648:Self Care; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic