title: Evaluation of a compassion fatigue resiliency program for oncology nurses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a resiliency program designed to educate oncology nurses about compassion fatigue.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the midwestern United States.
  
  
  METHODS
  13 oncology nurses employed in an outpatient infusion center.
  
  
  METHODS
  Nurses attended a five-week program involving five 90-minute sessions on compassion fatigue resiliency. A pre- and post-test design, using repeated measures, was conducted over six months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Scores on the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) IV, Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Nursing Job Satisfaction Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Long-term benefits were realized from the program. Secondary traumatization scores on the ProQOL IV declined immediately after the program, remained down at three months, and then dropped again at six months, with a statistically significant mean difference compared with baseline. The average IES-R total scores improved significantly overall and for each of the three postintervention time points. Participants evaluated the program positively with respect to their ability to apply and benefit from resiliency techniques.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first reported study to show benefits gained from a compassion fatigue intervention program. Participants received useful strategies for managing stress at work and home.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compassion fatigue is a prevalent condition among healthcare providers. Development of resiliency to compassion fatigue may improve decision making, clarity of communication, and patient and nurse satisfaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-regulation offers an approach to reduce stress during a perceived threat. Working by intention reduces reactivity in the workplace and makes communication more intentional and, therefore, effective.
authors: Patient Care Services, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, USA. pap1212@bjc.org
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Potter
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Deshields
authors: Julia Allen
authors: JA
authors: Berger
authors: Marty
authors: M
authors: Clarke
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Olsen
authors: Ling
authors: L
authors: Chen
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004645:Empathy; D005221:Fatigue / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D013192:Staff Development / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration