Why Exemplary Oncology Nurses Seem to Avoid Compassion Fatigue presented at the 20th Annual Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO) Conference in St. John's, NF, September 14-17, 2008

Abstract

The goal of this phenomenological study was to determine what within the lived experiences of exemplary oncology nurses facilitates the avoidance of compassion fatigue. A purposive sample of 7 oncology nurses (RNs) who were identified by their colleagues as exemplary caregivers was recruited. Data were collected through semi-structured conversations which were subsequently transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed for reoccurring 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 matters, and energizing moments. Discussion highlights practical implications for clinical nurses, nurse educators and health care administrators.