The experiences of compassion fatigue and satisfaction of nurses working in the perinatal area: Phenomenological study

Objective: This study aims to elucidate the experiences of nurses working in the field of perinatal care regarding compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction through in-depth interviews. Method: The study employed the descriptive phenomenological research design. The study sample consisted of 16 nurses working in the field of perinatal care. Research data were collected at in-depth interviews with each individual between March 2019 and March 2020, through the use of several instruments including a personal information form, a semi-structured interview form, and observation notes. The thematic analysis method of Braun and Clarke was used in data analysis. Results: Five main themes and 16 subthemes were determined in the data analysis. The main theme of 'compassionate care behaviors' was found to incorporate the subthemes affectionate behaviors, empathic approach, responsiveness to patient needs and authentic informing. The main theme of 'gains of compassionate care' was found to have the subthemes easier with same-sex patients, achieving satisfaction, and learning while teaching. The theme of 'the other side of care:triggers of compassion fatigue' had the subthemes not being understood is exhausting, challenging care moments, specific nursing expectations, and demanding work environment. We found the subthemes trying to understand, taking a deliberate break in communication, and coping with experience under the main theme of 'relieving the burden of care'. Finally, the main theme 'the cost of caring: compassion fatigue' was found to contain two subthemes: avoiding patients and multidimensional fatigue. Conclusion:As a result of thisstudy, it was determined that nurses working in the perinatal field achieved positive out comes such as Satisfaction with compassionate care and learning while teaching, caring for their fellow sincreased compassion satisfaction, witnessing challenging moments of care such as fetal loss, not being understood by women, and weary work environment triggered compassion fatigue. Keywords: compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, experiences of nurses, perinatology, phenomenology,