The Relationship between Compassion Fatigue and Self-Transcendence among Inpatient Hospice Nurses

The Relationship between Compassion Fatigue and Self-Transcendence among Inpatient Hospice Nurses by Donna M. Johnson MSN, University of Phoenix, 2007 BSN, University of Phoenix, 2000 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2015 Abstract Health care complexities have limited the understanding of nursing care and have jeopardized the “soft skills” or foundation of caring as the art of nursing. Hospice nurses provide a deeper, more spiritual and complex type of care for critically ill and end-of-life (EOL) patients, which place them at a high risk for compassion fatigue. Using Reed’s middle range theory of self-transcendence, the purpose of this project was to examine theHealth care complexities have limited the understanding of nursing care and have jeopardized the “soft skills” or foundation of caring as the art of nursing. Hospice nurses provide a deeper, more spiritual and complex type of care for critically ill and end-of-life (EOL) patients, which place them at a high risk for compassion fatigue. Using Reed’s middle range theory of self-transcendence, the purpose of this project was to examine the relationship between compassion fatigue and self-transcendence among inpatient hospice nurses. A descriptive, correlational research methodology guided this inquiry surveying a convenience sample of 42 inpatient hospice nurses at 4 hospice locations. The Professional Quality of Life Scale assessment and Reed’s Self-Transcendence Scale were used to survey inpatient hospice nurses. According to study results, although selftranscendence was not significantly associated with fatigue, there was a positive correlation between selftranscendence and compassion satisfaction and between affect and self-transcendence. This study leads to positive social change by providing hospice nurses strategies on how to cope with grief and trauma experienced on-the-job, leading to improved hospice care. The Relationship between Compassion Fatigue and Self-Transcendence among Inpatient Hospice Nurses by Donna M. Johnson MSN, University of Phoenix, 2007 BSN, University of Phoenix, 2000 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University February 2015 Dedication The dedication of this project is to the hospice nurses and staff who graciously opened their doors to allow my intrusion and exploration of their nursing specialty in order to gain additional insight into the depth of compassionate care provided by hospice nurses to improve the future practice of nursing. Acknowledgments Acknowledgement of this doctoral project graciously begins by thanking Tonya Gottshalk, ARNP who mentored the enormous undertaking of such a project. Her guidance and true love of hospice nursing will forever be a special place in my heart along with the many staff members who provided data for this project. In addition, appreciation for faculty mentor and committee chair Dr. Allison Terry, PhD and committee members Dr. Mary Rodgers, PhD and Dr. Jonas Nguh, PhD. for their guidance, support, and encouragement throughout this journey of professional growth. Finally, I could not have accomplished his challenge without the patience, understanding, love and support of my nursing colleagues, classmates, and most of all my loving family who understood the sacrifices that took precedent during this journey.