Compassion and Compassion Fatigue of Hemodialysis Nurses: Basis for an Action Plan

Compassion is essential in nursing practice, particularly in high demand settings such as hemodialysis units, where prolonged patient interaction may predispose nurses to compassion fatigue. This study aimed to determine the levels of compassion and compassion fatigue and examine their relationship with selected demographic variables among hemodialysis nurses in the Third District of Laguna. A descriptive correlational design was employed involving 65 hemodialysis nurses. Data were collected using adopted and standardized questionnaires, including a 16-item compassion scale and a 30-item compassion fatigue scale. The instruments were validated by four experts using an authorized validation tool and pilot-tested prior to data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution, median, Spearman’s rho, and chi-square tests. Results showed that a majority of respondents reported low (68%) or moderate (32%) levels of burnout. In terms of secondary traumatic stress, 40% of the nurses experienced low levels, while 60% reported moderate levels, indicating a notable presence of compassion fatigue among the respondents. Compassion satisfaction was significantly associated with selected demographic factors, including age, years of service, and marital status, with older, more experienced nurses reporting higher levels of satisfaction. However, no statistically significant relationships were found between demographic variables and overall compassion levels. These findings suggest that compassion fatigue among hemodialysis nurses is influenced more by work-related demands and professional exposure than by demographic characteristics alone. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions that promote nurses’ well-being, support emotional resilience, and help sustain compassion to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality patient care.