The relationship between compassion fatigue and caring behaviors in oncology nurses

BackgroundCompassion fatigue is a significant problem faced by nurses. Understanding the relationship between compassion fatigue and caring behaviors is essential in terms of reducing situations that negatively affect nurses and, thus, care.AimThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between compassion fatigue and caring behaviors among oncology nurses.Research designThis study employs a descriptive and correlational approach.Participants and research contextThe study was conducted with 241 oncology nurses working in hospitals with oncology inpatient services located within the provincial borders of Ankara. Data were collected face-to-face between July 15, 2023, and July 1, 2024, using the Descriptive Characteristics Form for Nurses, the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24, and the Compassion Fatigue-Short Scale. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with IBM SPSS 26. The analysis involved t-tests, ANOVA, Tukey tests, and Pearson correlation analysis.Ethical considerationsData were collected after obtaining ethics committee approval, institutional permissions, and informed consent from the nurses.ResultsThe mean total score of Caring Behaviors Inventory was 5.22, and the mean total score of Compassion Fatigue Scale was 67.71. There was a very weak positive correlation between the Caring Behaviors Inventory sub-dimension "respectful" and the Compassion Fatigue Scale sub-dimension "secondary trauma" (r = 0.153, <i>p</i> = .017). According to the findings obtained from the study, it was determined that oncology nurses had a high level of perception of caring behaviors and experienced compassion fatigue at a moderate level.ConclusionCompassion fatigue and caring behaviors are affected by many situations. Despite these situations, oncology nurses with empathic thinking, altruism, and ethical and professional values continue to care for their patients.