Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Within Oncology Nursing

This literature review explores the correlation between compassion fatigue experienced by nurses on oncology units and how it contributes to nursing burnout. By exploring available research, both from qualitative and quantitative data samples throughout the years of 2019 to 2024 the research-based findings suggest that there is a positive correlation between oncology nurses experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout, resulting in premature resignation from the bedside nursing career. Oncology nurses experience an array of difficult situations throughout their shifts including patients coping with life-altering diagnoses, the switch from treating cancer to providing comfort care, the five stages of grief by the patients, families, and friends, as well as death. Having to cope with each different situation and then move on to the next patient in a short time during their shifts ultimately affects their ability to provide compassionate patient-centered care. These findings highlight the importance of looking at compassion fatigue closely and examining the interventions that may be put in place to prevent compassion fatigue from occurring and leading to burnout. Without intervention, the future of the oncology nursing profession and the care provided to their patients will be negatively impacted. This review will explore the options and provide insight into the most effective resolutions that can be offered to nurses currently dealing with this problem.