Burnout or Compassion Fatigue? A Comparative Concept Analysis for Nurses Caring for Patients in High-Stakes Environments

Abstract

Burnout and compassion fatigue are two distinct concepts experienced by nurses caring for patients in high-stakes environments. Nurses often do not recognize which concept they are experiencing due to the similarities and interchangeable use of these terms in literature. Nurses in high-stakes settings need to have these concepts further explored as they impact their physical and psychological health. This comparative concept analysis examines these terms using Walker and Avant methodology. Defining attributes, antecedents, consequences, empirical referents, and constructed cases are discussed. This analysis adds to the nursing knowledge needed to support nurses in achieving optimal occupational health and well-being.

A Middle-Range Theory of Nurses' Psychological Trauma

“…13(p215) Trauma from disasters "Although disasters vary in scope and fluidity, nurses may be involved as first responders, putting them at risk for direct and secondary trauma." 13(p216) a concept analysis conducted by Wynn, 29 an attribute unique to burnout is the stress associated with the work environment, such as excessive workloads and inadequate support. In contrast, secondary traumatic stress originates with the nurse-patient relationship and is an attribute of compassion fatigue.…”

From Empathy to Compassion Fatigue: A Narrative Review of Implications in Healthcare

“…Compassion fatigue is strongly correlated with burnout [21,[60][61][62]. Whilst stress and exhaustion are critical attributes of both concepts [21,60] the experience is of being in a 'tired' state in burnout and being in a 'drained' state in compassion fatigue [60] and thus devoid of ones resources [14,60].…”

“…Wynn [60] performed a comparative concept analysis examining the terms 'burnout' and 'compassion fatigue' using Walker and Avant methodology. The ability to recognise both concepts is pivotal in helping to establish strategies that support healthcare workers cope and achieve optimal occupational health.…”

“…Wynn noted that burnout can be an antecedent of compassion fatigue. The important difference is that burnout as a precursor may be more readily responsive than compassion fatigue to restorative strategies such as time away from the work environment and behaviour modification [14,60]. If not addressed in its early stages compassion fatigue can permanently alter the compassionate ability of the individual [63].…”

“…Comparatively burnout, a larger overarching construct, is experienced as a slowly progressing disorder and is associated with working in burdensome organisational environments [65]. Thus, in burnout conflict associated with the employer-employee relationship, and in compassion fatigue the conflict is primarily an internal one which is associated with the relationship between the healthcare professional and their patient [60,66].…”