Compassion fatigue among haemodialysis nurses in public and private hospitals in China.

Aim: This study was conducted to identify and compare the levels of compassion fatigue and job satisfaction among haemodialysis nurses in public and private hospitals in China and explore explanatory factors based on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using a self‐designed demographic questionnaire, the Professional Quality of Life Scale and the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, with responses from 283 haemodialysis nurses working at six public and private hospitals in China between June and November 2018. Results: The compassion fatigue score of public hospital nurses was significantly higher than that of private hospital nurses. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in compassion fatigue among nurses based on the number of years worked, nature of employment, and education level. Correlational analysis showed a negative correlation between overall job satisfaction and compassion fatigue in both public and private hospitals. Multiple regression analysis showed that compassion fatigue among haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals was associated with years worked, type of employment, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction, whereas in private hospitals, education level, years worked, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction were significant. Conclusion: Haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals are more likely to develop compassion fatigue than those in private hospitals. Summary Statement: What is already known about this topic? Nurses are susceptible to developing compassion fatigue (CF) due to multiple challenges and harsh environments in practice.Although previous studies have highlighted that haemodialysis nurses across the globe face issues with the work environment, stress and burnout, there are few reports of CF among haemodialysis nurses.At present, many countries have both publicly and privately funded hospitals, and it is not known whether the CF of haemodialysis nurses differs by hospital type. What this paper adds? Haemodialysis nurses have high levels of CF, and haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals have higher CF and lower job satisfaction than those in private hospitals.The main factors associated with CF among haemodialysis nurses in public hospitals were years worked, type of employment, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction.The main factors associated with CF in haemodialysis nurses in private hospitals were education level, years worked, and intrinsic and extrinsic satisfaction. The implications of this paper: There is a need to raise awareness among both nurses and nursing management staff of haemodialysis units regarding the existence of CF among haemodialysis nurses, especially in public hospitals.Different targeted interventions or solutions should be considered according to various factors associated with CF in different types of hospitals (public and private). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]