JOPHON NCPD (2024 Nov/Dec) Overcoming Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Pediatric Oncology Nurses: Implementation of a Staff Well-Being Program-JOPHON NCPD (2024 Nov/Dec) Overcoming Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Pediatric Oncology Nurses: Implementation of a Staff Well-Being Program

JOPHON NCPD (2024 Nov/Dec) Overcoming Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Pediatric Oncology Nurses: Implementation of a Staff Well-Being Program

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This evidence-based practice project addressed burnout and compassion fatigue among pediatric oncology nurses, a group at high risk due to repeated exposure to suffering, grief, and patient death. Burnout—recognized by the World Health Organization as an occupational syndrome—can harm patient safety, staff retention, and workplace relationships. Compassion fatigue involves emotional and physical depletion from sustained caregiving, while compassion satisfaction reflects the positive meaning and fulfillment gained from helping patients and families. Together, these shape nurses’ “professional quality of life.”<br /><br />An interdisciplinary well-being team (clinical nurse specialist, social worker, chaplain, palliative care leader, and grief-trained coordinator) implemented a staff well-being program on a 28-bed pediatric hematology-oncology unit at a Southern California children’s hospital. A literature review identified multiple supportive interventions; the team selected two core strategies: Code Lavender and structured staff debriefings. Funding from an APHON EBP grant supported creation of a respite room and Code Lavender kits.<br /><br />Code Lavender provided real-time psychological first aid through a purposeful break from the unit in a designated respite room stocked with calming resources (tea, aromatherapy, soft lighting, music, stress tools, journaling materials). Staff could also receive peer or spiritual-care support. Debriefings were initially planned within 12–24 hours after a patient death and included reflection, coping discussion, and closure rituals.<br /><br />Outcomes were measured using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL). Survey participation declined over time (38 baseline, 18 at 12 months, 11 at 30 months). Nurses rated Code Lavender positively: 89% said it met expectations, 69% reported immediate well-being benefits, and 95% would recommend it. Compassion satisfaction showed a marginal improvement at 12 months but later decreased at 30 months, likely influenced by severe unit strain and a major patient surge. Debriefings proved difficult to coordinate consistently, prompting adaptations (e.g., “debriefing in a box,” then less frequent scheduled sessions). The program was considered valuable and continues with leadership support, though larger studies are needed.

Keywords

pediatric oncology nurses

burnout prevention

compassion fatigue

compassion satisfaction

professional quality of life (ProQOL)

Code Lavender

staff debriefing

psychological first aid

respite room

nurse well-being program