Caring Amidst Burnout: A Phenomenological Study on Nurses’ Experience of Compassion Fatigue

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Gender, Human Development, and the Individual (GHI)

School Name

Pilar National Comprehensive High School

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Solayao, Lowel Andrian M.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/95274188371?pwd=bXhb7DQU3HQbLltdMsVaoT4A5iwGBr.1 Meeting ID: 952 7418 8371 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

Nurses play a vital role in providing compassionate care and maintaining the overall functioning of healthcare systems. However, the demanding nature of their profession exposes them to emotional and physical stress that may lead to compassion fatigue. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the workplace challenges that contribute to compassion fatigue among nurses and examines how healthcare institutions can support them. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five nurses working in hospitals and rural health units. The responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in their lived experiences. The findings revealed that understaffing, excessive workload, prolonged fatigue, and emotional exposure to patient suffering are major factors contributing to compassion fatigue. Despite these challenges, nurses employ coping mechanisms such as emotional resilience, peer support, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose in their caregiving roles. The study concludes that compassion fatigue is not only a personal challenge but also a systemic issue that requires institutional intervention. Strengthening staffing capacity, improving work schedules, and providing mental health programs are essential in supporting nurses and sustaining quality patient care.

Keywords

Keywords: compassion fatigue; nurses; burnout; coping mechanisms; phenomenology

Statement of Originality

yes

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Jun 25th, 10:30 AM Jun 25th, 12:00 PM

Caring Amidst Burnout: A Phenomenological Study on Nurses’ Experience of Compassion Fatigue

Nurses play a vital role in providing compassionate care and maintaining the overall functioning of healthcare systems. However, the demanding nature of their profession exposes them to emotional and physical stress that may lead to compassion fatigue. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the workplace challenges that contribute to compassion fatigue among nurses and examines how healthcare institutions can support them. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five nurses working in hospitals and rural health units. The responses were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in their lived experiences. The findings revealed that understaffing, excessive workload, prolonged fatigue, and emotional exposure to patient suffering are major factors contributing to compassion fatigue. Despite these challenges, nurses employ coping mechanisms such as emotional resilience, peer support, and maintaining a strong sense of purpose in their caregiving roles. The study concludes that compassion fatigue is not only a personal challenge but also a systemic issue that requires institutional intervention. Strengthening staffing capacity, improving work schedules, and providing mental health programs are essential in supporting nurses and sustaining quality patient care.

https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/conf_shsrescon/2026/BoA_GHI/3