Running head: Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue 1
Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue
Jennie Long
NR 501 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice
Chamberlain University
November, 2018
, Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue 2
Concept analysis is an important part of theory development because it is a way to clarify
the meaning of concepts and expand the range of concepts available or discover new concepts
that help identify unrecognized or poorly understood events. (Stubin, 2017). The concept of
interest is compassion fatigue (CF), it is often a poorly recognized consequence of caring and is
particular to caregivers who do not practice self-care. (Lanier, 2017). Stubin, (2017), identifies
CF as a complex concept often referred to as “the cost of caring,” and has devastating outcomes,
including loss of ability to feel empathy and compassion. The effects of trauma and poor self-
care can lead to CF, culminating in abandonment of the profession. Watson’s Human Caring
Theory stresses self-care as the foundation of caring for others, thus it applies to CF. (Sitzman,
2017). In this paper the concept of CF will be defined and explained. A literature review will be
performed with identification of the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical
referents, as well, as construct cases. Theoretical application, will be explored, concluding with a
self-reflection of knowledge gained during this analysis.
Definition/Explanation of Concept
CF as defined by Sorenson, Bolick, Wright, and Hamilton, (2017), is a state of exhaustion
and inability to function, emotionally, physically, and biologically, resulting from prolonged
exposure to traumatic events. CF is associated with burnout, with the difference of rapid
occurrence in CF and gradual onset in burnout. (Lanier, 2017). According to Lanier, (2017), CF
is associated with individuals and burnout is associated with environment, burnout is temporary
resolving with environment changes, such as changes workplace conditions, CF is a permanent
state with little hope of recovery. The sudden onset is triggered by a single traumatic event that
pushes, the nurse, past limits of coping. Wu, Singh-Carlson, Reynolds, and Su, (2016), compare
the symptoms of CF to individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nurses
Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue
Jennie Long
NR 501 Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice
Chamberlain University
November, 2018
, Concept Analysis of Compassion Fatigue 2
Concept analysis is an important part of theory development because it is a way to clarify
the meaning of concepts and expand the range of concepts available or discover new concepts
that help identify unrecognized or poorly understood events. (Stubin, 2017). The concept of
interest is compassion fatigue (CF), it is often a poorly recognized consequence of caring and is
particular to caregivers who do not practice self-care. (Lanier, 2017). Stubin, (2017), identifies
CF as a complex concept often referred to as “the cost of caring,” and has devastating outcomes,
including loss of ability to feel empathy and compassion. The effects of trauma and poor self-
care can lead to CF, culminating in abandonment of the profession. Watson’s Human Caring
Theory stresses self-care as the foundation of caring for others, thus it applies to CF. (Sitzman,
2017). In this paper the concept of CF will be defined and explained. A literature review will be
performed with identification of the defining attributes, antecedents, consequences and empirical
referents, as well, as construct cases. Theoretical application, will be explored, concluding with a
self-reflection of knowledge gained during this analysis.
Definition/Explanation of Concept
CF as defined by Sorenson, Bolick, Wright, and Hamilton, (2017), is a state of exhaustion
and inability to function, emotionally, physically, and biologically, resulting from prolonged
exposure to traumatic events. CF is associated with burnout, with the difference of rapid
occurrence in CF and gradual onset in burnout. (Lanier, 2017). According to Lanier, (2017), CF
is associated with individuals and burnout is associated with environment, burnout is temporary
resolving with environment changes, such as changes workplace conditions, CF is a permanent
state with little hope of recovery. The sudden onset is triggered by a single traumatic event that
pushes, the nurse, past limits of coping. Wu, Singh-Carlson, Reynolds, and Su, (2016), compare
the symptoms of CF to individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Nurses
