Abstract
AIM: This study aimed to explore and understand the compassion fatigue experiences of organ transplant nurses. DESIGN: This study employed the phenomenological design, which is a qualitative research method. METHOD: The data of the study were collected from 13 nurses working at the Organ Transplant Clinics of a University Hospital in southern Turkey. A "Personal Information Form" and a "Semi-Structured Interview" form were used to collect data in face-to-face in-depth interviews held between December 2022 and June 2023. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: In this study, 248 codes, 11 categories, and three themes were obtained. The themes were "Causes of Compassion Fatigue", "Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue", and "Management of Compassion Fatigue". CONCLUSION: It was determined that all participants experienced compassion fatigue. The factors that contributed to the development of compassion fatigue were the high amount of care burden in the care of organ transplant patients, the insufficient number of nurses, having children, and rejection cases, whereas preventive factors included raising awareness regarding the development of compassion fatigue and the creation of personal care strategies. REPORTING METHOD: This research has adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines, the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative studies (COREQ 32-item checklist). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Thirteen participants with at least a bachelor's degree in transplant nursing completed the research.