Overcoming Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Pediatric Oncology Nurses: Implementation of a Staff Well-Being Program.

As frontline healthcare workers, pediatric oncology nurses are at high risk for burnout, compassion fatigue, and decreased compassion satisfaction. Research indicates that up to 60% of oncology staff experience some form of burnout. This can lead to difficulties in personal and professional relationships, decreased staff retention, and negative effects on patient safety. This evidence-based practice project evaluated the impact of a staff well-being program on pediatric oncology nurses in a 28-bed hematology-oncology unit at a children's hospital. After reviewing the literature related to compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, burnout, and well-being, an interdisciplinary team identified best practices for implementing a staff well-being program. This program integrated the components of Code Lavender, which is an alert designed to reduce stress and provide psychological first aid, including social support and a purposeful break from the unit, with staff debriefings, or dedicated time to reflect and focus on the team's emotional response and coping strategies. Nurses reported that Code Lavender met their expectations; 69% agreed or strongly agreed that it had an immediate positive impact on their well-being. The team experienced challenges in coordinating debriefings with consistency, so the process was modified to develop a format that would address the needs of those who access the well-being program. There was a marginally significant improvement in compassion satisfaction from baseline to 12 months (= .05). Promoting healthcare worker well-being continues to be a priority to reduce burnout and to improve compassion satisfaction. Implementation of Code Lavender and debriefings is an important step toward improving the well-being of pediatric oncology nurses.