Graduation Year
2025
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Primary Major
Nursing
Thesis Advisor
Deborah Meshel, BSN, MSN
Abstract
Background: Compassion fatigue is a critical issue and one of the many difficulties encompassed within the nursing profession. It affects a large number of registered nurses who work in hospital settings and who are constantly exposed to the suffering of others. With more young nurses entering the workforce, it's imperative that there is a better understanding of how to properly address this issue among the youngest generation of nurses: Generation Z, or those born between 1997-2012.
Objective: This research proposal aims to explore the most effective strategies to decrease levels of compassion fatigue in Generation Z nurses working in hospital settings through prevention and treatment.
Methods: The methods of this thesis includes a literature review focused on primary research investigating the presentation, impact, and strategies for combating compassion fatigue. Additionally, a research proposal will be introduced in which selected interventions, to decrease compassion fatigue, will be implemented on a sample of Generation Z nurses. Participants will receive compassion fatigue related education, resources, and support over a 4-month period. A pre- and post-test will be conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the study using the Professional Quality of Life Scale V and the Compassion Fatigue Scale. Upon completion of the research, it is hypothesized that educational and supportive interventions will aid in decreasing levels of compassion fatigue among Generation Z hospital nurses.