The silent struggle of nurses caring for children battling leukemia: An in-depth examination of compassion fatigue.

PURPOSE: To explore in depth the views and experiences of pediatric nurses caring for children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in relation to compassion fatigue.

METHOD: Data were collected between December 2023 and February 2024 through semi-structured focus group interviews with nurses working in a university hospital's Pediatric Hematology Clinic. Of the 10 nurses employed in the unit, eight participated in the study following a pilot interview conducted with two nurses. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive content analysis. The study was reported in accordance with the COREQ checklist.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified: (1) nurses' perceptions of compassion fatigue, (2) emotional bonding in long-term care, (3) managing empathy and professional boundaries, (4) compassion fatigue as a dynamic process, (5) emotional withdrawal and burnout, and (6) coping strategies and emotional support.

CONCLUSIONS

Compassion fatigue among pediatric oncology nurses represents not only an occupational challenge but also a profound emotional process that tests personal and professional resilience. Nurses' internal resources, professional identity, and coping strategies play a central role in managing this experience. The findings underscore the importance of supporting pediatric nurses in recognising, preventing, and managing compassion fatigue. Psychosocial support programmes, training to balance empathy with professional boundaries, and organisational strategies to optimise workload may help reduce risk and enhance the quality of care provided to children and their families.