Compassion Fatigue and the Mental Health Professional: Improving Quality of Life in the Workplace

Author

Diane E. Wahne, Fort Hays State University

Department

Nursing

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Abstract

This project investigated the prevalence and impact of utilizing specified techniques to reduce compassion fatigue among the staff of an outpatient mental health clinic. Compassion Fatigue (CF) can evolve from long-term exposure to stressful and demanding situations, causing physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion (Cetrano et al., 2017). Due to the consistent involvement of distressing information, healthcare providers (HCPs) can develop a depleted ability to cope with daily surroundings, producing compromised patient care (Singh et al., 2020). Other areas, such as co-worker and employer-employee relationships, can be affected, and such exposure can also lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; Crocker & Joss,2016). Using a quantitative approach, the Professional Quality of Life Version 5 (ProQOLv5) scale was administered to determine the impact of utilizing evidence-based practice (EBP) techniques to decrease compassion fatigue levels during the workday. The project highlighted the importance of practicing suggested EBP techniques, including meditation, mindfulness, self-care, and breathing techniques, in mitigating compassion fatigue while improving stress levels throughout the workday and personal time outside the work setting. Areas of job satisfaction, happiness, work-life balance struggles, and negative feelings and stressors showed a 13 to 24% improvement in symptoms when pre- and post-survey responses were measured. Recommendations include maintaining a consistent routine and utilizing the suggested techniques to promote healthy habits and combat stress levels within the work setting.

Keywords

compassion fatigue, workplace stress, cost of caring, professional quality of life, interventions for compassion fatigue, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, aromatherapy

Advisor

Dr. Jenny Manry

Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Recommended Citation

Wahne, Diane E., "Compassion Fatigue and the Mental Health Professional: Improving Quality of Life in the Workplace" (2025). Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice. 3296.
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/3296

Rights

© The Author