January 1, 2025Open Access

Registered Nurses’ Characteristics and Their Levels of Compassion Competence and Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Survey

JGJacqueline GalicaQueen's University SSStephanie SaundersOttawa Hospital CMChiamaka MaduQueen's University

Key Points

Compassion satisfaction significantly predicts compassion competence, highlighting the link between these two factors.
Average compassion competence score was 4.18 out of 5, with 98.3% reporting moderate to high satisfaction levels.
Multiple linear regression identified education level and full-time status as significant predictors of compassion satisfaction.
Findings point to the need for targeted interventions to enhance compassionate care in nursing settings.

Abstract

Introduction Although registered nurses are expected to treat patients with care and compassion, a variety of characteristics may influence their ability to express compassion. Objectives (1) To assess registered nurses’ level of compassion competence and compassion satisfaction, and; (2) to explore how individual-level, employment-related, and organization-level characteristics are associated with their level of compassion competence and compassion satisfaction. Methods Registered nurses working in any practice setting in Ontario, Canada, completed a cross-sectional electronic survey of valid and reliable measures. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analyses were used to address study objectives. Results One hundred eighty-one registered nurses participated. Most identified as female ( n = 157; 96.3%), Caucasian ( n = 144; 88.3%), and completed baccalaureate training as their highest level of education ( n = 80; 50.6%). Participants’ average compassion competence score was higher than average (4.18 on a 5-point scale), and most participants ( n = 171, 98.3%) reported moderate to high levels of compassion satisfaction. Compassion satisfaction was the only significant predictor of compassion competence, which indicated a positive relationship ( β = 0.344, p < .001). Compassion competence was among a variety of significantly positive predictors of compassion satisfaction ( β = 0.652, p < .001). The other positive significant predictors of compassion satisfaction were higher than baccalaureate education ( β = 0.363, p < .001), full-time work status ( β = 0.253, p = .012), working in organizations with greater compassion practices ( β = 0.114, p = .005), and organizations with higher climate for change ( β = 0.292, p < .001). Conclusions Study findings illuminate varying degrees of significance for individual-level, employment-related, and organization-level characteristics and how these predict registered nurses’ levels of compassion. These distinctions have important implications for intervention development and future research in understanding compassionate care among nurses.

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