“Navigating Compassion Fatigue Among Palliative Care Nurses in Gauteng”

Hosted by the PsySSA Health Psychology Division

About the Webinar:

Palliative care nurses frequently face complex emotional and professional challenges, making them vulnerable to compassion fatigue (CF). This study explored the lived experiences of palliative care nurses, focusing on how they navigate the emotional demands of their profession while maintaining resilience and delivering compassionate care. Using Carl Rogers’ Person-Centred Theory and an interpretive paradigm, this research sought to enhance the understanding of CF within palliative care settings and highlight strategies for sustaining nurses’ well-being. A qualitative research design was employed, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 palliative care nurses, recruited using purposive sampling. The thematic analysis identified four key themes: compartmentalisation, overextension, emotional demands, and self-awareness. Participants reported the necessity of self-care, reflective practices, and professional support in managing CF. Additionally, challenges such as ethical dilemmas, balancing empathy with professionalism, and systemic issues such as late referrals contributed to emotional strain. Findings suggest that ongoing training, psychosocial support, and collaborative team environments are essential for mitigating CF. This study underscores the need for further research on sustaining nurse well-being, with implications for both patient care and caregiver policy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Understand compassion fatigue by exploring how palliative care nurses in Gauteng experience and navigate the emotional, ethical, and systemic demands of their work.
• Understanding how compartmentalisation, overextension, emotional demands, and self-awareness influence nurses’ well-being and professional functioning.
• Gain insight into the real emotional and ethical challenges nurses face in palliative care.

Webinar Details:

• Date: 13 May 2026
• Time: 13:00
• Online Via Teams
• Cost: Free

Presented by:
 Miss Charlotte Muller

Charlotte Muller is an aspiring Counselling Psychologist with a strong interest in palliative care, compassion fatigue, and employee well-being. Her passion lies in understanding the underlying factors and contexts that shape psychological strain in caregiving roles, with the aim of informing more sustainable support and preventative approaches. She is currently a student supervisor for an NGO, supporting and guiding student volunteers in their practicum work. Charlotte has worked in the employee well-being and EAP space and has volunteered at HospiVision, where she facilitated support group sessions for ICU nurses, which focused on burnout and resilience. Charlotte is a goal-driven individual committed to improving access to mental health care and hopes to one day establish her own NGO to help bridge this gap.