Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8825-9978
Date Available
12-1-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
College
Nursing
Department/School/Program
Nursing
Faculty
Dr. Debra Hampton
Committee Member
Dr. Matthew Proud
Faculty
Dr. Laura Hieronymus
Faculty
Dr. Kathy Isaacs
Abstract
Background: Compassion fatigue is a significant problem in healthcare that can impact staff retention, job satisfaction, and patient outcomes. Code Lavender combats compassion fatigue by serving as a crisis intervention tool using evidence-based relaxation techniques, paired with increased support from Leadership.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of Code Lavender on reported levels of compassion fatigue and burnout amongst pediatric bedside staff working on a 12-bed progressive care unit at a Children’s Hospital in a large Academic Medical Center.
Method: This study employed a pilot evaluation design, consisting of pre- and post-surveys utilizing questions from the Professional Quality of Life Scale 6 (ProQOL). The expected outcome was that there would be a positive change between pre- and post-intervention surveys, with bedside nurses reporting fewer symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout.
Results: The overall sample size for this study was 11 staff members. ProQOL scores for Compassion Satisfaction were consistent before and after Code Lavender, with a mean of 37.82 (SDs 4.58/4.67). Secondary Traumatic Stress scores improved from 28.9 (SD 4.66) to 24.09 (SD 5.07). Burnout scores improved from 26.45 (SD 4.48) to 24.26 (SD 5.37).
Conclusion: A pilot of the Code Lavender program was effective in positively impacting feelings of compassion fatigue and burnout in bedside pediatric staff. Participants verbalized feeling more supported by leadership during Code Lavender. Further study is needed to determine long-term effects on compassion fatigue and burnout in relation to staff retention and patient outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Castle, Sara L., "The Impact of Code Lavender on Compassion Fatigue and Burnout of Pediatric Bedside Staff" (2025). DNP Projects. 507.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/507
UKnowledge Permission
