Publication Date

2013-07-25

Availability

Open access

Embargo Period

2013-07-25

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Department

Nursing (Nursing)

Date of Defense

2013-07-11

First Committee Member

Doris N. Ugarriza

Second Committee Member

Daniel A. Santisteban

Third Committee Member

Karina Gattamorta

Fourth Committee Member

Leigh K. McGraw

Abstract

Military healthcare providers who were exposed to direct combat activity are shown to have an increased prevalence of depression and PTSD compared to healthcare providers reporting less frequent exposure. To address these issues, the Army leadership recognized the Care Provider Support Program (CPSP) as a way to improve the resiliency of healthcare providers. The purpose of this pilot longitudinal cohort study was to update what is currently known about the resiliency, coping, and compassion fatigue of Army and Civilian Nurses, LPNs, and Medics who treat wounded Soldiers and whether these factors can be improved over a sustained period of time. Methodology: A prospective cohort pilot study was implemented to investigate the long-term effects of resiliency training (CPSP) on Army and Civilian Nurses, LPNs, and Medics (n = 93) at Womack Army Medical Center at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Measures: Prior to receiving and 30-days after receiving CPSP training, participants were administered the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ) by Lazarus and Folkman, and Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) Questionnaire. Demographic information was also collected. Twenty-eight Army Nurses, LPNs, and Medics returned follow up questionnaires. Results: CPSP training did not affect resiliency scores on the CD-RISC or coping scores as measured by the WCQ. CPSP was significant in reducing burnout as measured by the ProQOL questionnaire, leading to decreased compassion fatigue. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, CPSP training was effective in reducing burnout, which leads to decreased compassion fatigue in a group of Army Nurses and Civilian, LPNs, and Medics.

Keywords

Resiliency, Healthcare Provider, Coping, Compassion Fatigue, Nurse, Military

Download

Share

COinS