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Abstract
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) represents a critical and specialized area within hospitals, demanding trained personnel equipped with the latest technical instruments, devices, standards, and protocols. This study aimed to assess the level of compassion satisfaction (CS) among nurses employed in ICUs. Conducted in tertiary care hospitals of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, the research employed a cross-sectional descriptive design from February to May 2022. The sample comprised 190 participants selected through convenient sampling, with data collected via a valid and reliable questionnaire. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant review committee, and informed consent was obtained from each participant. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22, employing ANNOVA for detecting differences and Pearson correlation tests to explore associations between CS and demographic variables. The majority of participants were female (68.9%), aged between 22 to 25 years (42.1%), and possessed a 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree (48.4%). The leading factors contributing to high CS among ICU nurses included a sense of pride in being able to provide optimal care for patients (mean score: 4.81 ± 0.51), followed by positive emotions regarding their ability to assist patients (mean score: 4.72 ± 0.56), and overall satisfaction derived from their work (mean score: 4.63 ± 0.80). The study concluded that a significant proportion of ICU nurses demonstrated high levels of compassion satisfaction in their work. Understanding the components of professional quality of life can enhance the work environment and contribute to better outcomes for both nurses and patients in the ICU setting.