Compassionate Care Experiences of Nurses in Acute Psychiatric Settings: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:

Despite the recognized importance of compassion in psychiatric nursing, research on nurses’ perceptions and experiences of compassionate care remains limited. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have specifically examined compassionate care from the perspective of psychiatric nurses in acute psychiatric clinics in Turkey.

Aims:

This qualitative study explored psychiatric nurses’ perceptions and experiences of compassionate care.

Methods:

Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted between April and July 2025, and data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis approach.

Results:

Five themes emerged: Translation of Compassion into Practice, Non-compassionate Care Behaviors, Dual Faces of Care: Compassion and Its Absence, Barriers to Sustainability, and Recommendations for Sustaining Compassionate Care. Compassionate care was defined as patient-centered listening, therapeutic communication, empathy, tolerance, and a humane, attentive approach to patients’ needs. Non-compassionate behaviors included neglect, rudeness, judgment, and traumatic interventions such as restraint or isolation—often applied for nurses’ convenience rather than patients’ well-being.

Conclusion:

Findings highlight the urgent need to prevent non-compassionate care due to adverse effects on adherence, recovery, and trust. Conversely, compassionate care positively influences emotional regulation, engagement, and recovery. Sustaining compassion requires professional development, counseling, and reflective practice.