LAUSR

Abstract Aim To test a model that examines the direct and indirect effects of work‐related stress on job‐related affective well‐being through compassion fatigue. Background Despite the danger of infection, nurses' dedication to their work appears to be an innate desire to provide care for patients with COVID‐19. Nonetheless, the universal effort to control the outbreak has led to extended work hours and workload, which has been defined as the primary contributor to work‐related stress among nurses and might impact their job‐related affective well‐being. Method We used a cross‐sectional exploratory design. Data were collected using an online survey from 161 nurses working in the Saudi health care system. The survey included obtaining information on demographics and work‐related stress using Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 to measure compassion fatigue as well as a job‐related affective well‐being scale. Results Work‐related stress had significant negative direct effects on job‐related affective well‐being and positive effects on compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue had significantly negative direct effects on job‐related affective well‐being. Work‐related stress exerted negative indirect effects on job‐related affective well‐being through compassion fatigue, which partially mediated the relationship. Conclusion The findings supported the model and added to our understanding regarding the impact of work‐related stress on nurses. Implications for Nursing Management Stress reduction is an important element in improving staff outcomes as well as job‐related affective well‐being.