Combating Compassion Fatigue Research Paper
Running head: COMBATING COMPASSION FATIGUE
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Renee Rundle
Grand Canyon University
Spirituality in Healthcare
HLT-210V
Emory Davis
August 09, 2013
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Introduction
Working in the healthcare field, especially in nursing, is more of a calling than a job, in this student 's opinion. It requires passionate dedication to patients, long hours and often means putting the needs of others before oneself. However, these things are the very reason that many nurses experience exhaustion, disappointment, and the ever-famous "burn out." Compassion fatigue is more common than many believe and can be serious. This paper will discuss the issues that arise from compassion fatigue and its causes, …show more content…
paying specific attention to the nursing profession. Additionally, this paper will discuss the warning signs of compassion fatigue, addressing concepts related to the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of caregivers. Furthermore, coping strategies will be examined, and resources provided which may be useful in assisting the health care provider to prevent compassion fatigue. Warning Signs for Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue (CF) is also know as a "stress disorder" and typically effects people who care for individuals during a time of crisis.
Compassion fatigue is a disorder which, overtime, lessens the health care worker 's ability to provide compassionate care (Coe, 2010). Compassion fatigue affects caregivers in a variety of ways, including physically, emotionally or spiritually. It is an overwhelming exhaustion which often prevents one from the ability to feel joy, happiness or any other the other "feel-good" emotions that come with being a health care provider (Mindfulhub, 2011). There are many signs and symptoms indicative of Compassion Fatigue. These may include physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as professional symptoms. Physical signs of compassion fatigue may be: feelings of fatigue or hyperactivity. The inability to sleep is often a common concern of many who suffer from CF. Psychological symptoms may involve nightmares related to the work environment, and the inability to enjoy things that were once enjoyable and a generalized bleak outlook on the future. Emotional symptoms of CF may include feelings of anger, anxiety or being easily overwhelmed. One may feel more hopeless and vulnerable and may be prone to emotional outbursts. Professional symptoms of CF can include withdrawing from coworkers, a decrease in productivity while at work and even the desire to abandon employment (Deshields, …show more content…
2012).
Problems and Causes of Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue may quickly set in when a health care worker puts all others above themselves, thus disregarding their own needs.
Health care workers are known for working long hours, often without breaks or lunches. Many patients are acutely ill and require much needed, focused attention which may be stressful. In addition, several areas of nursing experience high turnover, which causes departments to function with less staff. This increases the already high expectations of the health care worker. The demands of a health care worker are great and, in turn, so are stress levels. When a health care worker suffers from compassion fatigue, that suffering becomes evident in many different ways. The health care worker may not perform their duties as well as expected, which may produce poor patient outcomes. It may be difficult for the caregiver to build strong, trusting relationships with their patients and patient family, as patients may feel that the nurse 's attitude does not convey one of
compassion. Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Needs of the Health Care Worker Understanding compassion fatigue is important for the health care worker, as they are then able to look for and address symptoms immediately. Addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs on oneself is important in preventing CF. Health care workers may care for themselves physically in several different ways. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise increases energy levels. For example, going for a quick walk during a lunch break or making sure to eat a snack every few hours throughout the day may have a great impact. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Furthermore, decreasing unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking promotes physical well being. Another key component to keeping in good physical health includes getting enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep and physical exhaustion play a great role in the development of compassion fatigue. Caring for one 's physical health is plays a large role in combating the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue. Addressing ones emotional needs are also important in decreasing compassion fatigue. Several hospitals have programs in place that focus on the emotional needs of the health care worker and are often free to employees. For instance, free counseling services are often available through one 's employer. It is also important for health care workers to have a strong emotional support system of friends and family. Being able to confide in and discuss problems with loved ones often increases emotional health f an individual. Furthermore, health care workers should discuss any feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed with administrative staff. This allows manager to step in when needed and provide the health care worker with resources that promote emotional health. Spiritual needs of the health care provider are dependent on the individual. For some, keeping in good spiritual health may include attending weekly church services or reading scripture. For others, it may mean taking time throughout the day to pray or meditate. Making time for these things will assist the health care worker in caring for their spiritual needs, decreasing their susceptibility to
Coping Strategies and Caregiver Resources Health care workers have several resources available to them which, if utilized, may decrease the chance that they will suffer from compassion fatigue. Several employers offer seminars which teach health care workers how to endure the stressors of their job. It is also important for hospitals and places of employment to educate staff on the dangers of compassion fatigue so that signs and symptoms may be addresses early on. Also, administrative staff should be educated on the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue. Doing so allows them to refer employees that may be dealing with compassion fatigue to the right resources and make staff aware of resources available. Administrative staff should also be sure to promote a healthy work environment. For example, providing a relaxing place for breaks and lunch periods and ensuring that staff members get said break periods would greatly decrease the stress of the day. In addition, implementing things such as sharing of high acuity or complicated patients amongst health care providers so that any one individual is not overwhelmed may decrease CF (Portnoy, 2011).
Conclusion
Health care workers may suffer from compassion fatigue and be unaware of it. Having the ability to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue is imperative. Continuing education for health care providers on the signs and symptoms and prevention of compassion fatigue is imperative. When health care workers are able to care for oneself, they are better able to provide the best quality patient care possible. Although health care workers focus on the care of others, it all starts with caring for themselves.
References
Deshields, T. (February 8, 2012.), A hospital-wide approach to combating compassion fatigue. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hospitalimpact.org. Retrieved on August 10, 2013.
Mindfulhub. (August 4th, 2011.), Counter compassion fatigue with mindfulness. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mindfulhub.com. Retrieved on August 10, 2013. Portnoy, D. (2011). Burnout and compassion fatigue: Watch for the signs. Health Progress, Retrieved from http://www.compassionfatigue.org. Retrieved on August 10, 2013.
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Renee Rundle
Grand Canyon University
Spirituality in Healthcare
HLT-210V
Emory Davis
August 09, 2013
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Introduction
Working in the healthcare field, especially in nursing, is more of a calling than a job, in this student 's opinion. It requires passionate dedication to patients, long hours and often means putting the needs of others before oneself. However, these things are the very reason that many nurses experience exhaustion, disappointment, and the ever-famous "burn out." Compassion fatigue is more common than many believe and can be serious. This paper will discuss the issues that arise from compassion fatigue and its causes, …show more content…
paying specific attention to the nursing profession. Additionally, this paper will discuss the warning signs of compassion fatigue, addressing concepts related to the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of caregivers. Furthermore, coping strategies will be examined, and resources provided which may be useful in assisting the health care provider to prevent compassion fatigue. Warning Signs for Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue (CF) is also know as a "stress disorder" and typically effects people who care for individuals during a time of crisis.
Compassion fatigue is a disorder which, overtime, lessens the health care worker 's ability to provide compassionate care (Coe, 2010). Compassion fatigue affects caregivers in a variety of ways, including physically, emotionally or spiritually. It is an overwhelming exhaustion which often prevents one from the ability to feel joy, happiness or any other the other "feel-good" emotions that come with being a health care provider (Mindfulhub, 2011). There are many signs and symptoms indicative of Compassion Fatigue. These may include physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, emotional symptoms as well as professional symptoms. Physical signs of compassion fatigue may be: feelings of fatigue or hyperactivity. The inability to sleep is often a common concern of many who suffer from CF. Psychological symptoms may involve nightmares related to the work environment, and the inability to enjoy things that were once enjoyable and a generalized bleak outlook on the future. Emotional symptoms of CF may include feelings of anger, anxiety or being easily overwhelmed. One may feel more hopeless and vulnerable and may be prone to emotional outbursts. Professional symptoms of CF can include withdrawing from coworkers, a decrease in productivity while at work and even the desire to abandon employment (Deshields, …show more content…
2012).
Problems and Causes of Compassion Fatigue Compassion fatigue may quickly set in when a health care worker puts all others above themselves, thus disregarding their own needs.
Health care workers are known for working long hours, often without breaks or lunches. Many patients are acutely ill and require much needed, focused attention which may be stressful. In addition, several areas of nursing experience high turnover, which causes departments to function with less staff. This increases the already high expectations of the health care worker. The demands of a health care worker are great and, in turn, so are stress levels. When a health care worker suffers from compassion fatigue, that suffering becomes evident in many different ways. The health care worker may not perform their duties as well as expected, which may produce poor patient outcomes. It may be difficult for the caregiver to build strong, trusting relationships with their patients and patient family, as patients may feel that the nurse 's attitude does not convey one of
compassion. Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Needs of the Health Care Worker Understanding compassion fatigue is important for the health care worker, as they are then able to look for and address symptoms immediately. Addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs on oneself is important in preventing CF. Health care workers may care for themselves physically in several different ways. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise increases energy levels. For example, going for a quick walk during a lunch break or making sure to eat a snack every few hours throughout the day may have a great impact. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Furthermore, decreasing unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking promotes physical well being. Another key component to keeping in good physical health includes getting enough sleep each night. Lack of sleep and physical exhaustion play a great role in the development of compassion fatigue. Caring for one 's physical health is plays a large role in combating the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue. Addressing ones emotional needs are also important in decreasing compassion fatigue. Several hospitals have programs in place that focus on the emotional needs of the health care worker and are often free to employees. For instance, free counseling services are often available through one 's employer. It is also important for health care workers to have a strong emotional support system of friends and family. Being able to confide in and discuss problems with loved ones often increases emotional health f an individual. Furthermore, health care workers should discuss any feelings of anxiety or being overwhelmed with administrative staff. This allows manager to step in when needed and provide the health care worker with resources that promote emotional health. Spiritual needs of the health care provider are dependent on the individual. For some, keeping in good spiritual health may include attending weekly church services or reading scripture. For others, it may mean taking time throughout the day to pray or meditate. Making time for these things will assist the health care worker in caring for their spiritual needs, decreasing their susceptibility to
Coping Strategies and Caregiver Resources Health care workers have several resources available to them which, if utilized, may decrease the chance that they will suffer from compassion fatigue. Several employers offer seminars which teach health care workers how to endure the stressors of their job. It is also important for hospitals and places of employment to educate staff on the dangers of compassion fatigue so that signs and symptoms may be addresses early on. Also, administrative staff should be educated on the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue. Doing so allows them to refer employees that may be dealing with compassion fatigue to the right resources and make staff aware of resources available. Administrative staff should also be sure to promote a healthy work environment. For example, providing a relaxing place for breaks and lunch periods and ensuring that staff members get said break periods would greatly decrease the stress of the day. In addition, implementing things such as sharing of high acuity or complicated patients amongst health care providers so that any one individual is not overwhelmed may decrease CF (Portnoy, 2011).
Conclusion
Health care workers may suffer from compassion fatigue and be unaware of it. Having the ability to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue is imperative. Continuing education for health care providers on the signs and symptoms and prevention of compassion fatigue is imperative. When health care workers are able to care for oneself, they are better able to provide the best quality patient care possible. Although health care workers focus on the care of others, it all starts with caring for themselves.
References
Deshields, T. (February 8, 2012.), A hospital-wide approach to combating compassion fatigue. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.hospitalimpact.org. Retrieved on August 10, 2013.
Mindfulhub. (August 4th, 2011.), Counter compassion fatigue with mindfulness. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://mindfulhub.com. Retrieved on August 10, 2013. Portnoy, D. (2011). Burnout and compassion fatigue: Watch for the signs. Health Progress, Retrieved from http://www.compassionfatigue.org. Retrieved on August 10, 2013.