Combatting Compassion Fatigue
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Grand Canyon University
Spirituality in Health Care
HLT-310V
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Introduction
According to Van der Cingal, 2009, compassion signifies “an acknowledgement of another’s suffering and is accompanied by the expression of a desire to ease or end that suffering”. Persons in the health care industry are known for their compassion and which is what usually draws them to this profession. Nurses work in a stressful environment that is continually demanding, both physically and mentally. With many highs and lows throughout just one shift, health care workers can be left with challenging emotions. Throughout their career, these difficult feelings and stressful demands can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion Fatigue represents the collective emotional, psychological, and physical result of exposure to traumatic events when assisting others, while combined with everyday life stressors (ABA, 2011). This paper will discuss five concepts with warning signs of compassion fatigue. Exploration of the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of caregivers will be addressed, along with coping strategies and resources useful for the health care worker.
Five Concepts of Compassion Fatigue
Though there are many concepts of compassion fatigue, this paper will discuss five major concepts that will include: Physical Exhaustion Emotional Exhaustion Apathy Depression Compulsive Behavior
Physical Exhaustion
Health care workers are notorious for not taking care of their physical and nutritional needs. To maintain health, plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are basic needs for a healthful balance. When any of these needs are compromised over a period of time, the personnel will not only physically, but mentally suffer also. The body requires at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night and eventually physical exhaustion will set in. The most common symptoms include insomnia (not being able to fall asleep
Grand Canyon University
Spirituality in Health Care
HLT-310V
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Introduction
According to Van der Cingal, 2009, compassion signifies “an acknowledgement of another’s suffering and is accompanied by the expression of a desire to ease or end that suffering”. Persons in the health care industry are known for their compassion and which is what usually draws them to this profession. Nurses work in a stressful environment that is continually demanding, both physically and mentally. With many highs and lows throughout just one shift, health care workers can be left with challenging emotions. Throughout their career, these difficult feelings and stressful demands can lead to compassion fatigue. Compassion Fatigue represents the collective emotional, psychological, and physical result of exposure to traumatic events when assisting others, while combined with everyday life stressors (ABA, 2011). This paper will discuss five concepts with warning signs of compassion fatigue. Exploration of the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of caregivers will be addressed, along with coping strategies and resources useful for the health care worker.
Five Concepts of Compassion Fatigue
Though there are many concepts of compassion fatigue, this paper will discuss five major concepts that will include: Physical Exhaustion Emotional Exhaustion Apathy Depression Compulsive Behavior
Physical Exhaustion
Health care workers are notorious for not taking care of their physical and nutritional needs. To maintain health, plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and daily exercise are basic needs for a healthful balance. When any of these needs are compromised over a period of time, the personnel will not only physically, but mentally suffer also. The body requires at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night and eventually physical exhaustion will set in. The most common symptoms include insomnia (not being able to fall asleep
References: American Bar Association (ABA), (2011). What is compassion fatigue? Retrieved February 9, 2013 from http://www.americanbar.org. Apathy. (2012). In Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved February 8, 2013, from www.merriam-webster.com Bush, N. (2009). Compassion Fatigue: Are You at Risk?. Oncology Nursing Forum, 36(1), 24-28. Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project (2012). Recognizing Compassion Fatigue. Retrieved February 7, 2013, from http://www.compassionfatigue.org. Espeland, K. (2006). Overcoming Burnout: How to Revitalize Your Career. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 37, 178-184. Moore, D. (2009). Causes of Emotional Exhaustion. Retrieved February 5, 2013, from http://www.helium.com/items/1689857-how-to-understand-and-avoid-the-causes-of-emotional-exhaustion. PDR Health: Depression symptoms. Retrieved February 8, 2013 from http://www.pdrhealth.com/diseases/depression/symptoms. Van der Cingal, M. (2009). Compassion and Professional Care: Exploring the Domain. Nursing Philosophy, 102, 124-136.