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Compassion Fatigue

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Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue

Grand Canyon University: HLT 310
September 1, 2013
Combatting Compassion Fatigue
The idea of caring for others is the motivating reason that draws most people into nursing. The concept of being a supportive part of a person’s health care needs is exactly the cause of compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue can hit the best of nurses. Nurses who are highly driven and detail oriented are at a higher risk for developing compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue was a term first applied in 1992; it is described as a syndrome that occurs in nurses when caring for a patient facing life-altering or life-threatening changes resulting from an illness. Compassion fatigue is prevalent among nurses today, due to increasing patient loads, as a result of nurse shortages and hospital cut backs. Compassion fatigue in nursing should not be ignored. There are classic warning signs that someone might be experiencing compassion fatigue. Recognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and following the necessary steps to prevent and treat it can provide one with the tools needed to make their nursing career rewarding.
Warning signs of five concepts of compassion fatigue
An essential first step in developing a prevention plan is to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue. Learning to become aware of the problem is the first step in prevention. Compassion fatigue cuts you off from the people that need you the most. Warning signs of compassion fatigue can include cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and somatic symptoms (Portnoy, D. 2011).
Cognitive
Nature of the Problems and their Causes Cognitive behavior is the ability to judge and reason effectively and having a perception of your surroundings. Cognitive symptoms can include a decreased sense of personal satisfaction and personal accomplishments. A feeling of indifference or apathetic with ones patients is another sign. A sense of disorientation with lowered levels of


References: barlow828. (Nov 28, '11). Spirituality in Nursing. Retrieved Sunday, Sep 01, 2013, from http://allnurses.com/showthread.php?t=646693 Bush, N. (2009). Compassion fatigue: are you at risk?. Oncology Nursing Forum, 36(1), 24-28. doi:10.1188/09.ONF.24-28 Gilmore, C. (2012). Compassion fatigue -- what it is and how to avoid it. Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand, 18(5), 32. Portnoy, D. (2011). Burnout and Compassion Fatigue: Watch for the Signs. Health Progress. Retrieved from http://www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/healthprogress.pdf
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