Combating Compassion Fatigue Essay Example
November 15, 2012
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Health care professionals multitask and have many goals in the health care industry, and most importantly it is our main duty to assist our patients with the best care. In order to accomplish this goal it is apparent for the health care professionals to practice a well-balanced healthy life style to effectively give care to the patient. In general, promoting inadequate healthy measures in a physical and mental way will cause health inconsistencies just not in the care for the patient, but in their work performance and in the life of health professionals. When health care professionals neglect their self-care and solely provide only care for the patient will eventually result in experiencing compassion fatigue disorder. Compassion fatigue is caused by empathy. It is a natural consequence from stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people (Bush, 2009). In this paper, I will examine the perception and define compassion fatigue in these important areas: the warning signs and the causes, the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the caregiver, and finally I will state the coping strategies and resources to help the health care professional.
It is crucial that all health professionals including registered nurses, Physicians, and care givers understand and perceive the important concepts of compassion fatigue and becoming aware with the symptoms, warning signs, and take the essential steps to combat compassion fatigue in the early stages. The signs in experiencing the early stages of compassion fatigue are being cynical towards others and the world, and being sarcastic. The lack of having hope and faith, and expressing rude and cruel comments in and outside of workplace is a sign of coming out of your compassion zone. Furthermore, other symptoms that occur gradually over time may include physical and emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation, depression, apathy, and impaired judgment,
Combating Compassion Fatigue
Health care professionals multitask and have many goals in the health care industry, and most importantly it is our main duty to assist our patients with the best care. In order to accomplish this goal it is apparent for the health care professionals to practice a well-balanced healthy life style to effectively give care to the patient. In general, promoting inadequate healthy measures in a physical and mental way will cause health inconsistencies just not in the care for the patient, but in their work performance and in the life of health professionals. When health care professionals neglect their self-care and solely provide only care for the patient will eventually result in experiencing compassion fatigue disorder. Compassion fatigue is caused by empathy. It is a natural consequence from stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people (Bush, 2009). In this paper, I will examine the perception and define compassion fatigue in these important areas: the warning signs and the causes, the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the caregiver, and finally I will state the coping strategies and resources to help the health care professional.
It is crucial that all health professionals including registered nurses, Physicians, and care givers understand and perceive the important concepts of compassion fatigue and becoming aware with the symptoms, warning signs, and take the essential steps to combat compassion fatigue in the early stages. The signs in experiencing the early stages of compassion fatigue are being cynical towards others and the world, and being sarcastic. The lack of having hope and faith, and expressing rude and cruel comments in and outside of workplace is a sign of coming out of your compassion zone. Furthermore, other symptoms that occur gradually over time may include physical and emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation, depression, apathy, and impaired judgment,