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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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