Theoretical Framework: Compassion Fatigue
2148-EXPLOR-SCI--THEORIES-NURSING-83294-400 - 2148-NURS-5327-400-EXPLOR-SCI--THEORIES-NURSING--2014-Fall
Theoretical Framework Paper
Word Count: 2,335
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
Framework of Compassion Fatigue
University of Texas at Arlington Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing N5327
Rhonda Mintz-Binder, DNP RN CNE
September 11, 2014
Compassion fatigue, which is also known, as secondary traumatic stress is a natural effect that occurs as a result of taking care of patients who are in pain, stressed, suffering, or traumatized.
Compassion fatigue commonly affects nurses who show extreme empathy for patients and their relatives. Empathy is the act of putting oneself in another person’s situation or understanding one's feelings (Walker & Alligood, 2001). It has always been a nurse’s role to show empathy to patients and their relatives. In the process of sympathizing and empathizing, nurses can easily develop compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue affects nurses physically, psychologically, and spiritually in addition to affecting their daily duties. Nurses may intentionally stop working with certain patients or reduce their empathy for patients, and others may have repetitive call-ins to avoid working specific patient populations. These adverse effects can easily lower hospital or institution productivity. Therefore, it is advisable for nurses to be encouraged to seek advice and counseling from counselors, mentors, psychologists, and other responsible persons. It is also necessary for nurses to be aware of the symptoms of compassion fatigue to facilitate taking preventative measures as early as possible. The compassion fatigue theory is connected to the relationship between the patient and the care provider. The trauma and suffering experienced by the patient has a direct affect on the caregiver’s ability to empathize, engage, and develop therapeutic relationships with patients. This essay points out the main causes of
Theoretical Framework Paper
Word Count: 2,335
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK:
Framework of Compassion Fatigue
University of Texas at Arlington Exploration of Science and Theories for Nursing N5327
Rhonda Mintz-Binder, DNP RN CNE
September 11, 2014
Compassion fatigue, which is also known, as secondary traumatic stress is a natural effect that occurs as a result of taking care of patients who are in pain, stressed, suffering, or traumatized.
Compassion fatigue commonly affects nurses who show extreme empathy for patients and their relatives. Empathy is the act of putting oneself in another person’s situation or understanding one's feelings (Walker & Alligood, 2001). It has always been a nurse’s role to show empathy to patients and their relatives. In the process of sympathizing and empathizing, nurses can easily develop compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue affects nurses physically, psychologically, and spiritually in addition to affecting their daily duties. Nurses may intentionally stop working with certain patients or reduce their empathy for patients, and others may have repetitive call-ins to avoid working specific patient populations. These adverse effects can easily lower hospital or institution productivity. Therefore, it is advisable for nurses to be encouraged to seek advice and counseling from counselors, mentors, psychologists, and other responsible persons. It is also necessary for nurses to be aware of the symptoms of compassion fatigue to facilitate taking preventative measures as early as possible. The compassion fatigue theory is connected to the relationship between the patient and the care provider. The trauma and suffering experienced by the patient has a direct affect on the caregiver’s ability to empathize, engage, and develop therapeutic relationships with patients. This essay points out the main causes of
References: Adams, R., Boscarino, J., & Figley, C. (2006) (2009). Compassion fatigue: Psychotherapists ' chronic lack of self-care. Psychotherapy in Practice, 58(11), 1433-1441. Harmer, B., & Henderson, V. (Eds.) R., & Baird, S. (2002). Secondary traumatic stress and vicarious traumatization: a validational study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 15(5), 423-432. Koloroutis, M. (2007) (2004). When hope makes us vulnerable: A discussion of patient-healthcare provider interactions in the context of hope. Bioethics, 18(5), 428-447. Walker, K., & Alligood, M. (2001) (2010). The theory of human caring: Retrospective and prospective. Nursing Science Quarterly, 1, 49-52.