Nurses and Compassion Fatigue

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Do you wonder how hospice nurses sustain compassionate practice as they work every day with suffering patients who always die? Expert hospice nurses embrace the suffering of the client and family and become susceptible to compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is often viewed as secondary stress. It is the stress felt by the caregiver from exposure to a traumatization. Nurses often describe this as overload. Although signs of compassion fatigue are individualized, they often include exhaustion and a reduced ability to express empathy for the client. This may result in withdrawal by the nurse emotionally from the client and family, as well as the role of nurse.

Staying psychologically as well as physically healthy as a hospice nurse requires a high level of self-awareness. Nurses must be aware of the signs and symptoms that they may have a tendency to exhibit. Symptoms are individualized based on how a particular nurse adapted to stress in the past and are often subject to developmental, spiritual, cultural, and environmental influences. Recognition of the symptoms allows the hospice nurse to institute stress-relieving activities early in the process. According to the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project (2017), some symptoms that a nurse may experience include the following:

Isolating oneself; poor self-care (appearance, hygiene)
Repressed emotions; apathy; mentally/physically exhausted
Always finding blame with others; many complaints about job/administration
Substance abuse; compulsive behaviors (e.g., eating, spending, gambling)
In debt; legal problems; recurrent flashbacks/nightmares; chronic health problems
Problems concentrating; feeling preoccupied; denies problems
Compassion fatigue can affect an agency, if enough nurses suffer from the problem and nothing is done to assist them. It can cause problems between nurses and administrators, lead to high turnover and absenteeism, and lead to self-perpetuation. Organizations may exhibit these symptoms:

Poor teamwork; high absentee rates; continually changing coworker relationships
Challenging/breaking agency rules; aggression among staff members
Poor task/assignment completion; unable to meet deadlines; lack of flexibility
Negative feelings toward management; reluctance toward change
Poor vision of future; not able to believe that improvements can be made
(Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, 2017)

Compassion fatigue is not isolated to hospice nurses. All nurses are susceptible to the effects. This may lead to higher rates of turnover and an increase in the nursing shortage as nurses leave the profession.

Often, caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue are unable to identify it in themselves.

Answer EACH question below:

1. What ways can you identify compassion fatigue in others?

2. What recommendations can you make to reduce compassion fatigue for yourself?

3. How can you transform your organization to reduce compassion fatigue?

 

Sample Solution

  • Changes in behavior: People with compassion fatigue may withdraw from others, become apathetic, or have difficulty concentrating. They may also start to make mistakes at work or have trouble making decisions.
  • Physical symptoms: People with compassion fatigue may experience fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, or other physical symptoms. They may also have trouble sleeping or have changes in their appetite.
  • Emotional symptoms: People with compassion fatigue may experience feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or guilt. They may also have difficulty coping with stress or dealing with difficult situations.
  • Spiritual symptoms: People with compassion fatigue may experience a loss of faith or a sense of emptiness. They may also have difficulty finding meaning in their work or their lives.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a colleague, it is important to talk to someone about it. Compassion fatigue is a serious problem, but it can be treated. There are a number of things that can be done to reduce compassion fatigue, including:

  • Self-care: This includes taking care of your physical and emotional health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. You should also find ways to relax and de-stress, such as spending time with loved ones, reading, or listening to music.
  • Seeking support: Talk to a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional. They can help you to understand compassion fatigue and develop coping strategies.
  • Connecting with others: Talk to your colleagues about what you are going through. They may be able to offer support and understanding. You can also join a support group for people who are experiencing compassion fatigue.
  • Taking breaks: It is important to take breaks from work, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. This could mean taking a few days off, or simply taking some time each day to relax and recharge.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing compassion fatigue and maintain your physical and emotional health.

Here are some additional recommendations that can help to reduce compassion fatigue:

  • Set boundaries: It is important to set boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means not taking work home with you and not checking work emails or messages outside of work hours.
  • Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This can help you to stay grounded and cope with stress. There are a number of mindfulness techniques that you can try, such as meditation, yoga, or tai chi.
  • Take care of yourself: This means eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. It also means doing things that you enjoy and that make you happy.
  • Ask for help: If you are feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues, friends, or family. They can offer support and encouragement.

Compassion fatigue is a serious problem, but it is one that can be treated. By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of developing compassion fatigue and maintain your physical and emotional health.

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