How Nurses Can Address Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue, a challenge faced by all nurses, can be managed effectively. Discover methods to combat compassion fatigue, nurture yourself, and uphold quality patient care. Nurses consistently provide empathetic care for patients during their most challenging moments. However, this work takes an emotional toll over time, possibly leading to compassion fatigue—the decline in the ability to provide compassionate care.
This problem affects many nurses. Reports indicate that 16% to 39% of registered nurses experience compassion fatigue, with higher rates among those in fields like hospice, oncology, and emergency care. The impact of compassion fatigue has grown significantly among nurses following the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Recognizing and addressing the signs of compassion fatigue is essential for nurses to seek assistance and maintain optimal nursing care.
Identifying Signs of Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue, also known as vicarious or secondary traumatization, can develop more rapidly than burnout. While nurse burnout and compassion fatigue share common signs such as emotional and mental exhaustion, isolation, and feeling disconnected from work objectives, compassion fatigue presents distinct indicators:
– Impaired judgment and behavior
– Erosion of hope, self-worth, and self-esteem
– Increased susceptibility to PTSD and depression
– Negative influence on spiritual identity and worldview
– Overall decline in morale
– Diminished cognitive function and capability
– Disruption of sleep patterns
5 Approaches to Preventing and Managing Compassion Fatigue
Early identification and management of compassion fatigue can expedite nurses’ recovery. Insights from nurses offer advice on preventing or mitigating compassion fatigue, as detailed below.
1. Tailor Your Schedule
Select a work schedule that allows a balance between professional and personal life. Nurse-midwife Mallorie Resendez Bassetti suggests choosing a schedule aligned with personal well-being. If night shifts are taxing, consider switching to day shifts or alternating schedules.
Overworking can contribute to compassion fatigue. Maintaining the option to reduce to part-time hours can be beneficial.
2. Prioritize Self-Care
Dedicating time for self-care is pivotal in preventing burnout and recovering from compassion fatigue. Assistant Clinical Professor Jackie Murphy recommends setting aside even just a few minutes daily for self-care.
These moments enable relaxation and self-prioritization. While Murphy suggests activities like short meditations, walks, yoga, or affirmations, self-care can take various forms—choose what suits you best.
As Murphy emphasizes, “Caring for ourselves allows us to care for others.”
3. Cultivate a Support Network
Establishing and nurturing a support system facilitates nurses in sharing emotions and challenges with colleagues.
Registered nurse and blogger Emma Leigh Geiser emphasizes that sharing emotions helps process these feelings. Bassetti also suggests debriefing with someone, whether a partner, friend, or coworker, after work.
“Supporting others is draining work,” notes Bassetti. “Identify someone who will listen to you after your shifts, enabling you to unload. Positive affirmations from them about your worth and the significance of your work can be uplifting.”
4. Foster a Positive Workplace
Nursing practice often entails stress, potentially leading to job dissatisfaction. Bassetti recommends finding ways to enhance the workplace environment, even through small changes.
“If your workplace exudes support and nourishment, you’ll have more to offer your patients,” she explains. “On the contrary, feeling undervalued or bullied depletes your resources faster.”
Promoting positivity and camaraderie among colleagues improves overall job satisfaction and fosters a positive outlook on patient care.
Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Nursing
5. Explore Different Roles
Nurses are in demand across the country, facilitating role transitions. Moving to new positions, departments, or locations can counteract burnout and emotional exhaustion.
“Don’t hesitate to embrace change; nursing offers diverse career paths,” advises Geiser. “Your initial department may not always be the best fit. Sometimes a change of scenery is all we need.”
If burnout or emotional fatigue becomes apparent in your current role, contemplate exploring new opportunities.
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