Compassion Fatigue
Compassion FatigueWhen the caregiver is no longer fit for servicePamela Nelson, RN MS, PhD
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Compassion fatigue(CF) has become more widely recognized as a problem that many nurses face. For example, in a general poll conducted by the American Nurses Association, 62% of 839 respondents reported suffering from CF, indicating that CF is prevalent among nurses. Even The Wall Street Journal has published an article about CF.www.fitforservices.org
CF creates physical and emotional distress, but its not just a personal issue its a patient safety issue as well. Research has shown that CF may increase the risk of medical errors.www.fitforservices.org
Caring Too Much Compassion Fatigue occurs when we help patients through a traumatic or life-threatening event without paying attention to our own physical and emotional needs.www.fitforservices.org
Compassion Fatigue
Recognized as a form of PTSDPost Traumatic Stress Disorder Billable treatment under ICD10-F43.12www.fitforservices.org
Burnout vs. Compassion fatigue
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BurnoutWork-setting focusedDevelops slowlyPerson becomes dispassionateGoals arent achieved
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Compassion fatigueRelationship- (patient- or family-) focusedOccurs suddenly in response to a distressing experiencePerson suffers emotional distressCaretaking activities are unsuccessful
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Who Is At Risk for Compassion Fatigue?www.fitforservices.org
NursesPalliative care areasLawyersPoliceChaplainSocial service workersMinistersVolunteersMilitary Service
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How Do You Know If Someone Has CF?www.fitforservices.org
Signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue www.fitforservices.org
PhysicalHeadachesDigestive problems Cardiac problemsFatigue sleep problemsLoss of strengthAccidentswww.fitforservices.org
PsychosocialEmotional responses: sadness, anger, apathy, mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety
Intellectual: lack of attention to detail, cant concentrate
Social responses: feelings of isolation or indifference, or loss of activities once enjoyedwww.fitforservices.org
Work-relatedAbsenteeismExpressing a desire to quitBeing late frequentlyAvoiding intense situationsDecline in performance, more errors, missing meetings, www.fitforservices.org
Complains about administration
Substance abuse
Compulsive behaviors: overspending, overeating, gambling, sexual addictions
Poor self-care
Legal problems, indebtednesswww.fitforservices.org
When people get upset, do you try smooth things out?It is easier for you to "give" than to "receive?Are you willing to sacrifice your needs to please others?Feel guilty for saying no?
Compassion fatigue self-testwww.fitforservices.org
How did I get here?
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Danger signalsSomebody has to take care of__________________
Responsibility because of family position
Just love to help others
Cant say no without having an excuse
Christian duty
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Why do we care so much?
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For the bible tells me so"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward. Matthew 10:42
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What would Jesus do?Jesus had compassion but took time to rest. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary place: Mark 6:31-32
Then He said to them, the Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
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For the bible tells me soDont be a victim to compassion fatiguePsalms 23Psalms 37:7Hebrews 4: 9-11John 16:33Philippians 4: 6-7
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Seek professional helpSupport groupsCounselorsOther chaplainsBooks
More important- accepting our limitations and having faith in God that we dont have to be all things to all people
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Thank you!
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