Compassion Fatigue

Nurses are more likely to suffer from compassion fatigue than other professionals as they have to care for patients who are suffering. Compassion fatigue can lead to decreased compassion towards patients, sleeplessness, anxiety, and stress. “Compassion fatigue (or secondary traumatic stress) has emerged as a natural consequence of caring for clients who are in pain, suffering or traumatized” (Sabo, 2006, p. 136). I have experienced compassion fatigue especially after dealing with cases which are especially difficult or troubling. I have had nightmares about the patients and have had increased stress after dealing with these difficult cases. 

I have hoped that patients are unable to see the compassion fatigue on my face. However, at times the stress can build up and my co-workers may be more aware of the fact that I am having a more difficult time of managing my cases than I normally would. I attempt to maintain strict boundaries between work and home. For this reason, I attempt to conceal my fatigue from my family members, though I understand the power of family and the love they can provide to me during these times. As I gain more experience in the field and have more difficult cases I will need to improve my ability to manage my stress levels and the increased levels of compassion fatigue that will occur. 

By being able to store up my emotional reserves I may be better equipped to handle compassion fatigue. I would need to be able to recognize the signs of fatigue occurring before it becomes full-blown. “Compassion fatigue progresses from a state of compassion discomfort to compassion stress and, finally, to compassion fatigue” (Coetzee, 2010, p. 235). Through recognizing these early signs I can begin self-care rituals to prepare myself. These can include anything that I enjoy doing such as listening to music, meditating, mindfulness interventions, or having a relaxing bath. I would also need to continue to have strict boundaries between home and work. Through not talking about work when I get home I will not be revisiting the stress that may lead to compassion fatigue. Through these steps I hope to be able to have enough emotional reserves stored up so that I do not experience compassion fatigue.

References

Coetzee, S. K., & Klopper, H. C. (2010). Compassion fatigue within nursing practice: A concept analysis. Nursing & Health Sciences, 12(2), 235-243.

Sabo, B. M. (2006). Compassion fatigue and nursing work: can we accurately capture the consequences of caring work?. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 12(3), 136-142.