Combating Compassion Fatigue Essay

The invention of this paper is to discuss the significance of Compassion Fatigue ( cf and its effects in the lives of c atomic number 18givers. A c argiver is defined by dictionary. com as an individual, such as a physician, concord, or social worker, who assists in the identification, prevention, or p transcending of an illness or dis energy (dictionary. com). Caregivers whitethorn also accommodate family members, friends or neighbors who voluntarily arrive recognised responsibility for looking after a vulnerable neighbor or relative. For the purpose of this paper, the primary assistancegivers discussed pass on be nurses.Most nurses chose nursing as a career because they have the entrust to both champion people and bear care for affected roles with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Having this desire inducts nurses at risk for suffering from CF. CF can affect nurses in many areas such as physically, emotionally, in job performance, as puff up as their attitude toward the work environment, coworkers, and their affected roles. Nurses suffering from CF may experience emotional symptoms that include, but non limited to poor concentration, decreased focus, poor judgment, mood swings, irritability, anger and resentment (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011).Work related symptoms that may be experienced are avoidance or dread of working with certain patients, reduced ability to facial expression empathy towards patients or families, and frequent use of sick days (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011). Physical symptoms oft experienced are headaches, digestive problems diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomach, sleep disturbances inability to sleep, insomnia, or too much sleep, and cardiac symptoms chest incommode/pressure, palpitations, and tachycardia (Eyre & Lombardo, 2011). If compassion weariness continues and no interventions are implemented to combat it, full Burn Out allow for result.Burn place (BO) is defined as exhaustion of physical or emotional s trength or motivation usually as a result of prolonged stress or frustration, which gradually builds to a breaking point (www. merriam-webster. com). Nurses suffering from CF or burn out are unable to provide their patients optimal care. In order to build a healthy family with patients, a nurse mustiness have a lot of compassion. CF prevents caregivers from showing compassion as well as preventing them from providing effective care because they are tired, unmotivated, and not giving prompt attention to their patients.This is problematic because patients want and deserve not only high-priced clinical care but also the feeling and warmth and compassion from their nurse. When a nurse is experiencing CF or BO he or she may be plagued by negative emotions which include frustration, anger, depression, feeling stuck, feeling paralyzed, irritability toward coworkers and clients, cynicism, bitterness, and being negative about self, separates, and the world in general (Espeland, 2006). W hat patient wants or deserves a nurse who has thought tendencies such as these?It may also cause a hostile work environment for their coworkers as well. Their family life is also affected. The main cause of compassion get into is the increasing workload of healthcare. Nurses frequently feel overworked and overwhelmed by competing demands on their cartridge holder. Nurses and other caregivers are required to put in much more m galvanic pileing with inflexible aspects of healthcare such as complete paperwork and computer documentation (Windsor, 2007). They are also encouraged to look out more patients in less time, divergence much less time for the nurse/patient relationship (Windsor, 2007).Many times nurse have to work short moduleed, but are still expected to complete all components of the job. Increased patient load and the desire to complete all task without the possibility of overtime causes nurses to use their lunch min or stay late to complete task and complete chartin g. Thus, in trying to save time, they annihilate the very social occasions that replenish their physical, emotional, and spiritual stores such as exercise, family meals, friends outside of work, or meditation (Windsor, 2007).Many nurses such as this writer are trying to balance work, family and school as well as other life events, putting themselves at high risk for CF or BO. Other difficulties include staff communication problems including not being heard and feeling unsupported, as well as no time to build relationships with patients and families and no time to follow up on important issues. Its imperative to crawl in the causes and the signs of the condition in order to prevent it or energize cooperate. Nurses need to provide for their own benefit by meeting their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.Physically, the nurse must participate in exercising, relaxation, maintaining adequate sleep and nutrition. Its important for them to take hold themselves healthy so they can dish their patients. Not eliminateing right, drinking enough of water or getting enough rest puts them and those they care for at risk. Ways they can help themselves physically is by purposely taking some time to take a walk, even if its just for 15 minutes. This writer knows personally the benefits of a 15 minute walk. It helps relieves stress, it lowers your blood sugar, and relieves those aching muscles. take right is also very important. Many times nurses eat on the run, grabbing whatever they can eat and still move. This is unhealthy. Learning to eat frequent small healthy meals can make you feel the likes of a new person. Fruit, salad and healthy snacks like yogurt and nuts should always be on the list. victorious care of emotional needs is just as important as the physical needs. Nurses can reach out to friends and coworkers when feeling emotionally stressed or drained. Sometimes just having someone to talk to or feel that you can relate to can be so helpful.Today, m any facilities have programs to assist employees who are having trouble or feeling stressed. The facility this writer works in provides employees with a psychologist who is purchasable when needed to meet and talk to staff in a private and professional manner. Talking with someone a great deal helps alleviate compassion fatigue by bringing the stress out of yourself and into the open (Windsor, 2007). Colleagues are often a good resource in this area, as they may be having similar day-to-day experiences. master counselors are also a good source of help.They have special training and may be able to help create a recovery plan (Windsor, 2007). Its also a good idea for administration to meet with the staff to find out how they feel about different aspects of the job, and to see if there are any ideas to make their work environment healthier, less stressful and more fulfilling. sacred needs may be the most important need of all. Growing spiritually in relationship with God can bring about true healing and resilience. Reading the Bible, praying and meditating are the prescriptions that help us to prevent compassion fatigue, minimize its severity or find healing.God is the one who gave us the desire to be caregivers in the first place, so He is ultimately the one that can help us when we are troubled. Frequently counting your blessings and thanking God for them is so helpful. It takes your mind off of your problems, and keeps you from complaining all the time and thinking negatively. Praying and asking God to show you the source of your struggle and whats bothering you can be the informant of the healing process. Attending church services routinely can help to revitalize you and prepare you to deal with the many circumstances you may encounter.There are many resources and coping strategies that nurses can use. One thing nurses must do is to remember to take care of them-selves. They need to be mindful that it is not egoistical to put them-selves first. If they are healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually, they can be of more assistance to those they care for. active in any programs that their place of work offers them to improve performance, encourages physical renewal, and allows for time to de-stress should be encouraged. Joining a gym to get adequate exercise is a good idea. If the nurse has problems with their diet, attending nutrition classes may be helpful.Having a positive self-image is also a coping strategy that is essential for nurses to combat CF. Clearing the mind of negative thoughts immediately is also important. Prayer and meditation is a way to keep the mind clear and on a positive thought path. Learning to provide compassionate care for oneself, allows you to provide that same care to someone else. The most important coping technique of all is fit their giving to others with giving to themselves (Bush, 2009). Only when nurses take time to heal themselves can they be truly available to aid in the healing of other s.The major preventive self-care tasks well understood by the majority of nurse caregivers (Bush, 2009), as previously stated in this paper are exercising, relaxation, maintaining adequate sleep and nutrition, and reaching out for support from others. Conclusion In conclusion, suffering from this condition prevents nurses from providing quality care. Not recognizing or refusing to acknowledge and get help for compassion fatigue causes people to leave their profession, turn to drugs or alcohol, or in fundamental cases become self-destructive or suicidal (Eyre Lombardo, 2011).In todays economy compassion fatigue can be very costly personally and professionally for nurses and financially for institutions (Eyre Lombardo, 2011). It is important for nurses to become knowledgeable about compassion fatigue symptoms and intervention strategies and to develop a personal plan of care so as to and achieve a healthy work-life balance (Eyre Lombardo, 2011). Equally as important is that healt hcare systems throne in creating healthy work environments that prevent ompassion fatigue and address the needs of nurses who are experiencing compassion fatigue.It is important that we all recognize and understand this condition for our own health, but also for our coworkers. If you notice a coworker who you feel may be suffering from CF, reach out to them. Let them know you care and are unstrained and available to talk if they need you (Eyre Lombardo, 2011). Remember yourself, and let your coworkers know that this condition is treatable, and you can get the help you need to get your life back on track.