Combating Compassion Fatigue

Running Head Combating lenity s get by off Combating mercy drop Raynell Giron Grand C bothon University HLT 310V Sep. 29th, 2012 Combating benevolence Fatigue This writer pass on define and identify the keys comp whizznts to mercyateness hold out. This writer leave also cook out upon the monition signs of pity tire out and any(prenominal) interventions that fecal matter be beat into place by the fear donor to upkeep countermand t overthrowerness fatigue.This writer will further give about jockful get by skills that discount be accustomd to manage pity fatigue and the resources a circumspection giver can turn excessively in the shell they experience compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue has been define as a combination of physical, stirred, and spiritual depletion associated with caring for patients in world-shattering emotional trouble one ego and physical distress (A refreshfulalt, 2009). It can also entangle depression, apathy, and impaired ju dgement.It is considered a unique form of trimout that affects individuals in care crowing roles (Lombardo, 2011). While compassion fatigue can most cartridge clips be precipitated by burn out, that is not always the case. Burn out is defined as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, de face-to-faceization, and trim accomplishments that can occur among individuals who do mountain work of some kind(Maslach & Jackson, 1986, p. 1). While the symptoms of both are similar, the warning signs differ greatly. to a greater extent or less of the warning signs a care giver may be experiencing compassion atigue allow work-related symptoms, physical symptoms, and emotional symptoms (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the work related symptoms may complicate avoidance or dread of functional with certain patients, reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families, frequent put on of sick days, and escape of joyfulness (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the physical warning signs include headach es, digestive problems, softness to sleep, insomnia, too oft sleep, and cardiac symptoms such as chest ail/pressure, palpitations, and tachycardia (Lombardo, 2011).Emotional signs of compassion fatigue can include fancy swings, restlessness, irritability, oversensitivity, anxiety, excessive use of substances like nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drugs, depression, anger and resentment, loss of objectivity, shop issues, poor concentration, focus, and image (Lombardo, 2011). While a care giver can experience any of the above symptoms at any while during their career, it is all classical(predicate) to note that a combination of any of the above symptoms would be use to determine whether or not a person is experiencing compassion fatigue.Possible factors hint to compassion fatigue can be classified according to nature characteristics, previous picture to trauma, empathy and emotional energy, response to stressors, and work/organizational characteristics (Sabo, 2011). look fo r cl early demonstrates that works with patients who are in pain, suffering, or at end of life may take a toll on the psychosocial thoroughlyness and well macrocosm of take holds (Sabo, 2011). To determine whether or not a health care giver is experiencing compassion fatigue an assessment tool has been break awayed.The interest is a prefatorial assessment that can be done by the nurse to benefactor determine the risk of compassion fatigue. Description/ evaluation of ones work setting and working conditions ones tendency to nonplus over involved ones popular coping strategies and care of life crises ones usual activities to fill self physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and ones openness for learning new skills to enhance personal and sea captain well being (Lombardo 2011). Some interventions that could be used to help reduce the incidence of ompassion fatigue include early recognition of signs and symptoms, staying physically fit, staying well rested, dev elop healthy and supportive family relationships external of the work environment, and utilise diversions like journal writing, counseling, or enjoy adequate to(p) amateur activities to help encounter compassion fatigue (Panos, 2007). One could also seek guidance from a mentor or counselor. Koloroutis (2007) identified three magnetic core relationships for transforming practice employ relationship-based nursing including the nurses relationship with patients and families, the nurses relationship with self, and the nurses relationship with colleagues.The nurses relationship with self is a core concept in managing compassion fatigue. Nurses need to be assertive, to express personal needs and values, and to view work-life sense of equilibrium as an possible outcome. This relationship with self is essential for optimizing ones health, for being empathic with others, and for being a productive member of a work root within a healthcare facility (Lombardo, 2011). The coping stra tegies for dealing with compassion fatigue fall along the same channel as those of prevention.If one were to find that one is experiencing compassion fatigue some coping strategies would include exercise, maintaining a personal life that includes healthy relationships, develop a ace of humor, set limits between work and home office activities, and lead your horizons. The Compassion Fatigue Awareness project has developed as a result of more and more care givers experiencing this trauma. This project gives resources for workshops, training, and counseling for care givers. ConclusionIn conclusion, compassion fatigue can take its toll on care givers and cause dissatisfaction for the care giver and their patients. It is imperative that care givers learn to concede their limitations, know themselves on a spiritual level and save how much they are able to give of themselves in a work environment without over extending themselves which could then(prenominal) lead to compassion fatig ue and/or burn out. It is also important for the care giver to implement strategies to help avoid burn out and compassion fatigue.These strategies could include those listed above as well as time for mediation at work, create a restful environment at work by transforming the work station, or just finding the time to discuss complex patient situations with supportive co-workers.References Anewalt, P. (2009). blast up or burned out? Understanding the importance of professional boundaries in home health care hospice. Home Healthcare Nurse, 27(10), 591-597. Koloroutis, M. (2007). Relationship-based care A puzzle for transforming practice. Minneapolis, MN Creative Health Care Management, Inc. Lombardo, B. , Eyre, C. , (Jan 31, 2011) Compassion Fatigue A Nurses PrimerOJIN The Online diary of Issues in breast feedingVol. 16, no. 1, Manuscript 3. Retrieved Sept. 29th, 2012 from http//www. nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011 /No1-Jan-2011/Compassion-Fatigue-A-Nurses-Primer. html Maslach, C. , & Jackson, S. (1986). Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual(2 ed. ). Palo low-pitched Consulting Psychologists Press. Panos, A (February, 2007). Promoting resiliency in trauma workers. Poster presented at the 9th universe Congress on Stress, Trauma, and Coping, Baltimore, MD. Sabo, B. , (Jan 31, 2011) Reflecting on the Concept of Compassion FatigueOJIN The Online Journal of Issues in NursingVol. 16, No. 1, Manuscript 1. Retrieved Sept. 29th, 2012 from http//www. nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Concept-of-Compassion-FatigueCombating Compassion FatigueRunning Head Combating Compassion Fatigue Combating Compassion Fatigue Raynell Giron Grand Canyon University HLT 310V Sep. 29th, 2012 Combating Compassion Fatigue This writer will define and identify the keys components to compassion fatigue. This writer will also expound upon the warning sig ns of compassion fatigue and some interventions that can be put into place by the care giver to help avoid compassion fatigue.This writer will further give some helpful coping skills that can be used to manage compassion fatigue and the resources a care giver can turn too in the event they experience compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue has been defined as a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual depletion associated with caring for patients in significant emotional pain and physical distress (Anewalt, 2009). It can also include depression, apathy, and impaired judgement.It is considered a unique form of burnout that affects individuals in care giving roles (Lombardo, 2011). While compassion fatigue can sometimes be precipitated by burn out, that is not always the case. Burn out is defined as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishments that can occur among individuals who do people work of some kind(Maslach & Jackson, 1986, p. 1). While the symptoms of both are similar, the warning signs differ greatly. Some of the warning signs a care giver may be experiencing compassion atigue include work-related symptoms, physical symptoms, and emotional symptoms (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the work related symptoms may include avoidance or dread of working with certain patients, reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families, frequent use of sick days, and lack of joyfulness (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the physical warning signs include headaches, digestive problems, inability to sleep, insomnia, too much sleep, and cardiac symptoms such as chest pain/pressure, palpitations, and tachycardia (Lombardo, 2011).Emotional signs of compassion fatigue can include mood swings, restlessness, irritability, oversensitivity, anxiety, excessive use of substances like nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drugs, depression, anger and resentment, loss of objectivity, memory issues, poor concentration, focus, and judgment (Lombardo, 2011). While a care giver can experience any of the above symptoms at any time during their career, it is important to note that a combination of any of the above symptoms would be used to determine whether or not a person is experiencing compassion fatigue.Possible factors leading to compassion fatigue can be classified according to personality characteristics, previous exposure to trauma, empathy and emotional energy, response to stressors, and work/organizational characteristics (Sabo, 2011). Research clearly demonstrates that working with patients who are in pain, suffering, or at end of life may take a toll on the psychosocial health and well being of nurses (Sabo, 2011). To determine whether or not a health care giver is experiencing compassion fatigue an assessment tool has been developed.The following is a basic assessment that can be done by the nurse to help determine the risk of compassion fatigue. Description/evaluation of ones work setting and working conditions ones te ndency to become over involved ones usual coping strategies and management of life crises ones usual activities to replenish self physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually and ones openness for learning new skills to enhance personal and professional well being (Lombardo 2011). Some interventions that could be used to help reduce the incidence of ompassion fatigue include early recognition of signs and symptoms, staying physically fit, staying well rested, develop healthy and supportive relationships outside of the work environment, and implement diversions like journal writing, counseling, or enjoyable recreational activities to help combat compassion fatigue (Panos, 2007). One could also seek guidance from a mentor or counselor. Koloroutis (2007) identified three core relationships for transforming practice using relationship-based nursing including the nurses relationship with patients and families, the nurses relationship with self, and the nurses relationship with coll eagues.The nurses relationship with self is a core concept in managing compassion fatigue. Nurses need to be assertive, to express personal needs and values, and to view work-life balance as an achievable outcome. This relationship with self is essential for optimizing ones health, for being empathic with others, and for being a productive member of a work group within a healthcare facility (Lombardo, 2011). The coping strategies for dealing with compassion fatigue fall along the same line as those of prevention.If one were to find that one is experiencing compassion fatigue some coping strategies would include exercise, maintaining a personal life that includes healthy relationships, develop a sense of humor, set limits between work and home activities, and broaden your horizons. The Compassion Fatigue Awareness project has developed as a result of more and more care givers experiencing this trauma. This project gives resources for workshops, training, and counseling for care giver s. ConclusionIn conclusion, compassion fatigue can take its toll on care givers and cause dissatisfaction for the care giver and their patients. It is imperative that care givers learn to recognize their limitations, know themselves on a spiritual level and just how much they are able to give of themselves in a work environment without over extending themselves which could then lead to compassion fatigue and/or burn out. It is also important for the care giver to implement strategies to help avoid burn out and compassion fatigue.These strategies could include those listed above as well as time for mediation at work, create a relaxing environment at work by transforming the work station, or just finding the time to discuss complex patient situations with supportive co-workers.References Anewalt, P. (2009). Fired up or burned out? Understanding the importance of professional boundaries in home health care hospice. Home Healthcare Nurse, 27(10), 591-597. Koloroutis, M. (2007). Relation ship-based care A model for transforming practice. Minneapolis, MN Creative Health Care Management, Inc. Lombardo, B. , Eyre, C. , (Jan 31, 2011) Compassion Fatigue A Nurses PrimerOJIN The Online Journal of Issues in NursingVol. 16, No. 1, Manuscript 3. Retrieved Sept. 29th, 2012 from http//www. nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Compassion-Fatigue-A-Nurses-Primer. html Maslach, C. , & Jackson, S. (1986). Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual(2 ed. ). Palo Alto Consulting Psychologists Press. Panos, A (February, 2007). Promoting resiliency in trauma workers. Poster presented at the 9th World Congress on Stress, Trauma, and Coping, Baltimore, MD. Sabo, B. , (Jan 31, 2011) Reflecting on the Concept of Compassion FatigueOJIN The Online Journal of Issues in NursingVol. 16, No. 1, Manuscript 1. Retrieved Sept. 29th, 2012 from http//www. nursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofC ontents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Concept-of-Compassion-Fatigue