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6 Ways Nurses Can Beat Compassion Fatigue
NursingLink
1.Talk It Out
Get your fears and frustrations off your chest. In a word, talk. Talk to your friends. Talk to your family. If needed, talk to a professional, or ask if your employer provides a therapist for employees who are going through a rough patch. Expressing your feelings will help you get to the route of your problem. There may be a deep-seeded issue that you aren’t aware of yet, and a licensed therapist can help you delve into the problems you are having.
Remember to talk to the right people. Patients and clients don’t need to hear that you are doubting your career choices, and co-workers don’t need to know that you can’t stand your DON. However, sharing generalized frustrations with your peers can be very helpful. Maybe your co-workers are experiencing similar feelings, or they may be able to give you advice if they have dealt with the same issues previously.
Bottling up your feelings only creates more pressure, and a nurse under pressure is likely to explode.
Remember to talk to the right people. Patients and clients don’t need to hear that you are doubting your career choices, and co-workers don’t need to know that you can’t stand your DON. However, sharing generalized frustrations with your peers can be very helpful. Maybe your co-workers are experiencing similar feelings, or they may be able to give you advice if they have dealt with the same issues previously.
Bottling up your feelings only creates more pressure, and a nurse under pressure is likely to explode.
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7 months ago
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janis
over 3 years ago
10 comments
Having a stress free zone would be a break room without the ding ding of a call bell from one specific floor itermittently ringing. The nurses have no control over this in a Bradenton hospital. To have a stress free break room a few items would help. Pictures on the walls since there are no windows in the room. A radio to turn on so we could destress to music while a break-music therapy. Maybe a tv so while on break folks could discuss current events instead of talking about work.
PEARL
almost 4 years ago
14 comments
I started working in heathcare when I turned fifteen I am 56 now. There is always someone you work with that will make life as hard as they can make it for you I believe that is what has burned me out.That one thank you or a smile has always made it worth while for me, I thank god for that everyday.
caregiverwellness
almost 4 years ago
2 comments
For a weekly blog for helping professionals and for Compassion Fatigue Workshops facilitated by former coronary care nurse and trauma psychotherapist, Jan Spilman, M.Ed., please visit www.caregiverwellness.ca.
francoise
almost 4 years ago
2 comments
If you would like more information on strategies to beat compassion fatigue, please visit www.compassionfatigue.ca and www.compassionfatiguesolutions.com
You can also purchase The Compassion Fatigue Workbook which is full of creative tools to transform this occupational hazard. Françoise Mathieu, M.Ed., CCC. Compassion Fatigue Specialist
kjagnew1
almost 4 years ago
134 comments
I am currently working as a psych nurse. It can be dreadful at times and sometimes you feel as though you are developing a psychological issue as well. To prevent me from feeling crazed, dazed and confused or to just keep down my stress level I see a therapist weekly. When I tell some people about this they really do think I'm "crazy" but I have found that I have to do what I have to do to de-stress and keep what little sanity I do have. Burn out can happen quick in this field. I've felt like I was there a few times and never want to feel that way again. I do adore nursing and want to stay in it til the very end.
msrall
almost 4 years ago
2 comments
As a hospice RN I am always dealing with grief and crises with both patients and families. I have realized that when a personal friend or family member is very ill or facing death I am doubly stressed. There have been times when I have had to simply step away from work in order to care for my own (and myself). Luckily, this has always been understood and honored at my place of work. Just remember, even on an airplane you are instructed to put your own oxygen on first! Good rule to live by.
neciankowitz
almost 4 years ago
4 comments
Excellent strategies appropriate for more than just healthcare workers.
Account Removed
almost 4 years ago
This is a great article that deals with the challenges of compassion fatigue. In addition to the comments above about the importance of exercise, another skill to help reduce compassion fatigue is by debriefing. Taking even just a few minutes to process a code or a difficult case can assist in reducing the feelings and emotions that (if blocked) can build up to compassion fatigue. Additionally, if you are a more experienced RN, debriefing can help model appropriate skills for preceptees or less experienced RN's who may not yet have the fully developed skills necessary to manage the stress of acute care departments or situations.
Need additional information? - RN-Coach.com provides consulting, coaching and debriefing specifically for healthcare professionals to assist with managing the stress of fast-paced healthcare environments. Visit us on the web at http://www.RN-coach.com or http://www.criticalS2.us
WeekendWarriorATL
almost 4 years ago
62 comments
This is a great article with some good advice. However it leaves out one of the main issues which is taking care of yourself. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can do wonders to beat fatigue and stress. We get so slammed and busy caring for others that we often forget simple things like exercise and hydration. These are key.