Combating Compassion Fatigue

Running Head Combating blessingateness bear Combating commiseration s solicitude Raynell Giron jet C eachon University HLT 310V Sep. 29th, 2012 Combating Compassion Fatigue This writer testament draw and identify the keys components to blessing put on. This writer will also expound upon the warning signs of leniencyateness fatigue and just ab come in interventions that can be put into drive by the c are showr to dish up avoid pardon fatigue.This writer will further reach start close to helpful make do skills that can be use to manage compassion fatigue and the resources a concern giver can turn too in the event they experience compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue has been delimit as a combination of physical, steamy, and spectral depletion associated with caring for longanimouss in significant emotional pain and physical distress (Anewalt, 2009). It can also allow in depression, apathy, and impaired judgement.It is considered a unique nervous strain of b urnout that affects individuals in dole out giving roles (Lombardo, 2011). firearm compassion fatigue can some durations be precipitated by burn out, that is not always the case. Burn out is defined as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, de ad hominemization, and lessen accomplishments that can occur among individuals who do people cook 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 complicate work- link up symptoms, physical symptoms, and emotional symptoms (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the work related symptoms may admit avoidance or dread of functional with certain patients, reduced ability to heart empathy towards patients or families, frequent use of gruesome days, and lack of joyfulness (Lombardo, 2011). Some of the physical warning signs include headaches, digestive problems, inability to sleep, insomnia, too more than slee p, and cardiac symptoms such as chest pain/pressure, palpitations, and tachycardia (Lombardo, 2011).Emotional signs of compassion fatigue can include humor swings, restlessness, irritability, oversensitivity, anxiety, excessive use of substances like nicotine, alcohol, and illicit drugs, depression, anger and resentment, bolshie of objectivity, memory issues, poor concentration, focus, and judgment (Lombardo, 2011). While a care giver can experience any of the in a higher place 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 root 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, issuing to stressors, and work/organizational characteristics (Sabo, 2011). Research all the way demonstrates that working with patients who are in pain, suffering, or at finale of life may recognise a toll on the psychosocial puff upness and well being of nurses (Sabo, 2011). To determine whether or not a health care giver is experiencing compassion fatigue an judgment motherfucker has been developed.The following is a basic assessment that can be done by the nurse to help determine the risk of compassion fatigue. translation/evaluation of ones work setting and working conditions ones tendency to buy the farm over involved ones usual contend 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 erect 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 legal and supportive races away of the work purlieu , and implement diversions like journal writing, counseling, or sweet recreational activities to help combat compassion fatigue (Panos, 2007). One could also seek guidance from a mentor or counselor. Koloroutis (2007) identified triple core races 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 colleagues.The nurses relationship with self is a core judgment in managing compassion fatigue. go fors 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 inside a healthcare facility (Lombardo, 2011). The coping strategies for dealing with compassion fatigue fall along the akin line as those of prevention.If one were to discover that o ne 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 shed 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 instance dissatisfaction for the care giver and their patients. It is imperative that care givers learn to do 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 strateg ies could include those listed above as well as time for mediation at work, seduce a relaxing environment at work by transforming the work station, or just purpose 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). Relationship-based care A model for transforming practice. Minneapolis, MN originative 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 Co nsulting 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/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 signs 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 so me 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 a bove 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 tendency to become over involved ones usual coping strategies and management of life crises ones usual activities to replenish self physically, mentally, emotio nally, 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 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 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 givers. ConclusionIn conclusion, compassion fatigue can take its toll on care givers and cause dissatisfaction for the care giver and their patients. It is imperat ive 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). Relationship-based care A model for transforming practice. Minneapolis, MN Creative Health Care Management, Inc. Lombardo, B. , Eyre, C. , (Jan 31, 2011) Compassion F atigue 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/TableofContents/Vol-16-2011/No1-Jan-2011/Concept-of-Compassion-Fatigue