Combating Compassion Fatigue Free Essays

Combating Compassion Fatigue Student’s Name University Combating Compassion Fatigue Helping people is a very necessary and extremely hard occupation. Not every person has a passion to help others, thus very few people can be care givers. This job is very stressful and difficult. We will write a custom essay sample on Combating Compassion Fatigue or any similar topic only for you Order Now Caring victims or seriously ill men nurses face negative emotions, suffering, and anxiety. Thus, sometimes caregivers become disappointed, exhausted and unable to do their work. Their constant stress and pervasive negative attitude are the consequences of the features of the job and called compassion fatigue. This phenomenon, its peculiarities and the steps to prevent it will be carefully analyzed in this paper. Warning signs for compassion fatigue Caregivers, doing their job, always have the professional risk to get moral trauma, empathetic strain and become burn-out. These few mentioned symptoms are also called compassion fatigue. This is the specific illness of above mentioned professional groups. Compassion fatigue can be accompanied by mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional exhaustion. This can lead to inability to rejoice or have at least some positive emotions. This is the warming sign for the concept which is called Counter Compassion Fatigue with Mindfulness. Mentioned disease has the broad range of symptoms. Consequently, there is the necessity to mention at least few of them. Thus, caregivers are exposed to face the lack of enjoyment in their personal life, undue fatigue, and overheating. In addition, these people become to spend a lot of money for unnecessary things, blame others unreasonably and also have some physical problems the most common of which are toothache, headache and abdominal pain (A hospital-wide approach to combating compassion fatigue). All above mentioned are connected with the Combating compassion fatigue concept. According to a hospital-wide approach, all symptoms are divided into four sections: psychological, emotional, physical and professional. In addition to mentioned signs of first type there are sleep disturbance and permanent pessimism. The second group includes feeling hopeless and powerless, anxious and irritability. Apart from mentioned physical symptoms a person can also fell itself tired. The last group of symptoms, professional, can be expressed in the unwillingness to do the work and reluctance to communicate with friends and relatives (Counter Compassion Fatigue). Nature of the problems and causes The manager of the heath care setting can face the problem of low morality and discontent of the personnel. This general dissatisfaction can affect the quality of services provided by caregivers. In order to neutralize negative these consequences, working conditions should be increased significantly. This task can be fulfilled by the enjoyment of the personnel from their work. Thus, the staff has to understand the importance of its job, realize how it is important to deliver qualitative services, and, at the same time, they should know that the company cares of their welfare and well-being (Combating compassion fatigue). It seems to be very important, if to analyze the list of nurse’s duties. She responsible for proper and timely caring for the sick, which are very demanding; she also is obliged to complete clinical documentation and use all her knowledge and skills on purpose to provide the excellent service. In addition, there is the urgent need to emphasize the fact that the discharge of duties associated with a strong moral and psychological stress. Consequently, the professional illnesses, like compassion fatigue, progress very fast and the administration should prevent it. For instance, this can be carried out by expanding the number of employees and increasing wages. Therefore, the caregivers will have enough time both to perform their duties properly and to break from the constant stress (Moeller, 2010). Physical, emotional and spiritual needs of caregiver The effective prevention and control of professional diseases can be carried out by satisfying the wants of caregivers. The employee should realize that he or she and the other workers have the problems, which have to be resolved. In order to avoid professional illnesses, each member of the team should be aware of signs and symptoms and execute necessary actions promptly. First, the caregiver should maintain the stability, or, in other words, to have the balance of the body and mind. It allows not responding to external stimuli. Second, it is extremely necessary to have breaks, which give the ability to distract from work. Third, is to attend sports activities in their free time and provide themselves with the healthy food. In addition, a good music can also help to avoid or reduce stress and moral tension (Figley, 2002). The emotional needs can be satisfied by the way of establishing the employee assisted programs. This way of dealing with compassion fatigue is very popular among the health care settings. It helps to understand the needs of the personnel and deal with emotional troubles or stress. The employee rounding is also quiet useful way. It is a very good method to discuss the problems of staff (Adams, Boscarino Figley, 2006). The spiritual needs should also be considered. The simplest way to exercise these demands of workers is to provide them with ability to pray or do some meditation. In general, ten minutes will be enough to calm down and regain moral balance. Coping strategies The management team of a health care setting has the broad range of ways, how the compassion fatigue of workers can be reduced or neutralized. Thus, many institutions have classes such as communication skill classes or classes for conflict resolution which can help staff avoid the difficulties of their job. Furthermore, hospital administration can organize meetings with workers, on which every person can share its problems and express thoughts concerning the improvement of working conditions. The managers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the compassion fatigue, because the timely help can prevent serious consequences. References Adams, R. E. , Boscarino, J. A. Figley, C. R. (2006). Compassion fatigue and psychological distress among social workers: a validation study. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 76 (1), 103-108. A hospital-wide approach to combating compassion fatigue. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://www. hospitalimpact. org/index. php/2012/02/08/a_hospital_wide_approach_to_combating_compassion_fatigue Combating compassion fatigue. (n. d. ). Retrieved from Nursing Made Incredibly Easy: http://journals. lww. com/nursingmadeincrediblyeasy/Fulltext/2010/07000/Combating_compassion_fatigue. . aspx Counter Compassion Fatigue with Mindfulness. (n. d. ). Retrieved from http://mindfulhub. com/archives/2011/08/combating-compassion-fatigue-with-mindfulness Figley, C. R. (2002) Compassion fatigue: Psychotherapists’ chronic lack of self care. Journal of Clinical Psychology 58 (11), 1433-1441. Moeller, S. D. (2010). Compassion fatigue. Routledge: New York. Pastoral Care. (n. d. ). Retrieved from Baylor Healthcare System: https://www. mybaylor. com/go/MyBaylor/4100/DesktopDefault. aspx How to cite Combating Compassion Fatigue, Essay examples Combating Compassion Fatigue Free Essays Running 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. We will write a custom essay sample on Combating Compassion Fatigue or any similar topic only for you Order Now 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 â€Å"a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced accomplishments that can occur among individuals who do ‘people work’ of some kind†Ã‚  (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 sl eep, 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 one’s work setting and working conditions; one’s tendency to become over involved; one’s usual coping strategies and management of life crises; one’s usual activities to replenish self physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually; and one’s 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 (20 07) identified three core relationships for transforming practice using relationship-based nursing including the nurse’s relationship with patients and families, the nurse’s relationship with self, and the nurse’s relationship with colleagues. The nurse’s 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 one’s 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. Conclusion In 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). Relationship-based care: A model for transforming practice. Minneapolis, MN: Creative Health Care Management, Inc. Lombardo, B. , Eyre, C. , (Jan 31, 2011) â€Å"Compassion Fatigue: A Nurse’s Primer†Ã‚  OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing  Vol. 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) â€Å"Reflecting on the Concept of Compassion Fatigue†OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing  Vol. 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 How to cite Combating Compassion Fatigue, Papers