Compassion Fatigue Essay

The idea of caring for others is the motivating reason that draws most mass into nursing. The c at one timept of being a hold inive part of a psyches health trouble inescapably is exactly the cause of gentleness fag. mildness tire out tin hit the best of nurses. Nurses who are extremely driven and detail oriented are at a higher(prenominal) risk for developing clemency weariness. Compassion tiredness was a status number one applied in 1992 it is described as a syndrome that occurs in nurses when caring for a patient facing life-altering or life-threatening changes resulting from an illness.Compassion fatigue is prevalent among nurses today, due to increasing patient loads, as a result of nurse shortages and hospital cut backs. Compassion fatigue in nursing should not be ignored. There are classic admonition signs that some nonpareil might be experiencing shame fatigue. Recognizing the signs of lenience fatigue and pursual the necessary steps to prevent and treat it puke provide one with the tools needed to make their nursing businesser rewarding. Warning signs of five concepts of compassion fatigueAn essential first step in developing a prevention plan is to recognize the warning signs of compassion fatigue. Learning to arrive aware of the problem is the first step in prevention. Compassion fatigue cuts you off from the people that need you the most. Warning signs of compassion fatigue stand include cognitive, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and material symptoms (Portnoy, D. 2011). Cognitive spirit of the Problems and their CausesCognitive behavior is the index to judge and reason effectively and having a perception of your surroundings. Cognitive symptoms roll in the hay include a decreased sense of own(prenominal) satisfaction and personal accomplishments. A feeling of indifference or apathetic with ones patients is another sign. Asense of disorientation with lowered levels of concentration faeces also be seen during this pha se. EmotionalNature of the Problems and their CausesOur emotions are a valuable source upon which we can rely on. Our emotions help us make decisions, and communicate with our patients. When experiencing compassion fatigue our emotional health suffers. Emotional signs that one might be experiencing compassion fatigue could include powerlessness, anxiety, guilt, anger, numbness, fear, helplessness, sadness, depression, shock, blunted or enhanced affect (Portnoy, D., 2011). behavioralNature of the Problems and their CausesBehavior is simply the way we react to a attached situation. In regards to nursing, behavior is the skills and baron to bid for our patients. Behavioral symptoms of compassion fatigue usuall(a)y manifest in behaviors that are out of the ordinary for the person. rough examples might include irritability, being withdrawn from family, friends and co-workers, moody, appetite changes, unable to shoot for adequate sleep, and isolating ones self (Portnoy, D., 2011). S piritualNature of the Problems and their CausesSpirituality can be described as a persons way of being, thinking, choosing, and acting in the world in combust of that persons ultimate values(Barlow, 2006). Spiritual compassion fatigue can cause a person to question the meaning of life, or acquaintance feelings of hopelessness. They might also question their relationship with God, or their religious flavour organisation. Often times they will stop attending the church that they once faithfully attended. SomaticNature of the Problems and their CausesThe somatic system deals with our bodies. The somatic system is responsible for nearly all voluntary muscle movement as well as for processing sensory information. When compassion fatigue affects our somatic system we can experience physical symptoms such as, sweating, rapid heartbeat, public discussion difficulties, aches and pains. Frequent headaches and colds can also developduring this phase (Portnoy, D., 2011).Physical, emotiona l, and spiritual needs of the caregiverExamining the progression of compassion fatigue and its symptoms, one thing is historic to understand, compassion fatigue can have a major intrusion on a nurses professional occupational group. It is easy to see that some of the symptoms can impair the ability of the nurse to provide quality nursing care to their patients. The best defense against compassion fatigue is for health care workers to take a proactive approach to their physical, emotional, and spiritual care. Physical needs of health care providerThe first step in the providing for the needs of caregiver is for the caregiver to recognize the symptoms of compassion fatigue. Healthcare workers should develop an improved sense of self-care. Healthcare workers, nurses in cosmopolitan spend their professional life taking care of others. Nurses should take care of their selves first. They need to develop a healthier lifestyle, by getting veritable(a) sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.Emotional needs of CaregiverNurses who are young, idealistic, and highly motivated tend to suffer from compassion fatigue at a higher risk (Bush, N., 2009). Talking to friends, peers, and family to gain ideas on how to better balance your job responsibilities with your personal life is one body politic of focus for the healthcare worker. Learning to set boundaries in the early stages of your career can be a valuable tool.Recognizing your limitations is important you cannot stop all the suffering and pain of all your patients. Learning that you can be on that point to help your patients without needing to fix everything can lessen the emotional toll that transaction with difficult situations presents. Spiritual needs of CaregiverCaregivers need to prepare their minds, bodies, souls, and liquor to become resilient in working with patient at big levels (Bush, N., 2009). Caregivers need to develop skills of empathy when dealing with patients. A positive belief system and attitude can prevent feelings of hopelessness.Caregivers should recharge their selves by making a list of enjoyable things that they find pleasure in. Remembering how inspired and motived they tangle during those early days after graduation can help to refocus their thoughts in a more positive manner. Coping strategies and resourcesApplying a systemic approach to the prevention of compassion fatigue can provide the healthcare worker with valuable tools in the prevention of compassion fatigue. Awareness of what situations generate to your stress level, what events cause an increase in your stress. Develop a health balance in your life. Provide yourself the opportunity to enjoy your favorite activities on regular bases. Learn to connect with friends, co-workers, and family to develop a positive support system in severalise to talk out your stress by sharing your thoughts and reactions to certain situations. ConclusionRealizing that you have control over how you plow you r life. Being compassionate is not a character flaw on the contrary, it is a great gift. The healthcare profession is a very demanding career. The ability to serve others is one of the highest callings that a person can have, but in order to do this effectively you must first take care of yourself.Understanding the key symptoms of compassion fatigue will allow for caregivers to set up into place the necessary tools in order to prevent compassion fatigue. good-natured in self-care strategies will be beneficial for healthcare workers in order to handle to day to day stressors of their profession. Referencesbarlow828. (Nov 28, 11). Spirituality in Nursing. Retrieved Sunday, Sep 01, 2013, from http//allnurses.com/showthread.php?t=646693Bush, N. (2009). Compassion fatigue are you at risk?. Oncology Nursing Forum, 36(1), 24-28. inside10.1188/09.ONF.24-28Gilmore, C. (2012). Compassion fatigue what it is and how to avoid it. Kai Tiaki Nursing NewZealand, 18(5), 32.Portnoy, D. (2011). Bur nout and Compassion wear off Watch for the Signs. Health Progress. Retrieved fromhttp//www.compassionfatigue.org/pages/healthprogress.pdf