Running head: COMPASSION FATIGUE 1

Compassion Fatigue

Melissa Winn

Brigham Young University-Idaho

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Compassion Fatigue

For many individuals nursing is more than just a job. Many believe nursing to be their

calling. These nurses have many different skills that help make them a good nurse, one of which

is compassion. However, because of the demanding nature of the job, nurses are at risk for

developing compassion fatigue.

What is compassion fatigue?

The article Compassion fatigue: Are you at risk? explains compassion fatigue as a

decrease in gratification that comes with performing a satisfactory job (Sheppard, 2016, para. 3).

Nurses hold themselves to a high standard and are constantly giving and providing for other

peoples needs. Often times nurses are so busy taking the time to make sure all of their patients

are taken care of that they skip their breaks and forego taking care of their own needs. By so

doing, this leads the nurse to experience physical and emotional exhaustion. According to the

book Fundamentals of Nursing by Yoost and Crawford, “Compassion fatigue occurs when

deeply caring and empathetic nurses become overwhelmed by the constant needs of patients and

families” (Yoost & Crawford, 2016, p. 744). After caring so much for others for so long, a nurse

is likely to reach their capacity, and develop compassion fatigue.

How is compassion fatigue seen in clinicians?

Compassion fatigue may be displayed in many different forms, and the signs and

symptoms may be unique between each nurse. The article Compassion Fatigue explains common

signs which include irritability, lack of concentration, a decrease in memory, and difficulty

showing empathy. Other ways nurses may show signs of compassion fatigue are by refusing to

work with certain patients and calling in sick more often. Physical symptoms may also be seen,

such as, headaches, exhaustion, and digestive problems (American Institute of Stress, 2016, para.
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8). The article Compassion fatigue: Are you at risk? explains that a nurse’s performance at work

may change. As they reach a point of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion they put

themselves at a greater risk for making medication errors, becoming short-tempered, and even

rude to their patients and associates (Sheppard, 2017, para. 8). It is crucial that nurses are aware

of the signs of compassion fatigue. Nurses must be able to recognize these symptoms, not only in

themselves, but also in their co-workers. By identifying symptoms early, the nurse experiencing

fatigue is able to get help sooner, and also prevent any mistreatment of patients and other

workers.

Managing Compassion Fatigue

Once symptoms of compassion fatigue have been identified, it is important to know that

although it will take time and work to correct, compassion fatigue does not need to be the end of

an individuals nursing career. The article Compassion Fatigue gives many helpful ways to help

overcome the impact of compassion fatigue, one of which is finding someone to talk to. Having a

trusted friend or colleague to talk to will help the nurse open up and realize that their feelings are

completely normal and that they are not alone. Another helpful way to manage symptoms is to

take time off from work. The nurse must realize that compassion fatigue is not something they

can just push aside and quickly get over. It is beneficial for the nurse to remove themselves from

the work environment and take the necessary time to get a break and relax (American Institute of

Stress, 2016, para. 11). Nurses are always giving and constantly putting the needs of others

above their own. Nurses often do not have the time to sit and rest, which increases their risk of

developing compassion fatigue. The book Fundamentals of Nursing by Yoost and Crawford

states, “To care most effectively for others, nurses must first take time to care for themselves”
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((Yoost & Crawford, 2016, p. 744). Once the nurse experiencing compassion fatigue takes the

time to focus on their own needs, they will better be able to take care of and treat others.

Conclusion

The role of a nurse is a very demanding job, physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Because of the nature of the job and the need for nurses to always be giving and taking care of

others, it is always a possibility that a nurse will develop compassion fatigue. Compassion

fatigue is something that can happen to any caregiver, but with the right amount of time and

appropriate help, it is something that can be overcome.

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References:

Compassion Fatigue. (2017, January 04). Retrieved March 28, 2018, from

https://www.stress.org/military/for-practitionersleaders/compassion-fatigue/

Sheppard, K. (2017, June 09). Compassion fatigue: Are you at risk? Retrieved March 24, 2018,

from https://www.americannursetoday.com/compassion-fatigue/

Yoost, B. L., & Crawford, L. R. (2016). Fundamentals of Nursing. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier