ANGIE BRINEGAR, MSN,ANP-BC,AOCNP Compassion Fatigue

Objectives Define compassion fatigue Be able to recognize signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue Be able to name one intervention to prevent compassion fatigue

quote Someone once said “One cannot work in cancer care without being affected by it. It’s like trying to go swimming and not get wet”.

Burnout Defined as “a progressive loss of idealism, energy and purpose experienced by people in the helping professions as a result of the conditions of their work. Further defined by 3 characteristics: Physical and emotional exhaustion Cynicism Inefficacy

Moral Distress Defined as the inability to act in a manner consistent with one’s personal and professional values due to institutional and other external constraints. i.e., given extended end of life care that is futile.

Compassion fatigue A condition where too much suffering becomes overwhelming. Marked by diminished emotional energy needed to care for patients

Risk factors Work factors, including work overload Lack of control over one’s environment High levels of work home interference Being female Being early in one’s career Lacking a sense of personal control over an event

Emotional Toll Repeated exposure to suffering associated with terminal illness, including physical discomfort, decreased function, loss of personal identity, altered family role and emotional and spiritual distress…. Can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, frustration, anger, loss of sense of patients as human being, and increased risk of burnout and depression.

How does one do it?

Self Care Refers to strategies to take better care of oneself. Prioritizing close relationships such as those of family Maintaining a healthy life style by insuring adequate sleep, regular exercise, time for vacations; fostering recreational activities and hobbies. Practicing mindfulness and meditation; and pursuing spiritual development

Wellness Wheel

Self Awareness Defined as the clinician’s ability to combine self knowledge and a dual awareness of both his or her own subjective experience and the needs of the patient. *the most important factor in the ability of the clinician to function well in the face of personal and professional stressors.

Greater self awareness leads to Greater job engagement Greater compassion satisfaction Enhanced self care Improved patient care and satisfaction

Two methods to improve self awareness Mindfulness meditation – developing purposeful attention, being in the present moment and cultivating a kind, non judgmental attitudes toward self and others. Reflective writing – has been shown to promote reflection and empathic engagement.

Professional Self Care Regular appraisal of all aspects of work life Developing a network of peers and mentors Seeking organizational engagement opportunities Improving communication and management skills Increasing self awareness and setting limits Pursuing reflective writing

Self Care will: Minimize the harm from burnout, moral distress and compassion fatigue Promote personal and professional well being Improve our job satisfaction marked by efficacy, energy and involvement in work Improve compassion satisfaction (the pleasure derived from being able to do one’s work well when helping others Improve resilience (the ability to respond positively to challenging experiences)

References Reilly, Morrison, Carey, Bernacki, O’Neill, Kapo, Perijakoil, Thomas., Caring for oneself to care for others: physicians and their self care. Journal of Supportive Oncology, Vol 11.,Number 2, June 2013 Cohen-Katz,J., Wiley SD., Capuano T., DM, Shapiro, S., The effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction on nurse stress and burnout: A quantative and qualitative study. Holistic Nurse Practice. 2004;186): Vanderbilt University. Wellness wheel Wellness Resource Center. ss-wheel. Accessed September ss-wheel