1. Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Caring for the Caregiver December 2009

2. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 2 Caregiving: rewarding but demanding  The work can be tiring –Physically and emotionally  Some common issues: –Short staffing (high staff turnover, sick calls) –Conflicts with coworkers –Feeling inadequate to do the job –Lack of resources or supplies –Lack of on-the-job support  Outside stresses of family and other responsibilities  You know the rest!

3. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 3 Stress can be good or bad  Positive stress motivates us to: –Move forward –Be productive  Examples –Stress: Upcoming exam—study for an exam –Stress: Need financial security—balance the checkbook –Stress: hunger—shop for groceries, make dinner Can you think of others?

4. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 4 Negative stress  Any stress can be negative if: –It is overwhelming –There is no obvious solution –You have no control over it  Examples –Ongoing conflict at work –Chronic short staffing –Illness

5. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 5 Effects of stress  Physical –Fast heart rate –Feeling out of breath –Elevated blood pressure  Emotional –Anger or sadness –Feeling “empty” –Anxiety, “butterflies” in the stomach –Burnout –Compassion fatigue

6. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 6 What is burnout?  Burnout happens when stress is overwhelming or ongoing  Tends to be related to organization issues, for example: –Short staffing –“Bad” supervisor – Low pay  You feel angry, frustrated at the system  Getting away from the situation temporarily or permanently may help –Vacation, change of jobs, resolve a conflict with a coworker

7. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 7 What is compassion fatigue?  Occurs in “caring professions” –Nurses, nursing assistants, doctors, psychologists  Your begin to care too much OR  You lose your ability to care  The result? –Quality of care to self suffers –Quality of care to others suffers

8. Copyright © 2009 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2009Caring for the Caregiver 8 Solutions for compassion fatigue Self care is important!  Monitor your stress levels –Are you eating and sleeping well? –Are you enjoying pleasurable activities?  Move your body –Find a way to enjoy some gentle movement, such as walking dancing, bike riding, yoga  Connect to others socially –Ask for support –Get together with friends –Set aside time to enjoy your hobbies