Does Avoiding Compassion Fatigue Mean I Have to Stop Caring?

Many professionals experience many emotions and complex situations when working in healthcare. This repeated exposure can cause what is known as compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a deterioration of emotional health and personal wellbeing due to handling patients with illness or trauma.?

What Is Compassion Fatigue In The Workplace?

Many RNs, LPNs, and Med Techs walk into the workplace with positive attitudes toward their assigned patients. This is a must when treating others, as many patients are in some of the worst situations of their lives. Unfortunately, many people will begin to feel symptoms when facing these situations. Indications of compassion include feeling helpless to patient suffering, feeling disconnected, and feeling exhausted.?

Compassion Fatigue vs. Burnout

On the topic of compassion fatigue vs. burnout, please note that they are not alike; however, they do share similarities. Some people tend to mix burnout with compassion fatigue as both involve negative feelings, emotions, and overall impact on well-being. The main difference between the two is that burnout consists of the work environment, and compassion fatigue is caused by patient involvement. While it's easy to confuse the two, it's essential to note your symptoms to assess your diagnosis adequately.

Avoiding Compassion Fatigue?

Taking steps to avoid compassion fatigue altogether is difficult, but not impossible. If you are a naturally caring and empathetic person, do not fret. These methods will surely give you the support you’ll need as you go through your day-to-day.

Self Care

As a human being, you should find time to practice self-care no matter the circumstances. When handling patients, it becomes vital to make it routine. Eating healthier and exercising help significantly create a great start to your day and improve mental and physical health. Getting a good night's rest and attending scheduled activities outside of work are also beneficial. CynaMed has an e-book full of resources for you to choose from regarding practicing self-care as a nurse. Feel free to check it out should you need further information; nurses: The Ultimate Guide To Self-Care.

Don’t Become Overly Involved.

As a healthcare professional must service humans of all sorts, it is natural to be empathetic and compassionate—however, many struggle to find the balance of providing care without becoming overly involved. Anyone who becomes too invested in a patient’s situation is a recipe for disaster. Understanding that you should remember your individual needs holds importance and is the first step to finding the perfect balance.?

Find a Plan That Works For You

To face any problem head-on, it's crucial to have a plan set in stone. Begin by marking your day-to-day actions in a journal or taking notes on your phone. Then, insert specific times you need to check out to regroup or for mental meditation breaks. A typical routine to keep your mind stable is an excellent aid for combating compassion fatigue.?

Seeking Counseling/Therapy

Finding a licensed professional may be the best option for tackling difficult emotions and situations. Therapy can offer much-needed resources to help in any circumstance you may have difficulties. Having someone to talk to also provides an outlet for when things become overwhelming in the workplace.

Giving Care To Those In Need

When thinking about compassion fatigue, you might assume that you must stop caring altogether to avoid it. This is misleading, and the outcome can be worse than initially planned. The best caregivers and healthcare professionals care deeply for their patients. It is encouraged to care for their patients; all it takes is finding the perfect balance.

Here at CynaMed, we understand what it means to provide the best care for your patients. With over 18 years of experience in the healthcare field, we have connections to top facilities in the greater Pittsburgh area. So if you are looking for the following position to provide optimal care as an RN, LPN, CNA, or med-tech, we’re here to help. Visit our website or contact us to apply today!