Compassion Fatigue Case Study

The very nature of healthcare is one of compassion, caring, healing and empathy. Those that work in healthcare, such as nurses, physicians, psychologists and emergency medical personnel enter their chosen fields to make a difference in the life of others, to care and assist those in need. Often times, it is this caring, empathetic nature in caregivers causes a condition termed compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue is combination of symptoms including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual depletion associated with caring for patients in emotional pain and physical distress(Sammartino, 2012). This a stress disorder similar to post traumatic stress disorder, a type of secondary traumatic stress disorder, by being exposed to a extremely…show more content…
The symptoms of compassion fatigue follow classic stress patterns. Assessing one's own emotional health is important, as usually the person experiencing compassion fatigue may be the last person to to know that they are suffering from it. Because every caregiver is at risk for compassion fatigue, it is imperative that the caregiver recognizes their own needs and tend to themselves on a daily basis. All caregivers, whether professional, friend, or family, will at some time feel overwhelmed and stressed. Coping with these feelings, as well as caring for themselves, is an area where many caregivers seem to overlook. Many caregivers tend to give until they can no longer give, but still manage to continue to give, which is one of the tell tale signs of compassion fatigue. Caregivers need to learn to take time for themselves. Proper nutrition and hydration, exercise and plenty of rest are the basic care rituals that caregivers need to provide for themselves daily. Emotionally the caregiver must recharge frequently to avoid emotional exhaustion. Writing in a journal, prayer, meditation or participating in one’s spiritual practices or are excellent sources of spiritual rejuvenation. Ultimately the caregiver must at times put themselves first to maintain physical, emotional and spiritual…show more content…
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