Compassion fatigue is a problem faced by many nurses and caregivers. It occurs when helping others through traumatic events takes an emotional and physical toll without paying attention to one's own needs. Research shows compassion fatigue can increase medical errors. It is recognized as a form of PTSD and has physical, psychosocial, and work-related symptoms like headaches, concentration issues, absenteeism, and poor self-care. Caregivers at high risk include nurses, palliative care workers, social workers, and clergy. Seeking professional help through counseling or support groups can help prevent compassion fatigue.

1. COMPASSION FATIGUE
When the caregiver is no longer fit for service
Pamela Nelson, RN MS, PhD
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2. Compassion fatigue(CF) has become more widely
recognized as a problem that many nurses face. For
example, in a general poll conducted by theAmerican
Nurses Association, 62% of 839 respondents reported
suffering from CF, indicating that CF is prevalent among
nurses. EvenTheWall Street Journal has published an
article about CF.
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3. CF creates physical and emotional distress, but it’s
not just a personal issue — it’s a patient safety issue
as well. Research has shown that CF may increase
the risk of medical errors.
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4. CaringToo Much
Compassion Fatigue occurs when we help
patients through a traumatic or life-
threatening event without paying attention
to our own physical and emotional needs.
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5. COMPASSION FATIGUE
Recognized as a form of PTSD
PostTraumatic Stress Disorder
Billable treatment under ICD10-F43.12
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6. Burnout vs. Compassion fatigue
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7. Burnout
•Work-setting focused
•Develops slowly
•Person becomes dispassionate
•Goals aren’t achieved
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8. Compassion fatigue
•Relationship- (patient- or family-) focused
•Occurs suddenly in response to a distressing
experience
•Person suffers emotional distress
•Caretaking activities are unsuccessful
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9. Who Is At Risk for Compassion Fatigue?
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10. Nurses
Palliative care areas
Lawyers
Police
Chaplain
Social service workers
Ministers
Volunteers
Military Service www.fitforservices.org

11. How DoYou Know If Someone Has CF?
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12. Signs and symptoms of Compassion Fatigue
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13. Physical
•Headaches
•Digestive problems
•Cardiac problems
•Fatigue
•sleep problems
•Loss of strength
•Accidents
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14. Psychosocial
•Emotional responses: sadness, anger, apathy,
mood swings, irritability, depression, anxiety
•Intellectual: lack of attention to detail, can’t
concentrate
•Social responses: feelings of isolation or
indifference, or loss of activities once enjoyed
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15. Work-related
•Absenteeism
•Expressing a desire to quit
•Being late frequently
•Avoiding intense situations
•Decline in performance, more errors,
missing meetings,
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16. • Complains about administration
• Substance abuse
• Compulsive behaviors: overspending,
overeating, gambling, sexual addictions
• Poor self-care
• Legal problems, indebtedness
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17. When people get upset, do you try smooth
things out?
It is easier for you to "give" than to
"receive“?
Are you willing to sacrifice your needs to
please others?
Feel guilty for saying no?
COMPASSION FATIGUE SELF-TEST
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18. HOW DID I GET HERE?
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19. DANGER SIGNALS
 Somebody has to take care of__________________
 Responsibility because of family position
 Just love to help others
 Can’t say no without having an excuse
 Christian duty
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20. WHY DO WE CARE SO MUCH?
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21. FORTHE BIBLETELLS ME SO
 "Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic,
love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.“ 1 Peter 3:8
 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.“ Galatians 6:2
 "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little
ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly
not lose his reward.“ Matthew 10:42
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22. WHATWOULD JESUS DO?
Jesus had compassion but took time to rest.
 Then, because so many people were coming and going that
they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them,
"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some
rest." So they went away in a boat by themselves to a solitary
place: Mark 6:31-32
Then He said to them, the Sabbath was made for man and
not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27
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23. FORTHE BIBLETELLS ME SO
Don’t be a victim to compassion fatigue
Psalms 23
Psalms 37:7
Hebrews 4: 9-11
John 16:33
Philippians 4: 6-7
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24. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Support groups
Counselors
Other chaplains
Books
More important- accepting our limitations and
having faith in God that we don’t have to be all
things to all people
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25. THANKYOU!
Did this presentation help you? Do you
know someone who may benefit from
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