Compassion fatigue...how do you deal?

[klone]

I love my job but I work with an extremely difficult demographic. Lot of comorbidities, mental health issues, drug addictions.

What do you do to combat compassion fatigue when you feel like you just don't have anything more to give?

[abbnurse]

Since I cannot afford to take weeks off from work. I usually just make my days off really count. I do what I enjoy and surround myself around family and friends. Do what ever makes you relaxed and happy so thay you can come to work refreshed. Even if you just have no more compassion to give , that is ok. Do your job, clock out and leave. Sometimes we go through these phases as nurses and there is really nothing else we can do.

Exactly! Klone, I have read and enjoyed many of your posts. We work in similar environments. Sometimes the only thing that helps me get through the week is thinking about what I'll do on my off day/days !

As prnqday said, there are times we are just completely compassion fatigued, and I have to look forward to happy, positive activities (and positive friends/family members) . Also,the other evening I was very down, & feeling like my "compassion well" was dry. I watched cute kitty videos on You Tube and it really lifted my spirits!

Best wishes!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I leave work at work: they have my full attention for 8 hours but once I clock out for the day, I just can't let myself care anymore. I also float frequently. I find that working with different populations and at different sites keeps things interesting for me and minimizes the burnout.

Self-care is also very important. Do something nice for yourself on a regular basis. Don't forget to attend to your own needs. Take time for yourself--if you can't take a week or two, take a day or even half a shift.

[Bezoars]

Ha! I feel like I could have wrote this post. I also deal with a demographic that is sucking me dry and I've come to the realization that the current job I'm in is really killing my soul. Want to know that funny part? It's perinatal. Most of the patients you actually deal with are the parents... and in my area 30% of them are on drugs and having drug-addicted babies. I cannot deal with these selfish, entitled, crazy people anymore. I have not tolerance or compassion for their situation. I think they should all be sterilized and put in jail. Anyway, how do I deal with it? I'm looking for another job. It's sad that what should be the happiest place in the hospital is the most depressing.