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Discussion

Compassion Fatigue

Just curious to see how the experienced nurse deals with compassion fatigue aka burnout?

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    • Featured Replies

    What is your experience with burnout, and what do you do to alleviate it?

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    Wine helps in moderation. Just kidding. Exercise and outside interests are crucial.

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    • Experts

    I deal with compassion fatigue through practising principles.

    I do not need to feel it, just do it.

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    Tone the compassion down to empathy and seek professional help.

    You've managed to survive for twenty years so you must have been doing something right far and above the mother teresa routine.

    And by the way she was a tough cookie. You have to be in a world that doesn't give a crap.

    So don't forget to save some of that compassion for yourself.

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    • Experts

    When I first heard the term I thought it was just another load of co-dependent nursing BS for PsyDs to do fluffy research on but upon further examination I realized I had it to some degree. For me just recognizing my internal negative dialogue to the 1,000th cluster B patient of the month who was only trying to work me for schedule 2s with no intention at this time of doing any work towards personal growth actually made me feel more at peace, more compassionate for the 1,001+ patients I encountered. In my specialty I need to be cynical and look beyond the surface story but that doesn't mean I need to approach anyone's situation with disdain.

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    • Author

    Thanks you all I appreciate the feedback. I dont have it but I am researching the topic to formulate solutions for nurses.

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    Compassion fatigue and burnout are not one and the same.

    Research until the cows come home.

    The solution is safe staffing ratios.

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    I haven't experienced compassion fatigue that I am consciously aware.

    I have, many times, experienced burnout. Usually it is due to my own boredom and attitude. How I have dealt with this in the past is to do one or more things. Take a vacation, transfer or take on a new job, working on special projects, or make changes in the work place. I have always had a problem just doing one thing or perceiving myself as stagnant. I feel like I need to introduce new things to my work life... just for a new flavor.

    As previously mentioned it helps to have interests and lots of things to do outside of work. I finally learned after many years how to leave work at work.

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    • Experts
    When I first heard the term I thought it was just another load of co-dependent nursing BS for PsyDs to do fluffy research on but upon further examination I realized I had it to some degree. For me just recognizing my internal negative dialogue to the 1,000th cluster B patient of the month who was only trying to work me for schedule 2s with no intention at this time of doing any work towards personal growth actually made me feel more at peace, more compassionate for the 1,001+ patients I encountered. In my specialty I need to be cynical and look beyond the surface story but that doesn't mean I need to approach anyone's situation with disdain.

    Preach it honey...those darn cluster B patients can take a toll.

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