Nursing on empty: compassion fatigue signs, symptoms, and system interventions

J Christ Nurs. 2015 Apr-Jun;32(2):80-7.

Abstract

Few healthcare organizations acknowledge, discuss, or provide interventions for assisting with compassion fatigue. Yet, it is an important concept due to its individual, professional, and financial costs. This article defines compassion fatigue, differentiates it from burnout, and offers system interventions for supporting nurses and reducing compassion fatigue.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Burnout, Professional / prevention & control*
  • Burnout, Professional / psychology*
  • Christianity*
  • Education, Nursing, Continuing
  • Empathy*
  • Fatigue / prevention & control*
  • Fatigue / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological