Nursing's Emotional Toll: Compassion Fatigue

 

 

Nursing's Emotional Toll

 

Compassion fatigue, a combination of secondary traumatic stress and burnout from increasing demands of nursing, can include these symptoms:

Work Related

•Avoidance or dread of working with certain patients

•Reduced ability to feel empathy towards patients or families

•Frequent use of sick days

•Lack of joyfulness

Physical

•Headaches

•Upset stomach, digestive problems

•Muscle tension

•Insomnia, too much sleep

•Fatigue

•Chest pain/pressure, palpitations, tachycardia (elevated heart rate)

Emotional

•Mood swings

•Restlessness

•Irritability

•Oversensitivity

•Anxiety

•Excessive use of nicotine, alcohol, illicit drugs

•Depression

•Anger and resentment

•Loss of objectivity

•Memory issues

•Poor concentration, focus and judgment

Source: American Nurses Association