Why Is Compassion Fatigue Important

1634 Words4 Pages

Sarah Grace Liechty
Kristin Bryant
Writing 122
6/1/18
Compassion Fatigue
If precautions are not taken, the caring and empathetic medical professionals can fall victim to the overwhelming circumstances, which may result in compassion fatigue. While this issue is already a heavy problem for nurses, the greater problem is that not many nurses are able to identify when they, themselves are at risk. Bringing awareness to compassion fatigue would not only help nurses find proper support, but would also be a preventive measure, as well as be effective to the hospital in job satisfaction, and increase the quality of care that is provided to patients. We can bring awareness by providing education to our hospitals that effectively explain to nurses and …show more content…

While compassion fatigue may not affect our physical ability perform medical necessities for them, it can affect our desire to perform those skills as well as affect our ability to empathize with our patients. Empathizing with our patients is not something that goes unnoticed. Our patients physical and mental health rely on our empathy. Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA said that “[...]by acknowledging their emotional state and listening attentively, we can engage our patients and empower them to be proactive and in charge of their health care”. That is why protecting our emotional health is important; not just for our sake and sanity, but for those around us, who are directly affected by us, as well …show more content…

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